Fabrics 101: Embroidering on Nylon

<strong>Fabrics</strong> <strong>101</strong>: <strong>Embroidering</strong> on Nylon<strong>Fabrics</strong> <strong>101</strong>: <strong>Embroidering</strong> on NylonRecently, while shopping at a local sporting goods store, I realized I was surrounded by items made severaldifferent types and weights of nylon. Windbreakers to my left, tents and sleeping bags to my right, and lawnflags and windsocks hanging above my head.Since nylon fabrics are extremelystrong, lightweight, andnonabsorbent, it is no surprise thatmany outdoor items are made fromthe smooth and sturdy material.Medium Cool Grey #1041 and Cool Grey #1118were used to stitch out the Wolf Silhouette Scenedesign on this nylon jacket.Currently the second most usedsynthetic fiber in the United States,nylon (a plastic) was invented in 1935by Wallace Carothers, an employeeof the Du Pont corporation. It was thefirst commercially successfulpolymer and the first synthetic fiberto be made entirely from coal, waterand air. The nylon fibers were toutedto be "as strong as steel, as fine as aspider's web," and so dawned the eraof nylon hosiery, or "nylons."In 1942, nylon went to war in the form of parachutes and tents. A replacement for expensive Asian silk, nylonwas also used for tires, ropes, ponchos, and other military supplies. Although this created a shortage in thenylon stockings supply in the United States, it didn't stop American soldiers from presenting them to foreignwomen in an attempt to impress them!Nylon comes in a variety of weights. Tough ballistic nylon is of a heavier weight than most manufacturingnylons. Originally created to be used as a flak jacket and protect WWII soldiers from flying debris andshrapnel, it did little to protect them from bullets. Ballistic nylon is now primarily used for cave packs, toolbelts, police duty belts, motorcycle jackets, and skin-on-frame kayaks.Cordura is another type of heavy-duty nylon known for being long lasting and resistant to abrasions, tearsand scuffs. It is used in a variety of items from luggage and backpacks to boots, military apparel (such astactical blade sheaths, ammunition pouches, etc.), and performance apparel.file:///F|/EL/ELProjects/html/PR1433.html (1 of 6) [1/30/2013 8:40:41 AM]

<strong>Fabrics</strong> <strong>101</strong>: <strong>Embroidering</strong> on NylonSport and ripstop nylon are morecommonly found around the housethan the previously mentionedversions. Easy-care sport nylon is asturdy fabric that is perfect foroutdoor items such as backpacks,tarps, outerwear, totes, outdoorflags, and banners. Last summer Imade the breezy windsock featuredto the left out of sport nylon (clickhere or on the picture for projectinstructions).Ripstop is a lighter and silkier typeof nylon that is woven with extrathreads in a pattern to help preventruns or tears. Wind-resistant (and iftreated with a durable finish, waterrepellant),ripstop nylon is used forsleeping bags and tents. It's also agreat choice for light-weight jackets,ponchos, and wind pants.A pretty windsock, made of hearty nylon, willperk up any patio.When embroidering on nylon, I have found that applique designs work well on both ripstop and sport nylon.Since applique designs have fewer stitches than "regular" or stitch-filled designs, puckering is not an issue.The sturdier sport nylon is able to handle light to medium fill designs. If working with ripstop nylon, Irecommend designs that have light fills.<strong>Embroidering</strong> on nylon can be tricky, but I have some tips and techniques that should help you to achieveexcellent results. Below are results from my tests with ripstop nylon, as well as tips for hooping, stabilizing,and embroidering.file:///F|/EL/ELProjects/html/PR1433.html (2 of 6) [1/30/2013 8:40:41 AM]

<strong>Fabrics</strong> <strong>101</strong>: <strong>Embroidering</strong> on NylonI wanted to find whichcombination of fabric andstabilizer gave the bestresults.For the first test, I hooped apiece of ripstop nylon with apiece of medium weight (2.5oz.) cutaway stabilizer.After embroidering thedesign, I examined theoutcome. The results werenot up to my standards. Doyou see how there arepuckers in the fabric? Nylonis such a slippery fabric -- itpulled away from the sides ofthe hoop when the hoop wasmoving around. The designthat I'm working with is a lightand-breezydaisy, but eventhose light stitches arecausing the fabric to pull outof the hoop.Trying again, I used the samemedium weight cutawaystabilizer. This time I had afew tricks up my sleeve andfelt confident I would achievebetter results.First, I sprayed the stabilizerwith temporary sprayadhesive (I used GunoldKK100) and smoothed theripstop nylon over it. Theadhesive will prevent thefabric from shifting while thedesign sews.file:///F|/EL/ELProjects/html/PR1433.html (3 of 6) [1/30/2013 8:40:41 AM]

<strong>Fabrics</strong> <strong>101</strong>: <strong>Embroidering</strong> on NylonAlthough the fabric now feltsecure, another step willeven further prevent shifting.I next added water-soluableWonder Tape to the bottomsides of the inner hoop, butnot to the corners. Now, thenylon will not pull away fromthe sides of the hoop. Thetape will last through a fewhoopings and can easily bewashed away when you arefinished.I then hooped the fabric andstabilizer using a techniquethat I have found to work well- hoop the fabric somewhatloosely and then hand tightenthe screw until the hoop istight.Finally, the last step that Itook to secure the nylon is toadd pieces of rubber shelfmat to the bottom sides of theinner hoop, on top of theWonder Tape. This is a trick Ilearned from Anne Campbelland Joan Warr a few yearsago.I cut strips of the rubber matabout 1 1/2" wide and as longas the sides of the hoop.Then I aligned one of thelong sides of the tape withfile:///F|/EL/ELProjects/html/PR1433.html (4 of 6) [1/30/2013 8:40:41 AM]

<strong>Fabrics</strong> <strong>101</strong>: <strong>Embroidering</strong> on Nylonthe inner edge of the hoopand press in place. Thecorners of the hoop were leftopen.Next, I tightly hooped thefabric and stabilizer together.The rubber mat strips gave agreat hold, and prevented thefabric from pulling away fromthe sides of the hoop.I stitched out the very samedesign, and as you can see,the results are fantastic! Thenylon remained flat and didnot pucker. And, all parts ofthe design are lined upperfectly. Any marks left onthe hoop will disappear in acouple of hours or they canbe ironed out using a lowtemperature setting and apressing cloth.file:///F|/EL/ELProjects/html/PR1433.html (5 of 6) [1/30/2013 8:40:41 AM]

<strong>Fabrics</strong> <strong>101</strong>: <strong>Embroidering</strong> on NylonNylon is relatively easy to care for. I would recommend washing on the gentle cycle with warmwater and a cool rinse. Using a fabric softener will reduce static problems. Tumble dry nylon ata low temperature setting and press at a cool temperature setting, or line dry.Stitching tips for nylon:NeedleStabilizerDesign Choice75/11 sharp needleCutaway (2.5 ounce)Choose designs with light to medium complexity; applique is also agreat choice.Click here for a printable version of this article.You'll need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you don't have it, youcan download a free copy by clicking on the icon below.file:///F|/EL/ELProjects/html/PR1433.html (6 of 6) [1/30/2013 8:40:41 AM]