Fabrics 101: Embroidering on Nylon

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<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]
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Fabrics 101: Embroidering on Nylon

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