I'm new to machine embroidery and I have a question, which probably a dumb one, but here goes. While using iron stablizer, does the stablizer need to be the full size of the hoop or just large enough for the design? Thanks for the help!
Critter Comforts: Quilts for Homeless Animals
I'm going to assume you mean iron-on stabilizer. I've done both. I don't use iron-on that much but when I do I usually just use a piece that is about an inch or so larger all around than my design. I generally use a spray that allows you to reset the stabilizer, do the first outline.....take the hoop off without removing the fabric, lift the edges and trim the stabilizer close the outline stitch, iron it down, re-attach the hoop and carry on. That way you don't have a big hunk of surrounding iron-on with the finished product. With some fabrics, like knits or loose weaves, that have a tendency to go wonky I'll iron down the appropriate sized piece of stabilizer, then hoop tear-away over the whole shebang and then continue. There's probably lots of other techniques but that's what works for me.
Val
Jill, I'm not real sure about your question. You do know that you need a piece of stabilizer to be hooped in the hoop, and taunt. Why do you want to use the iron on? Are you hooping just the stabilizer, or the fabric and stabilizer together? I've got your number--let me know if you want me to talk you through this. I embroider most every day. I can call anytime. Gen
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