7 best machine embroidery stabilizers

Machine embroidery stabilizers are essential materials used in machine embroidery to provide support and structure to the fabric during the stitching process. They help ensure that the embroidery design comes out crisp, clean, and free from puckering or distortion. These stabilizers are categorized into various types, each serving a specific purpose in the embroidery process. Here are some key points about machine embroidery stabilizers:

  1. Types of Stabilizers:

    • Tear-Away Stabilizers: These stabilizers are designed to tear easily and cleanly after the embroidery is complete.They are suitable for stable, woven fabrics.
    • Cut-Away Stabilizers: Cut-away stabilizers are more robust and are trimmed away from the embroidered design after stitching. They are ideal for stretchy or delicate fabrics.
    • Wash-Away Stabilizers: These stabilizers dissolve in water, leaving no residue behind. They are used for lace and freestanding embroidery designs.
    • Heat-Away Stabilizers: Heat-away stabilizers disappear when heat is applied, making them suitable for fabrics that can't get wet.
    • Adhesive or Sticky Back Stabilizers: These have a sticky surface, allowing them to adhere to the fabric, holding it in place during embroidery. They are commonly used for small, intricate designs or lightweight fabrics.
    • Soluble Stabilizers: These are often used as a topping or backing to prevent stitches from sinking into the fabric or to create texture on the surface.

  2. Choosing the Right Stabilizer:

    • The choice of stabilizer depends on the fabric type, design complexity, and the desired result. For example, delicate fabrics like silk may require a cut-away stabilizer, while a tear-away stabilizer may suffice for cotton.

  3. Hooping:

    • Proper hooping is essential when using stabilizers. The fabric and stabilizer should be taut and securely hooped to prevent shifting during embroidery.

  4. Backing and Topping:

    • Backing stabilizers are placed under the fabric, while topping stabilizers are placed on top. The combination of these stabilizers helps achieve the best results for embroidery.

  5. Tension and Needle Selection:

    • Stabilizers can impact the tension and needle choice. Heavier stabilizers may require adjustments to the machine's tension, and needle selection may vary based on the fabric and stabilizer combination.

  6. Storing Stabilizers:

    • Stabilizers should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their integrity.

  7. Environmental Considerations:

    • Some stabilizers, like wash-away and heat-away varieties, are sensitive to moisture and temperature. Consider the garment's intended use and washing requirements when choosing a stabilizer.

In summary, machine embroidery stabilizers are essential tools that play a crucial role in achieving high-quality embroidery results. Choosing the right stabilizer for your project and properly hooping the fabric are key steps in ensuring a successful embroidery outcome.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best machine embroidery stabilizers on the market
  

Sulky 100569 Sticky Self-Adhesive Tear-Away Stabilizer Roll, 8.25" X6yd

Sulky

Based on 604 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sulky Sticky Plus is a self-adhesive tear-away stabilizer on a paper backed release sheet that is ideal stabilizer for hooped, computerized machine embroidery. Use in or under your hoop to eliminates hoop marks on all fabrics. Embroider on small areas like pockets, edges, button rows, ribbon, cuffs, collars, and more, without basting them to the stabilizer. Perfect for caps. No heat required. Acid-free.

  • Sulky Sticky Plus Is A Self-Adhesive Tear-Away Stabilizer On A Paper Backed Release Sheet That Is Ideal Stabilizer For Hooped, Computerized Machine Embroidery
  • Use In Or Under Your Hoop To Eliminates Hoop Marks On All Fabrics
  • Embroider On Small Areas Like Pockets, Edges, Button Rows, Ribbon, Cuffs, Collars, And More, Without Basting Them To The Stabilizer
  • Country Of Origin : Germany

User questions & answers

Question: Would this be a good option for hand embroidery on silk
Answer: Mine had instructions...or I would have been totally lost. I bought them to use in the makerspace in my elementary school library. Kids of all ages loved them. (K-6) It’s really a simple project as far as origami goes. It you google critter corner bookmarks, there are some good directions for basic corner bookmarks. The animal patterns are color coordinated and pretty easy to follow by looking at examples on the box. Good luck and have fun!
Question: Making hand embroidered items on felt, don't want to use the washed off stablizer . Can I use this in it's place or any suggestions
Answer: Please find the instructions here: http://supportcfk.fabercastell.com/support/solutions/articles/25000009638-corner-creature-bookmarks-instructions-6129
Question: What size is this?(The description says 10.25x2.61x2.16...this doesnt sound correct
Answer: Yes.
Question: does this product come in black
Answer: These are colored pencil paints. :) You color in the section, then use a brush to add water to "paint" the section. The result is beautiful, and the process is fun. It allows you to experiment with mixing colors in a controlled fashion.

Sulky 551-12 stabilizer, 12" x 6 yd, White

Sulky

Based on 481 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Self Adhesive Tear Away Stabilizer is a unique non-woven stabilizer designed especially for machine embroidery. The release paper and the non-woven stabilizer are tightened in the hoop, the release paper is scored in the desired area and peeled away. The garment is pressed on the newly exposed sticky stabilizer and embroidered upon. The stabilizer tears away from the fabric when the project is complete. Great for knit fabric velvet sweatshirt fleece pockets cuffs socks and more! Size: 12 inches wide by 6 yard roll. Color: White. Acid Free.

  • Sulky Sticky Plus is a self-adhesive tear-away stabilizer on a paper backed release sheet that is ideal stabilizer for hooped, computerized machine embroidery
  • Use in or under your hoop to eliminates hoop marks on all fabrics
  • Embroider on small areas like pockets, edges, button rows, ribbon, cuffs, collars, and more, without basting them to the stabilizer
  • Unique non-woven stabilizer designed especially for machine embroidery
  • Includes one roll of 12-inch wide by 6-yard stabilizer
  • The stabilizer tears away from the fabric when the project is complete
  • Great for knit, fabric, velvet, sweatshirt, fleece, pockets, cuffs, socks and more

User questions & answers

Question: I am embroidering a name on a felt stocking -would this be OK to use of felt or should I get a non-adhesive interfacing? Thanks for any help
Answer: I got this and two other sets for my 7 year old granddaughter. She did them completely in pencil first, and then carefully painted each section with water. She did a beautiful job. She could have just left it with the colored pencils only. The pencils are really high quality, and they can be used for many more projects, as they were hardly used to do this little canvas.
Question: Do you hoop the stabilizer then just stick your fabric on top of it? I am reading that you do not have to hoop the fabric
Answer: No, they are regular-sized pencils. Faber-Castell is a good brand, I've used a lot of their stuff over the years. Enjoy!
Question: Is this sticky enough to hold caps in place
Answer: We currently do not sell replacement pictures. We will share your comments with our product development team for future improvements.
Question: Is this sticky enough to hold a bath towel while i embroidery o it
Answer: Yes that would be no problem to ship to an APO. Thanks.

Sulky 751-12 12-Inch by 11-Yard Tear-Easy Stabilizer Roll

Based on 246 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tear Easy Stabilizer is soft lightweight and tear away easily to not distort stitches. Great for applique decorative stitching computerized embroidery quilting monogramming stretchy or delicate fabrics. Measures 12-inch by 11-yard roll. Color: White. Acid Free.

  • Provides great stability combined with effortless removal that doesn't pull, tear or distort stitches
  • Professionals use 1, 2 or 3 layers of Tear-Easy to stabilize virtually any fabric
  • Each layer is then easily torn away separately to prevent the pulling, tearing or distorting of stitches
  • Tear Easy Stabilizer is soft lightweight and tear away easily to not distort stitches
  • Great for applique decorative stitching computerized embroidery quilting monogramming stretchy or delicate fabrics
  • Measures 12-inch by 11-yard roll

User questions & answers

Question: I want to use this to stabilize chiffon fabric while I sew around curves. Is this too lightweight for that
Answer: I place a damp paper towel over the velvet then steam from the iron takes it off.
Question: I would like to print a delicate pattern on this stabilizer. Can I do that
Answer: Yes, it is correct. It's rolled up and pieces tear off in sheets.
Question: New to the embriodery world, and am looking for a reliable stabilizer to start off with. Is this iron-on
Answer: No, unfortunately only the cut-away and tear-away Sulky stabilizers come in black, not this sticky one.
Question: Will this fit a large hoop
Answer: I don't know. It's wrapped up for a Christmas gift. Sorry

Pellon Stick-N-Tear Embroidery Stabilizer-12 X6 Yards

Based on 52 reviews Check latest price

Product description

PELLON: Stick-N-Tear Embroidery Stabilizer. This pressure-sensitive tear-away stabilizer is great for use on ribbons, cuffs, collars, doll clothes, and knit fabrics. It adds body and support during machine stitching and embroidery and features an easy to use application. Simply peel off the paper backing and apply to fabric. Upon completion of the design, tear away any excess stabilizer. Stick-N-Tear tears away cleanly without distorting stitching. This package contains 6 yards of 12-inch-wide stabilizer. 70% polyester, 30% cellulose. Acid free. Made in USA.

  • This package contains 6 yards of 12"-wide stabilizer
  • 70% polyester, 30% cellulose
  • Acid free product
  • Country of Origin: United States

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be used on knit fabric like t-shirt fabric as interface
Answer: This is a tear away very sticky stabilizer - I personally would not use this on silk. It is not very thick but I would choose a stabilizer that is not sticky for silk.

World Weidner Iron-It-On Tear Away Stabilizer Backing for Machine Embroidery Medium Weight 1.5 Ounce (20" by 50 Yards/150 Feet)

Based on 65 reviews Check latest price

Product description

World Weidner Iron On Tear Away Stabilizer is available in numerous widths and lengths. Fits most available embroidery hoops and frames from all manufacturers such as Brother, Baby Lock, Janome, Bernina, Bernette, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking, Juki, Eversewn, and many more.

  • World Weidner Brand Premium Fusible Iron On Tear Away Stabilizer
  • Iron It On to eliminate annoying shifting, sliding and puckering of material
  • Excess tears away easily and clean, leaving no sticky residue.
  • Totally stabilizes virtually any fabric in seconds with no time-consuming pinning.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this an Iron On stablizer? So many reviews saying no
Answer: Sulky sticky self-adhesive wouldn't be the right product to use. A non-adhesive interfacing or an iron on interfacing would work better.Kay Hamman
Question: Can I use this without ironing it on? I just want to hoop it and float my material
Answer: Yes, I use this stabilizer and I just hoop the stabilizer and stick the fabric to it. Super easy and takes a lot of time out of the hooping process. :)
Question: Can this be used for making face mask
Answer: It is sticky enough to hold my bibs and towels in place. Caps I don't know.
Question: Which side is supposed to be fusible? (Neither one seems to work well) I know it’s operator error, so would appreciate any help
Answer: Exactly like the last reviewer said. Be careful when removing the sticky stabilizer so you don't pull out the loops of the towel.

Sulky Of America Super Solvy Water Soluble Stabilizer, 8" by 9 yd

Sulky Of America

Based on 40 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Twice as thick, heavy and strong as the Original Solvy. A see-through Stabilizer that dissolves in water like magic! Perfect as a topping, pattern guide or as a backing stabilizer. Use as a design template, as a pattern guide and a stitch support.

  • The firmest, clearest traceable Stabilizer that dissolves in water like magic
  • Four times as firm, thick, heavy & strong as the original Sulky Solvy
  • Use this extra heavy stabilizer as a stitching support for computerized lace embroidery and decorative stitch sewing
  • Package dimensions : 6.0 inches (H) x 16.2 inches (L) x 4.8 inches (W)

User questions & answers

Question: is this like the old aqua magic (not the plus) water soluble stabilizer, I do not want the plastic kind
Answer: No it should work well for what you are describing as long as you have a way to keep it from shifting. You could try on a scrap piece of the chiffon fabric a temp spray adhesive to see if that will help keep the stabilizer and chiffon together. Hope this helps.
Question: Will this work on a 5x7 hoop
Answer: I'm not sure but it seems a little porous like the print might blur or the colors might run. But it would be worth trying.
Question: At which water temperature does it start to dissolve
Answer: i like sulky "totally stable" and use it for most of my embroidery work. it is lightweight for simple line embroidery, but if you want to do something with a lot of stitching and dense areas, iron on 3 or 4 layers. it removes easily.
Question: How flexible is this? Does it wash away completely os will it leave the project stiff with residue
Answer: It would depend on the size of the big hoop. This roll is 12 inches wide so it would fit a hoop that is less than 12 inches wide or long. I have a 4x4 hoop and a 4x6 hoop. The width is more than enough for my hoops. I would think that you need about an inch or so overhang from the hoop so I would guess that 10 inches would be the biggest hoop you could use with this width.

Sulky Of America Ultra Solvy Extremely Firm & Stable Water Soluble Stabilizer, 8" by 8 yd (408-08)

Based on 92 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The firmest, clearest traceable Stabilizer that dissolves in water like magic! Four times as firm, thick, heavy & strong as the original Sulky Solvy. Use this extra heavy stabilizer as a stitching support for computerized lace embroidery and decorative stitch sewing.

  • Colors included #8050, #8040, #8012, #8013, #8020, #8017
  • Model No: 8053, 8024, 8003 and 8006
  • Use this extra heavy stabilizer as a stitching support for computerized lace embroidery and decorative stitch sewing
  • Package dimensions : 5.4 inches (H) x 15.4 inches (L) x 3.2 inches (W)

User questions & answers

Question: Anyone using this for applique
Answer: Yes, you could float your material. Just note that if you iron it, it will fuse to the back.
Question: Could I use this for making patches? Would another weight be better
Answer: Yes! I've been using it as the non woven interface on the inside of the material. Completely washable.
Question: what is the difference between the $18.00 & the
Answer: If you move it under the light it'll be glossy. Check both sides. If it's not glossy, it's not iron on.
Question: Could this be used to trace and then stitch free motion quilting designs
Answer: I always put this stabilizer directly into the hoop, score/remove the protective paper, and then place the fabric to be embroidered onto the hooped stabilizer.

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