What are the Key Differences

Tearaway Stabilizer is one of the tools you need for machine embroidery. Embroidery is a beautiful craft, but let’s be honest—it can get a bit tricky sometimes, right? One of the things that can leave beginners scratching their heads is choosing the right stabilizer. Today, we will explore stabilizers, focusing on cutaway and tearaway stabilizers. This will help you select the best choice for your projects.

What is an Embroidery Stabilizer?

Before we get into the specifics, let’s define a stabilizer. Simply put, it’s placed underneath the fabric you’re embroidering to keep it stable during stitching. Without it, your fabric might pucker or stretch, and nobody wants that!

Cutaway Stabilizer

Cutaway stabilizer is like the strong, silent type. It’s typically made of non-woven fibers and is known for its strength and durability. Once your embroidery is done, the stabilizer stays put. You simply cut away the excess around your design. It’s great for stretchy or knit fabrics, like t-shirts and sweatshirts. It gives extra support to keep everything in place, even after washing.

When to Use Cutaway Stabilizer

When working on a project that will get a lot of wear and tear, cutaway stabilizer is your best buddy. It holds up well through multiple washes, keeping your design crisp and fresh. So, if durability is what you’re after, go for cutaway!

Tearaway Stabilizer

Now, onto the tearaway stabilizer. This one is great for those projects where you want to remove the stabilizer completely after stitching. It’s made to be easily torn away, hence the name. It’s perfect for stable, non-stretchy fabrics like denim or canvas.

When to Use Tearaway Stabilizer

Tearaway stabilizer is your go-to for projects like home decor or bags, where the embroidery won’t be stressed too much after it’s finished. It’s convenient because you can remove the stabilizer easily, leaving the back of your work nice and clean.

Key Differences

• Durability: Cutaway is more durable and stays with the fabric, while tearaway is removed after stitching.
• Fabric Compatibility: Cutaway is ideal for stretchy fabrics, and tearaway works best with stable fabrics.
• Finish: With the cutaway, a bit of stabilizer will remain; with the tearaway, it all comes off.

Making the Choice

At the end of the day, the choice between cutaway and tearaway stabilizer depends on your fabric and the project’s use. If you’re ever unsure, remember this: cutaway stays, tearaway goes! And the old saying, “If you wear it, don’t tear it.”

Embroidery is all about practice and learning what works best for you. So, grab some stabilizer, get stitching, and soon you’ll be an embroidery pro! Do you have any questions or tips of your own? Please share them in the comments below. Happy stitching!

Do you have any questions? The best way to ask questions is to join the OML Embroidery University Facebook group. You can join in on the embroidery fun there.

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