Info on stablizers and thread for an embroidery machine

I got this from another group I belong to and thought I would share it with all of you .

Use good polyester embroidery thread. Poly stands up to repeated washings. Rayon looks shinier, but will can't take the abuse of washings and soap/bleach chemicals,so only use it on things that won't see the washer very often. I am not partial to specific brands of needles, but again, they have to be embroidery needles. They have a larger eye. I do like the titanium ones as they last longer with my machine. As for stabilizers... wow! The discussion could go on and on. The rule of thumb is tear-away for woven fabrics and cut-away for knit fabrics. The difference is in the length of the fibers used in making the stabilizer. Once you get past that, it depends on the weight of the fabric, the use of the embroidered item, the density of the design, and a few more things. Some ladies try to economize by using things like coffee filters, paper towels, or exam paper for stabilizers. Please don't do that. Professional embroiderers cringe at the thought of using them. Same here. You put in good money and time in your project, so don't scrimp on stabilizer! Oh, and there IS a difference between stabilizer and topping. They are not really interchangeable. Toppings are used to hold down the nap on fabrics like terrycloth and velvet. There are stabilizers that dissolve in water for embroidering things like free-standing lace (FSL). Your embroidery machine manual might have some basic information. Then go from there once you've done a sample or two.

thanks for all the info...I'm hopin' to get an embroidery machine soon!

Years ago I worked for a company that did applique on tee shirts, hot pads, pictures, etc. They used paper behind their work that reminds me of paper grocery sacks. It was good for the large pictures done on burlap or canvas. Later they went to embroidery machines. They started out putting a thinner paper behind their work, but it still reminds me of just a paper sack just thinner. It didnt take them long to realize they had to use a good stablizer.

Debbie

Stabilizer can make or break you embroidery work . It is worth the money so you work looks good.
Beckie

i have another tip for you Change you needle often in your embroidery machine. I buy my needles at the yahoo group called Needle coop . They sell them by the 100. They are cheap. I change after a big project or after eight hours of use. You can get all kinds of barbs and thread will start breaking and can cause damage below .