Compiled Embroidery Skill Articles

10/28/2016 Back to Basics
When embroidering on an unstable fabric, like a knit, you need more stability from
a backing. A stable fabric, such as denim or canvas, will require less. Beyond the
fabric, let your backing decision be influenced by the design, color and product.
Consider the Switch
Designs created with short stitch lengths, or with higher stitch densities, will benefit
from a heavier backing. Large designs — for example, jacket backs — should make
you think of using a heavier backing.
Also, remember that while most backings are white, if you are embroidering on a
dark material, black backings are readily available. Finally , what is the purpose of
the item you are embroidering? What is the probable visibility of the back side? In
the event that its back side will be seen — as in blankets, towels or jackets — you’ll
want as little backing left as possible.
Explore Other Options
Before you consider using specialty backings, there are two basic options from
which to choose: cutaway and tearaway.
Shop Spotlight
Cutaway backings literally need to be cut from around the back of the design once
it is stitched. This is the best choice for unstable fabrics that comprise garments
such as sweat shirts, piqué knit golf shirts or sheer dresses.
Softer than most tearaway backings, cutaway also is best choice for garments that
will be worn against the skin to avoid a scratchy feeling. High­density and large
designs also will look best when a cutaway backing is used.
Tearaway backing should be your go­to choice for heavier , more stable fabrics
such as those used in work shirts, denim jackets and jeans or canvas tote bags.
This backing needs no scissors or shears to remove excess, and can simply be
torn away from the design. Both cutaway and tearaway backing options are
available in light, medium and heavyweight configurations in rolls or precuts, and
many come in both white and black.
Process Engineering
When Michael Rothermund got laid of f from his
fourth job in the engineering industry , he knew it
was time for a change — and all signs pointed to
the T­shirt business...
Read more
Something Special
As jobs become more complex and demanding, the normal, everyday backings
won’t necessarily be the best choice. Manufacturers have risen to the challenge
with a host of alternatives — specialty backings — that were designed with
particular applications in mind.
Specialty tearaway backings, for example, include cap backings that are ideal when
embroidering caps and cap­style hats.
They come in white or black in a few different weights, but most importantly, are
available in precut packs. Some measure 4" x 7" or 4"x 12", allowing embroiderers
to embellish the front and sides of a cap. These backings are designed to fit
directly into cap frames to hold the cap still to ensure registration stays in place.
Other tearaway specialty backings include waf fle, washaway and stick­on, each
serving a unique purpose. W affle, also known as “popaway” because of the
popping noise it makes when removed, was designed for delicate fabrics and
designs. When removed by hand, it causes minimal stress on the design.
Washaway is used when the back side of a sturdy item, like a towel or linens, can
be seen. Excess backing is removed by hand, and any remaining small pieces will
disappear when the item is washed.
Stick­on backing is used for small, hard­to­hoop areas, such as pockets, socks,
cuffs, belts and collars. It also can be used on fabrics such as velour and brushed
corduroy to prevent hoop burns. It features pressure­sensitive adhesive covered
with a release paper on one side. It also can prevent hoop burns on some stretchy
performancewear fabrics.
http://impressions.issshows.com/embroidery­process/Back­to­Basics­9980.shtml 2/3