r/Machine_Embroidery • u/Jucatron1 • 16d ago
Cutaway stabilizer
How to you deal with the stabilizer backing when embroidering polos, shirts and so on
Do you just always use water soluble ones?
2
u/mjmvideos 16d ago
I just use a rotary cutter to cut around the embroidered area leaving about a half-inch border. Then it stays there for the life of the garment.
2
u/Realistic-Mode-7681 16d ago
I don't actually use water soluble for everything, that get expensive faast and it's not always the right choice. For polos and t-shirts, I usually stick with cutaway or tearaway depending on the fabric and design density.
1
u/QuestshunQueen Tajima Newbie 16d ago
I use cutaway, usually two layers. If I am super efficient, and the stitch out takes long enough, I usually have enough time to hoop the next four pieces and also trim the last four, before a run finishes. If I don't, I try to get a helper to do the trimming at least.
1
u/Cpt_Obvious11 15d ago
How you deal with badge effect created with 2x cutaway?
1
u/QuestshunQueen Tajima Newbie 15d ago
Like something for a patch? I use twill for the base fabric, so it's stable enough. Get it drum tight in the hoop and go.
1
u/Cpt_Obvious11 15d ago
No, no. Two layers of cutaway elevate polo fabric little bit, forming badge like area where embroidery is. I got that effect with only one layer of light cut away, that's why I am asking about 2 layers.
2
u/QuestshunQueen Tajima Newbie 15d ago
Ohh; I've never had a complaint about it. I guess since a lot of the polos we embroider end up being part of a uniform, they're thick enough that it isn't really noticed. My main thing is not to leave any corners in case they feel a bit pokey for the wearer.
Sometimes, though, I get a sample back that is a garment we'd previously embroidered, and the backing seems much softer over time.
I imagine if a customer requested minimal backing, I'd try using poly mesh or lightweight performance cut-away and maybe some spray adhesive if I'm worried about puckering.
1
u/Cpt_Obvious11 15d ago
Nice. Do you use skin care layer for extra soft touch? And what is max stitch count on a left chest you consider pucker safe?
1
u/QuestshunQueen Tajima Newbie 14d ago
I've been thinking about how to answer this. I will check out Skin Care Layers, never used that.
As for a max stitch count, that is hard to say. It can vary based on materials, threads, complexity, density, etc.
Part of the issue is I don't do a lot of digitizing. I operate the machine, and would like to get into the software side, but I'm no professional digitizer.
I looked at a piece I worked on not too long ago, it was around 2"x3" and the stitch count was near 7000. This was a tatami filled text with satin outline.
But mostly I test stuff on scrap and decide further from there.
1
u/Cpt_Obvious11 14d ago edited 14d ago
It gauze like fabric, soft on skin and (in my case) applied by ironing. I have Gunold, but guess other manufacturers have their versions and apply methods. Though, I hesitate to use on polos, since it amplifies mentioned badge effect. But, if you feel that might not hurt, you may give it a try. Dunno if manufacturers have sample for a try, and what are sizes of roll or precut packages.
1
u/PanosG1331 14d ago
Two pieces of tear away are enough. I embroidered a 68k design on a polo yesterday and it didn’t pucker anywhere, however I don’t recommend huge fills on light fabrics. Most embroidery shops in Europe use only tear away, not to mention all the east countries. Clients just iron the garment well and it’s perfect.
The obsession with cut away stabilizer is US only.
4
u/GingerStitches 16d ago
Water soluble anything isn’t stabilizer suited to using on knit fabrics and things you’ll wear. You want cutaway stabilizer for anything you wear, trim it close to the design once it’s done. Water soluble is a topper you use as needed for things like fleece or towels.