Differences in Stabilizers

[rajrae]

I'm confused about the water soluble stabilizers. There are some that are film (like Glad Wrap) and some that are more fibrous. Are there different situations when one is better than the other, or are they interchangeable for FSL?

Margaret

[Cutiepie]

Well, for FSL, the "fibrous" ones work best because they are less likely to rip under the strain of so many stitches (FSL is VERY stitch-intensive). You can use the heavier "Glad Wrap" type if you use a couple layers, but that type is technically more appropriate for using to make finished edge projects (like with coasters, where you cut away the fabric edge before the final satin stitch, leaving the water-soluble stabilizer in place to hold the project) or as a "topper", which keeps the stitches from sinking into pile when sewing on fleece or towels. Did that make sense, or am I being as clear as mud?

[wiharubh]

Cutiepie, Where were you when I first started to do machine embroidery? But I have done trial and error and learned a lot from this forum and others like it. I always take away some new information. Thank you so much! Continue the great work.

[Cutiepie]

Thank you, that makes me feel really good.

As for where I was when you started machine embroidery, I was right here waiting for you to arrive. This is all for you, you know.