UglyCook

The design is too heavy for the fabric.

When I first started I thought if I only stabilized enough then all would be well. Later, I went to a great seminar by Dini of "Momo-Dini" and she showed how she embroiders on nearly anything, but she makes sure the design is right for the fabric, not the other way around.

I would decrease the density and use a light weight cutaway.

Also be careful not to stretch the fabric when you hoop it.

MommaDorian

I'm not sure. I couldn't find anything specific regarding the stuff that I have. I asked here last night, but didn't get much response.

aam5019

Do you have a Hancock Fabrics nearby? They have Sulky Embroidery stabilizers. Also sewing machine shops that sell embroidery machines usually have it. Hope this helps.

MommaDorian

Here's what I think I've learned from your tips:

1) Interfacing is not stabilizer
2) I don't know what stabilizer looks/feels like
3) I was using a pattern that is too dense for the fabric I used
4) I had the fabric pulled too tight in the hoop

Does this sound about right? :)

UglyCook

Good summary! Call this project a "class". That's what I do when I don't quite get it right.

If you are shopping at JoAnn's, they often have the stabilizer in a different place from the interfacing. Note: I have used interfacing in a pinch. Stabilizer should hold the fabric just enough so that the stitches don't warp the fabric, but should not stiffen the fabric so much the outline of the stabilizer shows.

Like I said, a design that fits the fabric is truly the way to go, but there is a learning curve to get that right.

Also, it's ok to break the rules if it comes out the way you want it to. :)

aam5019

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ProjectInstructions.aspx

This site has a lot of instructions on how to do various projects. I learned a lot by looking at the different projects.

mltquilt

It may seem wasteful but on almost everything I double my stabilizer unless I am using a heavyweight cutaway. Most stabilizer companies have a sample package that shows their line of stabilizers in small cuts and what each one does. I know Florianni has one and so does OESD.

mltquilt

JanetM

One, or all contributed to your problem. Here is some info on stabilizers I found for you.

http://www.windstarembroidery.com/em...le=Stabilizers

debcavan

When you have very dense embroidery, you use more layers. A large zig zag does like to tunnel It seems to be best to use too much stabalizer than too little. Steam it and see if that will improve the appearance.

Jan T

I don't know why I never thought of it, but I guess that using two layers of stabilizer works about as well as a heavier product. (Just in case it is late and night and you don't want to go find a different product.) Try using two and make sure that both the stabilizer and the fabric are nice and taut in the hoop. You are going to have soooooo much fun!