5 Tips for Using Stabilizers With Stretchy and Knit Fabrics

You’re picking out the perfect stretchy or knit fabric for a new embroidery project, and you’re pretty excited, right? But wait, you’ve heard that these fabrics can be tricky when it comes to laying down those crisp, professional designs. This is where stabilizers swoop in and save the day! With the right techniques, stabilizers can turn an “oops” into an absolute triumph, and we’re here to help you do just that.

1. Get the Right Stabilizers

A fabric that stretches needs extra support to keep your stitches looking stunning and avoid droopy designs. Enter the no-show mesh cutaway stabilizer, your new BFF for knits. It’s lightweight, durable, and stays behind the scenes to keep your fabric in line. Other options like a tearaway stabilizer have their uses, but for tricky knits, a cutaway like no-show mesh keeps everything sturdy.

2. Secure the Stabilizer Correctly

Don’t just toss that stabilizer into the hoop and call it a day. Securing it correctly is one of the best tips for using stabilizers with stretchy and knit fabrics. Make sure the fabric is taut but not stretched out of shape. The tighter and more secure everything is, the better the results.

3. Remove Excess Stabilizer Carefully

Once you’re done stitching, it’s time to bid farewell to any excess stabilizer. However, don’t go ripping and tearing with wild abandon. If you’re using a cutaway stabilizer, trim it closely but carefully around your design. For tearaway options, gently tear away the stabilizer, pulling it along the stitching line to avoid distortion.

4. Adjust Tension in Machine Settings

With stretchy and knit fabrics, adjusting your machine’s tension can make or break your project. Loosen your upper thread tension slightly to prevent puckering. The perfect tension is what separates good designs from jaw-dropping ones.

5. Test Before Starting

You’ve picked your stabilizer, secured it, adjusted the tension, and now have your knit fabric ready to go. Before you jump in, load up a scrap piece of fabric and stabilizer and run a quick test design. If you’ve followed the other tips for using stabilizers with stretchy and knit fabrics, you shouldn’t have a problem, but it’s always best to be sure.

Elevate Your Creativity Without Losing Stability

With the perfect stabilizer, a little TLC, and some test stitching, your stretchy and knit fabric creations are bound to become the envy of the embroidery world. And when it’s time to stock up on high-quality stabilizers, you know where to turn. Head over to Kimberbell, where we’ve got the tools and tips to keep you stitching like a pro.