What is embroidery backing anyway?
Take a look at the inside of a shirt. beneath any logo or embroidery, you will see a piece of material. That’s embroidery backing. The embroidery backing may be a sheet of fabric that’s hooped and decorated at the side of the material you’re embroidering. This material acts as a stabilizer, supporting the material and stitches throughout the embroidery method. once hooping, a sheet of stabilizer is placed behind the garment to stay the material from puckering or moving while it’s being decorated.
When do I use it?
The embroidery underlay serves as the base for your embroidery design. The best backing depends on the item you want to embroider.
This underlay is a necessary part, especially for machine embroidery.
Is there a specific form of embroidery stabilizer?
When you are using heavy or thick materials, you would use a lighter backing. When you are using light or thin materials, you would use a heavier backing.
Are there any projects that don’t require the use of a stabilizer?
All embroidery project needs a stabilizer. There are very few cases where you don’t need a back, such as when embroidering stuffed animals. Some soft toys can be purchased ready-made for machine embroidery and do not require a stand.
What is the pricing?
The material is available in pre-cut sheets or in bulk. You can usually find pre-cut sheets in packs of 100 to 200 for around $5 to $20 depending on how much you will need. A helpful tip is that buying in bulk can save you a lot of money.
Most suppliers provide small packs for each, so if you’re experimenting then make sure to get only a small pack.
What are the color options?
The embroidery backing material is available in white or black. The most popular choice is white because it goes well with all colors and will not show through. Some do prefer to use black backing on darker garments, especially where there is a chance of it showing through the material. There is a nude tone option. The material is close to a no-show and will not show through the fabric.
What types are available?
The two most popular types are called Tear-away and Cut-away. For Tear-away, the thing that distinguishes this support from the Cut-away is the ease of using it. When you have completed your project, just tear off any excess material. It works best with materials that don’t have stretch or give or thick materials.
The tear-off backing is also great if you’re sewing on fabric that shows the other side. It works well with hand towels or cotton shirts.
When you have completed your project, the cut-away support cuts the excess from your design. It is good for all types of thin material, and for those who wash their clothes more frequently because this stabilizer can withstand repeated washing.
What if that’s not enough, what if I tell you it’s available in 2 colors? You can choose between white or black as color options depending on your garment.
Other Speciality types of embroidery backing
- Fusible Mesh: A thin material that has zero stretch or give to it, best suited for activewear clothing material.
- Peel and Stick: Ideal for hoopless embroidery or difficult areas. Peel and Stick backing work best on a shirt collar, on a pocket, or on sleeves.
- Wash – Away: Dissolves easily in warm to hot water.
- Heat Seal: Ideal for when you are using or making garment patches.
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I’m Victoria Hudgins and I believe in learning embroidery to express all the fun and joy that is within you. With the right instruction you can be sure your next threaded project is one you’ll love to keep or gift.