Water-soluble
stabilizers (WSS) are one of the great wonders of the embroidery world. There are so many kinds out there, they come in different weights, and many have different names. How do you know which one is right for the job you are stitching?
There are three basic types of WSS on the market: light
film, heavy film, and mesh. Or, you might see them listed as backing or
topping.
These angel designs show two kinds. Water-soluble (WS) light
films (left) look like plastic wrap while mesh (right) appears more like a
light mesh tear-away stabillizer (make sure you properly identify your mesh
stabilizers so as not to confuse regular mesh and WSS mesh).
Films work well with
low-stitch designs or freestanding applique with light-weight fabrics, like
organza. Heavier WSS will work too, but the heavier it is, the more you have to
rinse it to get rid of the stabilizer.
Films are wonderful as a topper when stitching fabric with a
pile, like fleece or towels. The thin film holds down fibers so embroidery can
sit on top of the fabric.
If you are using a film on top, baste it down with basting
stitches. If you do not have basting stitches as a built-in function on your
embroidery machine, you can get free basting files here.
When the embroidery is finished, tear or cut away extra WSS
and rinse the rest away or use a wet cotton swab along the edge to eliminate
the remaining WSS. Store WSS in air-tight containers or zip bags. Keep scraps too. They can be used to patch tears and give added support to heavy-stitch areas.
Even embroidery on t-shirts and sweat-shirts can benefit
from using a film stabilizer on top. Try it some time. It provides a more
professional look to your embroidery.
Mesh WSS is very easy to hoop and supports even medium- to
heavy-stitch designs and applique and is easy to remove. Trade names include
FabriSolvy.
Heavy WSS has the appearance of waxed paper but is thicker. It
works particularly well with heavy lace designs, like this patriotic heart
and
makes a sturdy stabilizer for small cutwork
designs. Industry names include
Ultra Solvy, WetNGone, Vilene, and AquaMagic.
All three WSS types can be used for creating freestanding
lace, cutwork, and freestanding applique. Some embroiderers say to use several
layers. That may do in a pinch but I believe that if you are using more than
one layer, you are using the wrong stabilizer.
Like all other embroidery, these are only suggestions. It
takes trial and error to see what works with different fabric, design, and
thread combinations.
Don't forget, Ann’s Club
members get Ann
the Gran stabilizers at half price!
Debbie SewBlest