Have you ever noticed that when you have a white t-shirt and a white stabilizer, the two layers of white make it extra white and you get a shadow? I’ll show you how to make sure that doesn’t happen!
Last week, in my blog on hooping Onesies, I mentioned that you should match the stabilizer color to the complexion of the baby. That works equally well with any t-shirt and especially with knits.
You always, always, always need to use a cutaway stabilizer when embroidering on knits. I use a fusible no-show mesh but, instead of putting white stabilizer behind a white shirt, I match the stabilizer color to the complexion of the person that is going to wear the item.
I've double layered the white stabilizer behind my pretty Calico from Purr-fect Buddies, it's extra white. Where you can see just one layer of white fabric it's not nearly as white. It really distracts from the embroidery to have this white billboard behind the design.
A white stabilizer behind a white or light-colored shirt makes the shirt opaque where the stabilizer is. To me, it’s like wearing a sign. Your embroidery is framed by a brighter white (stabilizer + shirt) surrounded by a regular white (the shirt alone). I like for my embroidery to stand out and not the stabilizer behind it. That's why I like to match my stabilizer, if I can, to the complexion of the baby, if is a Onesie, or to the recipient, if it is a shirt.
Mesh stabilizers come in shades of black, white, and nude. The nude color blends better with most complexions and gives a more even appearance without such sharp contrast between the shirt, the person, and the embroidery.
Click here for more stabilizer tips.
May your day be blessed with perfect stitches and GlitterFlex!!
Bonnie Welsh - September 25, 2019
Judy—I get mine from “The Embroidery Store” which is found on line or your dealer should also carry it or be able to special order it for you. =)
Judy Beaty - September 25, 2019
I would like to purchase the nude color stabilizer. Where can I see how to order some?
thanks Judy
Carole Sipe - August 27, 2019
Hi, Great tip for storage!! I have a similar system with 6-drawer plastic roll around chests. In the drawers, the thread spools sit in narrow trays. This is lighter weight & less expensive, but works great. Additional spools add easily since all just slide along to make room.
Bonnie Welsh - August 20, 2019
Hi Donna—It’s actually called “Beige” no show mesh even though I called it “nude”. You can find it here at The Embroidery Store: https://www.embstore.com/product-category/backing-and-topping/cutaway/no-show-cutaway/beige-no-show/
Donna - August 20, 2019
Hello. Thanks for the great info. I am about to start embroidery on white polos so really good timing ! Unable to find the flesh toned mesh stabilizer on embstore.com. Please advise product code. Thanks for the information.
Bonnie Welsh - August 19, 2019
Jan—Embroidering on dark colors isn’t as critical unless it’s a sheer or loose weave and might show through. If that’s the case or you want the inside to look a little nicer, I’d go with a color that more closely matches the color of the shirt. =)
jan butler - August 19, 2019
on a navy or black shirt, would you use black or beige stabilizer?
Bonnie Welsh - August 19, 2019
Hi Amber! I get mine from The Embroidery Store here https://www.embstore.com/ or check with your dealer.
Amber - August 19, 2019
Where do you purchase your mesh stabilizer? I have some but don’t feel like it holds up every well :/