Cutting Embroidery Stabilizer
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
Cutting Embroidery Stabilizer
I got back 2 jobs from the embroiderer today & the stabilizer was not trimmed at all. It is bigger than the piece to which it's attached in one case. Other than being careful not to cut the fabric/stitching, is there anything I need to know (do I need to leave an allowance of stabilizer around stitching, do cuts need to be straight instead of curved, etc)? Also, in case it makes a difference, she used 2 layers of a light weight stabilizer & they are not fused together.
Thanks for any tips! My old embroidered always cut it for me, but his business is struggling & he has become really, really rude to customers. I just don't know what to do.
Thanks for any tips! My old embroidered always cut it for me, but his business is struggling & he has become really, really rude to customers. I just don't know what to do.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 927
I would trim 1/4-1/8 inch away, making each layer slightly different (aka grading the stabilizer). Don't go crazy about it though. You don't need to cut between blocks of stitching unless they are widely separated. I do lots and lots of embroidery on everything from onesies to heavy bags, and that is the method I do. Note that scissors with curved blades make this much easier!
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,503
I use a special pair of scissors that helps you get close to the stitching without possibly cutting into the threads. I'd think cutting as close as possible would be the thing to do but I could be wrong on that note too. Check to see if the stabilizer is tear away or cut away too.
#5
I would certainly trim it away as all that extra stabilizer as suggested above as it will add weight and may cause problems when you quilt on top of it. When I use two layers of cutaway I cut one layer slightly smaller than the other to soften the edge so it doesn't make a hard line. I trim around the curves and all.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I use my old duck bill Gingher scissor to clip away threads with my applique. LOVE them. They are my favorite Gingher and I have 6 different kind.
Last edited by ManiacQuilter2; 10-21-2015 at 06:25 AM.
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