Machine embroidery stabilizers are essential materials used to support the fabric during the embroidery process. They help prevent fabric distortion, puckering, and stretching, resulting in cleaner and more precise embroidery designs. There are various types of stabilizers available, each with its own unique characteristics and best-suited fabrics. Here are some commonly used machine embroidery stabilizers:
Cut-Away Stabilizers:
- Description: Cut-away stabilizers are non-woven materials that remain permanently behind the embroidery design.
- Uses: They provide strong and long-lasting support for fabrics that tend to stretch or distort, such as knits, loosely woven fabrics, and heavyweight fabrics.
- Best-suited fabrics: Knit fabrics, terry cloth, fleece, heavy cotton, denim, and fabrics with high stretch.
Tear-Away Stabilizers:
- Description: Tear-away stabilizers are non-woven materials that are easily removed after the embroidery is completed.
- Uses: They provide temporary support during the embroidery process and are suitable for stable and non-stretchy fabrics.
- Best-suited fabrics: Woven cotton, linen, satin, silk, stable polyester blends, and fabrics without much stretch.
Wash-Away Stabilizers (Water-Soluble):
- Description: Wash-away stabilizers are soluble materials that dissolve in water or can be washed away completely.
- Uses: They provide temporary support for delicate and transparent fabrics without leaving any residue, and off course making freestanding lace projects and designs. Wash-Away stabilizers are also highly recommended when embroidering on towels or fabrics with a lofty pile. They assist in keeping the fibers flattened during stitching, preventing them from peeking through the stitches and allowing the embroidery design to lay smoothly on top of the fabric's surface.
- Best-suited fabrics: Sheer fabrics, organza, lace, lightweight cotton, and any fabric that can be damaged by tear-away or cut-away stabilizers.
Heat-Away Stabilizers (Thermoplastics):
- Description: Heat-away stabilizers are films or plastics that can be removed by heat, such as an iron.
- Uses: They provide temporary support and are suitable for fabrics that cannot be washed, such as leather or vinyl.
- Best-suited fabrics: Leather, vinyl, synthetic materials, and fabrics that are sensitive to water. In making keyfobs, and your faux leather puckers or pulls, simply iron on stabilizer to the back of your leather and then stitch, problem solved.
Heat Transfer Stabilizer :
- The stabilizer commonly used for iron-on badges or patches is called "heat transfer stabilizer" or "heat-activated adhesive stabilizer." It is specifically designed to bond the embroidered badge or patch to the garment when heat is applied. This stabilizer typically has an adhesive coating on one side, which is activated by heat, allowing it to adhere to the fabric. It provides temporary support during the embroidery process and ensures a secure attachment of the badge or patch to the garment.
Fusible Stabilizers:
- Description: Fusible stabilizers have an adhesive coating on one side, which is activated by heat to bond the stabilizer to the fabric.
- Uses: They provide temporary support and can be used for various fabric types, especially when you need added stability without changing the fabric's drape.
- Best-suited fabrics: Cotton, polyester, medium-weight fabrics, and fabrics that can withstand heat.
Now where can we purchase variety of stabilizers ? I will mention a few countries here, if your country is not listed, please feel free to reach out and I will try and find suppliers
USA:There are several reputable places in the USA where you can purchase different types of stabilizers for machine embroidery. Here are some popular options:
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Local Sewing and Fabric Stores: Visit local sewing and fabric stores in your area, as they often carry a variety of stabilizers. Examples include Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Hobby Lobby, and independent specialty sewing shops. Check their embroidery or notions section for a wide selection of stabilizers.
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Online Retailers:
- Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of stabilizers from various brands. They provide customer reviews and ratings, making it easier to assess the quality and suitability of the stabilizers.
- Embroidery.com: This online store specializes in machine embroidery supplies and carries a comprehensive selection of stabilizers, including cut-away, tear-away, wash-away, and specialty stabilizers.
- Sewforless.com: Sewforless.com is an online retailer specifically catering to the embroidery community. They offer an extensive range of stabilizers, including popular brands and different types of stabilizers.
- AllStitch Embroidery Supplies: AllStitch.com is another reputable online retailer that provides a wide variety of stabilizers suitable for different embroidery projects.
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Stabilizer Manufacturers:
- Sulky: Sulky is a well-known manufacturer of embroidery products, including stabilizers. Their website offers a direct option to purchase their stabilizers and provides detailed information about each product's recommended uses.
- Floriani: Floriani is another reputable brand that produces high-quality stabilizers. Their website offers an online store where you can browse and purchase their stabilizer options.
It's worth comparing prices, reading customer reviews, and considering shipping costs when making a purchasing decision. Additionally, check for any local embroidery or sewing expos, where you may find a wide range of stabilizers available from multiple vendors.
Europe:
In Europe, there are several reliable places where you can purchase different types of stabilizers for machine embroidery. Here are some popular options:
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Local Sewing and Craft Stores: Visit local sewing, fabric, or craft stores in your area. They often have a dedicated section for embroidery supplies and should carry a variety of stabilizers. Examples include Hobbycraft (UK), Stoff & Stil (Scandinavia), and Veritas (Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
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Online Retailers:
- Amazon: Amazon operates in several European countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and others. They offer a wide selection of stabilizers from different brands.
- Sew Essential: Sew Essential is an online retailer based in the UK, specializing in sewing and embroidery supplies. They have a range of stabilizers available for purchase on their website.
- Create and Craft: Create and Craft is a popular online store that offers a wide range of craft and sewing supplies, including stabilizers. They operate in the UK and several other European countries.
- Stitchonomy: Stitchonomy is an online retailer based in Belgium, offering a variety of embroidery supplies, including stabilizers. They ship to various European countries.
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Stabilizer Manufacturers:
- Madeira: Madeira is a renowned brand that manufactures embroidery threads and stabilizers. They have distributors across Europe, and their website provides information on where to purchase their products in different countries.
- Vilene (Vlieseline): Vilene, also known as Vlieseline, is a well-known brand for interfacings and stabilizers. They have a wide distribution network across Europe, and their products can be found in local fabric and sewing stores.
- Gunold: Gunold is a European manufacturer of embroidery supplies, including stabilizers. They have distributors across different European countries, and their website offers information on where to buy their products locally.
When purchasing online, be sure to check the shipping options, as some retailers may offer international shipping or have specific regional availability. It's also worth comparing prices and reading customer reviews to ensure you are getting the right stabilizers for your needs.
Australia:
In Australia, there are several reputable places where you can purchase different types of stabilizers for machine embroidery. Here are some popular options:
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Spotlight: Spotlight is a well-known craft and fabric retailer in Australia. They have a wide range of sewing and embroidery supplies, including stabilizers. You can visit their physical stores or shop online through their website.
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Lincraft: Lincraft is another popular Australian retailer that offers a variety of sewing and craft supplies. They have a selection of stabilizers available in-store and online.
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Sew It Up: Sew It Up is an online store based in Australia that specializes in embroidery supplies. They offer a range of stabilizers suitable for various embroidery projects.
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Echidna Sewing: Echidna Sewing is a trusted supplier of sewing and embroidery products in Australia. They have a wide range of stabilizers available on their website, along with other embroidery essentials.
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Embroidery Source Australia: Embroidery Source Australia is an online store dedicated to embroidery supplies. They offer a selection of stabilizers from different brands, suitable for various embroidery applications.
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Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay and Amazon also operate in Australia, providing access to a wide range of stabilizers from various sellers. Be sure to check the seller's location and shipping options when purchasing from these platforms.
When purchasing online, consider factors such as shipping costs, delivery times, and customer reviews. Additionally, it's worth checking for any local sewing or craft expos in your area, as they often have vendors selling stabilizers and other embroidery supplies.
South Africa:
In South Africa, there are several reputable places where you can purchase different types of stabilizers for machine embroidery. Here are some popular options:
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The Sewing Studio: The Sewing Studio is a well-known sewing and embroidery supply store based in South Africa. They offer a wide range of stabilizers suitable for various embroidery projects. You can visit their physical store in Johannesburg or shop online through their website.
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Empisal: Empisal is a prominent sewing machine brand in South Africa that also offers a range of sewing and embroidery accessories, including stabilizers. They have authorized dealers throughout the country where you can purchase their products.
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Bernina: Bernina is a renowned sewing machine brand with a strong presence in South Africa. They have authorized dealers across the country who typically offer a selection of stabilizers and other embroidery supplies.
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Online Retailers:
- Sewing.co.za: Sewing.co.za is an online retailer based in South Africa that specializes in sewing and embroidery supplies. They have a variety of stabilizers available for purchase on their website.
- Takealot: Takealot is a popular South African online marketplace that offers a wide range of products, including sewing and embroidery supplies. They have various stabilizer options available from different sellers.
- Embroidery Warehouse is an online retailer based in SouthAfrica and sells a huge variety of stabilizers and other notions, as well as thread.
Mexico:
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Hilos Iris: They offer a wide range of embroidery threads, including polyester, rayon, metallic, and glow-in-the-dark threads. Website: https://www.hilosiris.com/
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El Mundo del Bordado: This supplier provides embroidery machines, threads, stabilizers, and other accessories. They have a physical store in Mexico City and also offer online shopping. Website: https://elmundodelbordado.com/
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Maqtextil: Maqtextil specializes in industrial embroidery machines and offers a variety of models suitable for different production levels. They also provide technical support and training. Website: https://maqtextil.com.mx/
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Bordamax: Bordamax offers a range of embroidery machines, including single-head and multi-head models. They also supply embroidery threads, backing materials, and other related products. Website: https://www.bordamax.com/
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Hilos y Máquinas de Monterrey: This supplier offers a variety of embroidery threads, including polyester, rayon, and metallic threads. They also provide embroidery machines and accessories. Website: http://www.hilosemaq.com.mx/
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Talleres y Maquinaria: They offer industrial embroidery machines, as well as spare parts and accessories. They have a wide range of machine options suitable for various production requirements. Website: https://www.tym.com.mx/
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Máquinas de Coser Zapata: This supplier specializes in sewing machines, but they also offer embroidery machines and related accessories. They have physical stores in various locations across Mexico. Website: https://www.maquinasdecoserzapata.com.mx/
When purchasing online, pay attention to shipping options, delivery times, and customer reviews. Additionally, it may be worth checking for any local sewing or craft expos or events in your area, as they often have vendors selling stabilizers and other embroidery supplies.
If you purchased from a store before and happy with the service and product, please feel free to leave the link in the comments to help others find reputable sellers online and direct shopping.
3 comments
Annelie vd Merwe
Hi thanks for the blog on stabilizers.
i do not find Sewing.co.za on the internet. Do i miss something?
Thanks
Annelie
Daleen Lubbe
Certainly Nora! Here are some suppliers of machine embroidery materials and equipment in Mexico:
Hilos Iris: They offer a wide range of embroidery threads, including polyester, rayon, metallic, and glow-in-the-dark threads. Website: https://www.hilosiris.com/
El Mundo del Bordado: This supplier provides embroidery machines, threads, stabilizers, and other accessories. They have a physical store in Mexico City and also offer online shopping. Website: https://elmundodelbordado.com/
Maqtextil: Maqtextil specializes in industrial embroidery machines and offers a variety of models suitable for different production levels. They also provide technical support and training. Website: https://maqtextil.com.mx/
Bordamax: Bordamax offers a range of embroidery machines, including single-head and multi-head models. They also supply embroidery threads, backing materials, and other related products. Website: https://www.bordamax.com/
Hilos y Máquinas de Monterrey: This supplier offers a variety of embroidery threads, including polyester, rayon, and metallic threads. They also provide embroidery machines and accessories. Website: http://www.hilosemaq.com.mx/
Talleres y Maquinaria: They offer industrial embroidery machines, as well as spare parts and accessories. They have a wide range of machine options suitable for various production requirements. Website: https://www.tym.com.mx/
Máquinas de Coser Zapata: This supplier specializes in sewing machines, but they also offer embroidery machines and related accessories. They have physical stores in various locations across Mexico. Website: https://www.maquinasdecoserzapata.com.mx/
Please note that it’s always a good idea to contact the suppliers directly to inquire about their products, pricing, shipping options, and any other specific requirements you may have.
Nora Nevers
Mexico??? Any suppliers here?