Cutaway vs. Tearaway: The Ultimate Embroidery Stabilizer Guide
The Foundation of Perfect Stitches
If your embroidery is puckering, shifting, or sinking into the fabric, 90% of the time it is a stabilizer issue. Stabilizer is the backing that supports the fabric during the stitching process.
The Golden Rule: "If you wear it, don't tear it."
This simple rhyme saves thousands of garments.
1. Cutaway Stabilizer
Best for: T-shirts, sweatshirts, knits, and anything stretchy.
Cutaway provides permanent support. It stays with the garment forever (you cut the excess away). It prevents the stitches from stretching out of shape when the garment moves.
2. Tearaway Stabilizer
Best for: Towels, woven fabrics, denim, caps.
Tearaway provides temporary support. Once stitched, you rip it away. It offers less stability than cutaway, so only use it on fabrics that are naturally stable.
3. Water Soluble (Topping)
This looks like plastic wrap. Place it ON TOP of towels or fleece to prevent stitches from sinking into the pile.
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