Stretch that Stabilizer

No, don't literally stretch the stabilizer. Stretch your investment by how you use the stabilizer.

When I first started, I bought stabilizer that came in pre-cut squares that were the perfect size for my 4-inch hoop. When I bought a roll of stabilizer, the first thing I did was to cut it into squares to fit the hoop. Then one day I realized how much stabilizer I was throwing away.

Cut a piece of stabilizer that is a manageable size (this will depend upon the weight of the stabilizer and how much elbow room you have around your machine). Hoop one corner of the stabilizer and embroider your design. Un-hoop and trim close to the design. Press the stabilizer to remove hoop marks. For your next design, hoop near the same corner, embroider, un-hoop and trim. You will get about 50% more use out of the same amount of stabilizer.

If you are making free-standing lace, embroider as many designs as you can in a single hooping. For best results, use your embroidery software to position multiple designs in the hoop. You will be able to see that the designs do not overlap.

Save scraps of water-soluble stabilizer in a zip-seal bag.

Next issue: using water soluble stabilizer scraps

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

Missed an issue of the StitchFun News? Check out the Archives Page.

2-in-1 Baby Doll

This embroidery pattern
makes a 20" "upside down"
doll. One side is a whimsical
little girl, and when you turn
it upside down, there is an
adorable sleeping baby.
Everything except for the
skirt is done in the hoop.

Dissolve 4X

Heavy duty
water soluble stabilizer.
Fast and clean dissolving.
Available on a roll and
in a folded pack.

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