It’s inevitable. At some point, you will need to remove embroidery stitches. These tips will help minimize damage. Whether it is a bump of the hoop or accidently using the wrong color, you will have to either remove stitches and start over or scrap the project entirely.
Take Your Time
The most important tip is to go slow. If you are angry, walk away for a bit. In this case, patience makes perfect, especially with fill stitches and satin stitches.
Many embroiderers like to use a seam ripper. Others favor stitch removers for large areas of fill stitches and wide satin stitches. You can read more about using stitch removers here.
The idea is to clip bobbin threads on the back of the embroidery to release the top threads. It can be tedious. Take care to not cut through stabilizer and into the base fabric. Don’t work in one place for long periods of time. Trim for a bit, then turn the hoop over and carefully lift cut threads with a seam ripper or stylus. Lint rollers help remove tiny threads and fuzzies. Once your work area is clear of threads, continue in another area.
Use a Flat Surface
Flat surfaces will help keep your base fabric from being stretched in the hoop. Fabric that isn’t taut in the hoop makes puckering and stitch registration a problem.
Wool hoop pressing mats (there are several on the market) help to support the fabric and stabilizer when working from the front of the project. Without one, it is easy to push on the hooped fabric and stretch it.
Mist, Press, and Add Additional Stabilizer
Misting with water and pressing in the hoop with an iron sometimes help minimize fabric needle holes left by dense stitching. You may want to float an additional piece of stabilizer on the back of the hoop where large areas of stitching have been removed.
Secure Threads
When stitches are removed and you are ready to embroider again, back up the machine to overlap old and new stitching. If there are areas that you fear may unravel, tie threads off and secure with a drop of Fray Block. (Note: Bonnie prefers Frey Block over Frey Check as it doesn't yellow over time and dries soft.)
What are your tips for removing stitches?
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
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