Have you ever used a stabilizer window? Sometimes, they can be quite handy and will save you time and money in the process!
Late last year, Bonnie asked her Facebook followers about some of their favorite sewing and embroidery shortcuts. Ginger Tannery shared a tip that she uses when making a lot of the same in-the-hoop items, like doggie bandanas.
When the first item has been embroidered, Ginger cuts it away from the hooped stabilizer, close to the stitching. She then cuts out another piece of stabilizer a little bit larger than the opening and tapes it over the void. Another bandana can be embroidered without rehooping.
Ginger marks the base stabilizer position in the hoop and labels it for future use. The creases in the stabilizer usually fit back in the hoop perfectly, saving her time and stabilizer.
I am also a fan of this technique in projects that are floated in the hoop, like this felt Easter Egg Hanger using Bonnie’s Sew Eggsquisite Jewels designs.
For me, this works particularly well with adhesive tear-away stabilizer. You could also use a spray adhesive on regular stabilizer.
Once the design is finished stitching, carefully pull the item away from the stabilizer.
Place the hooped embroidery on a cutting mat and cut through the stabilizer close to the stitching.
Cut a piece of adhesive stabilizer slightly larger than the hole and peel away the protective paper. Carefully apply it to the back of the hoop. Turn the hoop over on a flat surface and press the stabilizer patch flat. Reattach the hoop and stitch the next design.
One hooping can last for several similarly sized design stitchouts.
Have any embroidery shortcuts to share? We'd love to hear your favorites!
Bonnie Welsh - February 16, 2020
Donna—Great to hear! =)
Donna krueger - February 16, 2020
I have done on several of my small projects. Works great.
Bonnie Welsh - February 12, 2020
Karole—You’re most welcome! Glad to hear you found the tip helpful. =)
Karole - February 11, 2020
I’ve used this shortcut with no-show mesh, but really loved your suggestion to use the adhesive tear away. It worked terrific! Thank you!
Bonnie Welsh - February 11, 2020
I’m so happy to hear all of you are enjoying this tip from Debbie! Thank you for taking the time to write!
Mary Moore - February 11, 2020
Thank you. This is a great idea!!
Sharon - February 11, 2020
Great tip! I am a newbie and surprised at how much $ I am spending on stabilizer etc.
Janet Gangloff - February 11, 2020
thank you so much for this tip, it will save me money on stabilizer since my fiancé is out of work since a fall and no income coming on.
Sharon - February 11, 2020
Love this tip! Thank you.