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Stabilizer Types Explained
Stabilizer is one of the most important supplies used in machine embroidery. It supports the fabric while the design is stitching, helping to reduce movement, puckering, distortion and poorly aligned areas.
Choosing stabilizer can initially seem confusing because there are many different products, weights and specialty options available. However, most stabilizers fall within four main categories that provide a useful starting point for beginners:
Understanding what each one does makes choosing the right stabilizer much easier.
These four categories provide a useful starting point, but they are not the only stabilizers available. There are also specialty products designed for particular fabrics, embroidery techniques and hooping challenges. These include adhesive, fusible, no-show mesh, heat-removable and other task-specific stabilizers.
For a more detailed comparison of the products available and when to use them, visit our Guide to Embroidery Stabilizers and Backings.
Stabilizer or Backing: Which Term Is Correct?
The terms stabilizer and backing are often used interchangeably, and you may encounter both when shopping for embroidery supplies or following project instructions.
Backing generally refers to stabilizer placed behind the fabric. The broader term stabilizer can include products placed behind or on top of the fabric.
For example, water-soluble topping is placed over the fabric rather than behind it. It is still a type of embroidery stabilizer, but it would not normally be described as backing.
Why Does Machine Embroidery Need Stabilizer?
Machine embroidery places a large number of stitches into a relatively small area. As the machine stitches, the fabric can stretch, shift or draw together.
Suitable stabilizer helps:
- support the fabric during embroidery
- reduce stretching and movement
- minimise puckering and distortion
- improve outlines and registration
- prevent stitches from sinking into textured fabrics
- support the embroidery after the project is removed from the hoop
- produce a cleaner and more consistent result
The embroidery design, fabric, thread, stabilizer and hooping method all work together. Stabilizer cannot correct every embroidery problem, but using an unsuitable stabilizer can make even a well-made design difficult to stitch successfully.
The Four Main Types of Embroidery Stabilizer
Cut-Away Stabilizer
Cut-away stabilizer remains behind the embroidery after stitching. The excess is trimmed away, leaving a section of stabilizer around and underneath the design.
It is generally the best choice for unstable fabrics that stretch, move or require continued support.
Cut-away is commonly used with:
- t-shirts
- polo shirts
- knitwear
- stretch fabrics
- fleece
- garments that will be worn and washed regularly
- dense or detailed embroidery designs
Because some stabilizer remains behind the design, it continues to support the embroidery throughout the life of the project.
For garments worn against the skin, an iron-on embroidery cover, such as Cover It Up, can be added in addition to the stabilizer to help prevent the back of the embroidery from feeling rough or irritating the skin.
Tear-Away Stabilizer
Tear-away stabilizer is designed to be removed from around the embroidery after stitching. Small sections may remain underneath and between the stitches.
It is generally best suited to stable fabrics that do not stretch significantly during embroidery.
Tear-away is commonly used with:
- stable woven cotton
- denim
- canvas
- calico
- linen
- bags
- patches
- home décor projects
Tear-away is often available in different weights. A light design on stable fabric may only need one layer, while a heavier or more detailed design may require a heavier stabilizer or multiple layers.
Removing tear-away too forcefully can distort the embroidery or loosen the stitches, so it should always be supported while the excess stabilizer is gently torn away.
Wash-Away Stabilizer
Wash-away stabilizer dissolves or breaks down when exposed to warm water. It is useful when no permanent stabilizer should remain after the project is completed.
Wash-away is commonly used for:
- freestanding lace
- freestanding embroidery
- sheer or transparent fabrics
- projects where the back will remain visible
- some delicate fabrics
- certain appliqué and decorative techniques
Wash-away stabilizer must provide enough support for the design while it stitches. Freestanding lace and other stitch-intensive projects may require multiple layers or a heavier wash-away product.
Always check that the fabric, thread and any embellishments can tolerate warm water before using wash-away stabilizer. Follow the product instructions, as removal methods can differ between products.
Water-Soluble Topping
Water-soluble topping is a thin film placed on top of the fabric. It helps prevent embroidery stitches from sinking into the fabric’s surface.
Topping is commonly used with:
- towels
- polar fleece
- velvet and velour
- minky
- terry cloth
- textured knits
- other fabrics with a pile or raised surface
Topping is normally used in addition to suitable stabilizer behind the fabric. It does not usually provide enough support to replace the backing.
After embroidery, the excess topping is gently torn away. Small remaining pieces can usually be removed with water according to the product instructions.
Four Basic Rules for Choosing and Using Stabilizer
These four basic rules will help you choose and use the right stabilizer for most machine embroidery projects.
- Always use suitable stabilizer. It supports the fabric during embroidery and, in many cases, continues supporting the design throughout the life of the finished item.
- Match the stabilizer to the fabric and design. As a general rule, use cut-away on unstable fabrics, such as stretch fabrics and knits, and tear-away on stable woven fabrics. Use wash-away for freestanding lace or suitable projects where no backing should remain. Add topping over towels, fleece and other textured fabrics to prevent the stitches from sinking into the surface.
- Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together whenever practical. Cut the stabilizer large enough to extend beyond every side of the hoop. The fabric should be smooth and secure, but never stretched. If the fabric or item cannot be safely hooped, hoop the stabilizer and secure the item on top using an appropriate floating method.
- Use the smallest hoop that comfortably accommodates the design. Allow sufficient clearance around the entire stitching area. A correctly sized hoop provides better support and can help improve stitching and registration.
These rules provide a reliable starting point, but remember that the fabric, stabilizer and embroidery design must all be considered together. When trying a new combination, always test it before embroidering the final project.
