A recently shared picture of a perfectly flat embroidery stitched out prompted multiple inquiries as to how we achieved such perfect results.
We have a few go-to embroidery hooping secrets we always use to get professional results on the first try.
Follow these five tips for pucker-free embroidery projects.
Fusible Woven Interfacing
The reason this is considered a secret is that no one can tell that fusible woven interfacing has been applied to the back of the fabric before the project is even started. Woven interfacing is lightweight and adds only the slightest body to regular fabric like cotton, linens, and knit fabrics. These extra steps take only minutes but will eliminate hours of headaches later.
Be sure to always test iron temperatures when using fusible woven interfacings for the first time on fabrics. Use plenty of steam or water in a spray bottle for maximum stick and to eliminate air bubbles. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Fusible woven interfacing is still used in conjunction with tear-away or cut-away stabilizers depending on the fabric type.
Use 2 Layers of Stabilizer
Always use two layers of (the correct) stabilizer. As the saying goes,
“There are those that use two layers of stabilizer and those that wish they had.”
Avoid Stretching the Fabric During the Hooping Process
I learned this as a very newbie embroiderer. It is key that the fabric is not pulled during the hooping progress. Fabric that is stretched will remain stretched once thousands of stitches are holding it down.
Spray Adhesive is Your Friend
Temporary spray adhesive such as 505 spray is an excellent way to keep the fabric from stretching during the hooping process. Always spray the stabilizer, NOT the fabric.
Sticky Stabilizer
When tough hooping projects come up, choose a Sticky Stabilizer to hold everything down without any movement whatsoever. The sticky stabilizer is also good for projects that can not be hooped like backpacks, pet collars, napkin corners, and socks!
What is the hardest thing you ever tried to hoop? Did it come out or was it a total disaster? Leave us a comment below.
Want to Master Your Embroidery Machine?
Check out Embroidery Essentials Online Course and join hundreds of students with all brands of embroidery machines who have completed this course!
