One of the coolest innovations for both machine and hand stitching is a water-soluble stabilizer. This product, also known as a wash-away stabilizer, can serve as the backing or top layer for your embroidery creations.
It aids in providing a clean stitch out on difficult fabrics and, once removed, leaves no residue behind. Here are some tips on how to use water-soluble stabilizers for embroidery and how to remove them!
What is an embroidery water soluble stabilizer?
The water-soluble stabilizer is a type of stabilizer used in embroidery that dissolves in water, leaving behind only the embroidered design. It is often used for embroidery on delicate or sheer fabrics and for freestanding embroidery designs.
The water-soluble stabilizer comes in various forms, including sheets, rolls, and pre-cut shapes. It can be made from various materials, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or cellulose, and is available in different weights and textures.
The embroidery water soluble stabilizer is typically used to provide stability to the fabric during embroidery, preventing puckering or distortion of the design. It can also create freestanding lace or other three-dimensional embroidery designs that can be removed from the stabilizer and used as standalone pieces.
How do we use embroidery water soluble stabilizer?
A water soluble stabilizer is a type of stabilizer that dissolves in water, leaving behind only the embroidered design. It is often used for embroidery on delicate or sheer fabrics and for freestanding embroidery designs. Here’s how to use it:
- Cut a water-soluble stabilizer to the size of your hoop or design area.
- Hoop the stabilizer, placing the fabric to be embroidered on top.
- Embroider your design as usual.
- When the embroidery is complete, remove the hoop and any excess stabilizer from the back of the fabric.
- Rinse the embroidered fabric in cool water to dissolve the remaining stabilizer.
- Gently squeeze out any excess water and lay the fabric flat to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can distort the embroidery.
How to Use Embroidery Water Soluble Stabilizer to Mark Your Pattern
A water-soluble stabilizer can also be used to mark your pattern for embroidery. Here’s how:
- Trace or draw your embroidery pattern onto the water-soluble stabilizer using a water-soluble marker or pen.
- Cut out the stabilizer around the pattern.
- Hoop the stabilizer and the fabric to be embroidered.
- Embroider your design as usual, following the marked pattern on the stabilizer.
- When the embroidery is complete, remove the hoop and any excess stabilizer from the back of the fabric.
- Rinse the embroidered fabric in cool water to dissolve the remaining stabilizer and remove any traces of the marked pattern.
Using a water-soluble stabilizer to mark your pattern can be especially useful when embroidering on dark or heavily patterned fabrics, as it can be difficult to see the lines of a pencil or transfer pen. Just make sure to use a water-soluble marker or pen that is safe for your fabric and won’t leave permanent marks.
Read more here: Cost of embroidery machine
How to Remove embroidery Water-Soluble Stabilizer
Removing water-soluble stabilizer from your embroidery is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a bowl or sink with cool water.
- Place the embroidered item in the water, ensuring the stabilizer is submerged.
- Gently agitate the water, rubbing the stabilizer between your fingers if necessary.
- Continue to agitate the water until the stabilizer has dissolved completely.
- Once the stabilizer has dissolved, remove the item from the water and gently squeeze out any excess water.
- Lay the item flat on a clean towel and shape it as needed. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can distort the embroidery.
- Allow the item to air dry completely.
If you have a large item, such as a quilt, that is difficult to submerge in water, you can use a damp cloth or sponge to rub the stabilizer until it dissolves gently. Just be sure to use a light touch to avoid damaging the embroidery.
What can I use instead of a water soluble stabilizer?
If you don’t have a water soluble stabilizer or prefer not to use it, you can try a few alternatives. These include using a tear-away stabilizer, a cut-away stabilizer, or a self-adhesive stabilizer. Each stabilizer has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the best type for your fabric and design. Another option is to use a basting stitch to secure the fabric in place before embroidering, although this method may provide less stability than a stabilizer.