A fabric stabilizer is an essential extra for anyone interested in embroidery or detailed stitchwork. It helps keep the fabric stiff while stitching to avoid puckering or over-stretching for a stable, accurately finished piece.
You can buy a water-soluble stabilizer that dissolves once a garment is washed. This is ideal for when you cannot have a single speck of stabilizer remaining on your project.
Alternatively, you can invest in tear-away stabilizers. Available in adhesive and non-adhesive, these are often stiffer and stronger. They’re ideal for large projects or dense stitching where stability is paramount.
Not sure which fabric stabilizer works best for the projects you want to take on? Consider a stabilizer sampler pack with examples of several types. Try them all, and next time, you can invest in the one you prefer.