Let’s talk about nonwoven stabilizers (backings) such as basic cut aways and tear aways of various weights. How to distinguish bad and good quality backings? There are simple tests to check if stabilizer is of a good quality:

1. Texture

Basic cut away and tear away stabilizers have nonwoven texture that should be consistent. To check it, hold the stabilizer up to the light. Good quality backing has even texture and smooth surface. Darker and lighter areas in texture of stabilizer tell about its uneven density, indicating that the stabilizer is of a poor quality. It will not support your fabric equally well in various parts of embroidery.

Here are examples of good quality embroidery stabilizers.

2. Stretch

Good quality stabilizers should have very little stretch in them. Pull the sheet of stabilizer gently in different directions to test it. If it’s stretchy, it won’t give you fabric enough stabilization. If stabilizer is directional (one side is stretchy), use two sheets of it and position them criss-cross to provide better stabilization.

Here is an example:

I tested a piece of Webon. It has a slight stretch in one direction. Knowing this, I will use two criss-crossed sheets of Weblon to stabilize embroidery with densely stitched areas, otherwise one sheet should work just fine for satin stitches, redwork, lots of in-the-hoop projects and quilt blocks.

Thanks for stopping by!

Yours truly,

Jo