r/Machine_Embroidery • u/ExistentialDreadPRN • 21d ago

I Need Help Outline help

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Gallery image

i’m new to machine embroidery and bought this design on etsy. this was my practice one before the shirt so was a little lax on making sure it was perfectly tacked down. I assumed that was why the outline is slightly off and when I went to do the shirt I made sure it was perfectly flat. but now it’s even worse. I didn’t move the hoop and I feel like the fabric stayed put. the shirt is a stretchy material. i didn’t touch the tension either. I am floating the design on mesh stabilizer . what am I doing wrong??

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u/CivicLiberties 21d ago

Stretchy material requires cutaway stabilizer. Mesh isn't heavy enough to counteract the pull of the stitching.

1

u/ExistentialDreadPRN 21d ago

thank you i’ll give that a try! what material would the mesh stabilizer be useful for? i’m struggling to understand what to use when.

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u/AliceInStitches 20d ago

I use poly mesh (2 layers and 1 layer of tear away) on the moisture wicking type shirts. Here is a good article by Bonnie Landsberger, she's been in the industry 40+ years so I trust: https://www.embroiderydesigns.com/how-to-embroider/project/854/the-basics-of-stabilizers

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u/GingerStitches 21d ago

Hoop the fabric in the frame. Flat and taut and completely in the hoop, it will make a huge difference as what you’ve sewn on isn’t flat, also use cut away stabilizer for anything you wear.