Stabilizer is a woven or non-woven material, often hooped behind fabric, that provides support and prevents moving, stretching, and distortion during embroidery. You see, fabric is pulled and pushed every which way during the embroidery process, with fibers continually shifting to make room for the stitches. Without the right stabilizer reinforcing the fabric and creating a solid foundation, your embroidery will have gaps and puckering and all kinds of problems. (And who wants that? NO ONE.)
As its name implies, Tear-Away is stabilizer that tears easily and neatly away from embroidered areas. Choose Kimberbell Tear-Away (labeled in shades of red) when stitching on tightly woven, non-stretch fabrics such as:
For example, use Tear-Away when stitching the Beautiful Blooms Apron from Kimberbell's Over-the-Edge Applique: Spring & Summer Celebration!
Kimberbell Tear-Away comes in a variety of weights:
Available at your favorite quilt shop, the Kimberbell Tear-Away line includes:
Are you wondering what Sticky-Back Tear-Away is? Whereas "normal" Tear-Away is a woven material of different weights, Sticky-Back Tear-Away has an adhesive side covered with a protective paper backing. After hooping with the paper side up, simply score the paper with scissors, peel back to expose the adhesive side, and stick those hard-to-hoop projects right on top! Sticky-Back Tear-Away is perfect for tote bags, Zipper Pouch Blanks, collars, napkin corners, and so much more.
If you’re wondering if unlabelled stabilizer is Tear-Away or Cut-Away (they can look alike at first glance), then go ahead and tear a little corner and if it rips easily, it’s Tear-Away! Our premium Kimberbell Tear-Away is made with a non-directional process, meaning the stabilizer is uniformly strong and will tear evenly in multiple directions. As there's no grain, it doesn't matter which way you cut or hoop Kimberbell Tear-Away!
When removing Tear-Away, use one hand to support the stitches as you tear the stabilizer away with the other hand (one layer at a time). While doing this, it's easiest to place your project, stabilizer side up, on a flat surface. As mentioned above, it can be difficult to remove Tear-Away from tight places, so you might consider leaving the stabilizer in place. (Tear-Away should eventually disintegrate with repeated washings.)
From Kimberbell's Vintage Boardwalk feature quilt to the Luck o' the Gnome Bench Pillow and more, Tear-Away is an important part of machine embroidery. We can't wait for you to experience the difference with Kimberbell's premium Tear-Away products! Find these products, Stabilizer Slap Bands, and more at your favorite quilt shop.
