A Deep Dive into OESD Stabilizers:
Why We Trust Them for Every Stitch
After last week’s post, I received quite a few requests to dive deeper into the stabilizers we carry. At Be Sew Creative, we stock OESD stabilizers, a brand we’ve trusted from the start. We’ve stuck with them because their products consistently deliver great results. While there are many excellent stabilizer brands out there, the key takeaway is this: never skimp on your stabilizer! So many projects go wrong simply because the stabilizer wasn’t up to the task or there wasn’t enough of it. Here’s a closer look at the OESD stabilizers we have in store.
TearAway Stabilizers
TearAway stabilizers are temporary stabilizers that provide support during embroidery and can be easily torn away after the stitching is complete. These are ideal for stable, non-stretch fabrics.
- LightWeight TearAway: This stabilizer is best for low-stitch-count designs and lightweight fabrics. It’s easy to tear away and leaves minimal residue, making it suitable for delicate projects.
- MediumWeight TearAway: Offering a balance between support and ease of removal, this is a versatile option for most standard fabrics like cotton and linen. It’s ideal for medium-density designs.
- HeavyWeight TearAway: Designed for use with dense embroidery designs or thicker fabrics, HeavyWeight TearAway provides robust support and is perfect for projects that require extra stability, such as patches and appliqué.
TearAway stabilizers are best suited for woven fabrics and projects where you want to remove all traces of the stabilizer after embroidery. They are ideal for lightweight to medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, and denim.
CutAway Stabilizers
CutAway stabilizers provide permanent support for embroidery, remaining in the fabric after the stitching is complete. They are essential for use with knits and other stretchy fabrics to prevent distortion.
- LightWeight CutAway: Ideal for light fabrics and designs, this stabilizer offers permanent support without adding bulk, making it perfect for t-shirts, infant wear, and lightweight knits.
- MediumWeight CutAway: This is a versatile, all-purpose stabilizer that works well with both knits and woven fabrics. It’s suitable for most embroidery designs, providing consistent support.
- HeavyWeight CutAway: For dense designs or heavy fabrics like fleece, wool, and thick knits, this stabilizer ensures that the fabric remains stable throughout the embroidery process and after.
CutAway stabilizers are ideal for knits, stretchy fabrics, and any project where long-term stability is needed to prevent the fabric from distorting or stretching over time.
WashAway Stabilizers
WashAway stabilizers dissolve completely in water, leaving no residue behind. These are perfect for projects where you don’t want any stabilizer remaining in the fabric after embroidery.
- AquaMesh: This lightweight, water-soluble stabilizer is ideal for lace, sheer fabrics, and standalone embroidery designs. AquaMesh provides a solid base for stitching and dissolves easily in water.
- StabilStick WashAway: Combining the benefits of AquaMesh with an adhesive backing, this stabilizer is perfect for hard-to-hoop fabrics or projects requiring precise placement. It’s great for securing fabric in place during embroidery and washes away completely.
- AquaFilm: A clear, plastic-like topping that dissolves in water, AquaFilm is used to prevent stitches from sinking into high-pile fabrics like terry cloth. It can also be used as a backing for delicate fabrics.
WashAway stabilizers are ideal for projects like freestanding lace, heirloom embroidery, or any design on delicate or sheer fabrics where you don’t want any stabilizer residue left behind.
Fusible Stabilizers
Fusible stabilizers have a heat-activated adhesive that can be ironed onto the fabric before embroidery. This helps to keep the fabric in place and prevents shifting during the stitching process.
- Fusible Woven: This stabilizer provides a soft, fabric-like feel and is ideal for light to medium-weight fabrics. It’s perfect for adding a little extra stability to delicate fabrics without adding bulk.
- Fusible PolyMesh CutAway: This stabilizer is designed for lightweight and sheer fabrics. It fuses to the fabric, preventing movement, and is thin enough to avoid adding weight or show-through in finished projects.
Fusible stabilizers are excellent for projects involving lightweight or delicate fabrics where you need to secure the fabric firmly before starting embroidery.
Specialty Stabilizers
OESD offers a range of specialty stabilizers that address specific challenges in embroidery, providing tailored solutions for unique projects.
- Heat2Go: A heat-removable stabilizer that disappears with the application of an iron. It’s perfect for projects where water-soluble stabilizers aren’t suitable, like certain fibers or fabrics.
- BadgeMaster: A super-strong water-soluble stabilizer designed specifically for creating badges, emblems, and patches. BadgeMaster offers strong support for dense stitching and washes away cleanly.
- Stitch2O: Another water-soluble film stabilizer, Stitch2O can be used as either a topping or backing. It’s ideal for intricate designs, freestanding lace, and delicate fabrics.
- PolyMesh CutAway: A soft, sheer stabilizer that provides permanent support without bulk, PolyMesh is perfect for lightweight fabrics like knits, where show-through can be an issue.
Specialty stabilizers are used for specific tasks like badge-making, heat-sensitive fabrics, and projects requiring precise removal of stabilizer post-stitching.
Choosing the Right OESD Stabilizer
Selecting the appropriate stabilizer depends on several factors:
- Fabric Type: The fabric you’re working with will largely determine which stabilizer you need. For stable, woven fabrics, TearAway stabilizers are typically sufficient. For knits and stretchy fabrics, CutAway stabilizers provide the necessary support.
- Design Density: The complexity and stitch density of your embroidery design also play a crucial role. Heavier, more intricate designs often require a heavier stabilizer to maintain fabric stability.
- Removal Preference: Consider whether you want the stabilizer to remain in the fabric or be completely removed. CutAway stabilizers remain permanently, while TearAway and WashAway stabilizers are designed for complete removal after embroidery.
- Project Specificity: For unique projects like lace, badges, or heat-sensitive fabrics, specialty stabilizers like BadgeMaster or Heat2Go provide the best results.
- Finish and Appearance: For projects where the appearance of the stabilizer post-embroidery is critical (e.g., sheer fabrics or high-pile fabrics), selecting the right type of stabilizer, such as PolyMesh or AquaFilm, is essential.
OESD’s wide range of embroidery stabilizers ensures that there is a solution for every embroidery challenge. By understanding the properties and best uses of each stabilizer, you can achieve professional-quality results, regardless of the fabric or design. Whether you’re working with delicate lace, heavy knits, or anything in between, OESD has a stabilizer that can help you achieve the perfect finish. Investing in the right stabilizers will not only make the embroidery process smoother but also ensure that your projects look polished and last for years to come
A Quilty Little Christmas
Kimberbell has outdone themselves with their latest Christmas collection, Have Yourself a Quilty Little Christmas!
This charming collection brings a touch of nostalgia with four delightful quilts perfect for creating a festive holiday gallery wall.
You'll be stitching up the 10×10” Gingerbread Cookies, the 12×16” Quilty Wishes, the 10×18” Sending Holiday Wishes, and the 16×16” Quilty Little Christmas quilts on your embroidery machine.
Arrange them beautifully with the included printables! With 24 unique designs and a mix of techniques and embellishments, A Quilty Little Christmas is sure to create lasting holiday memories.
The cost of A Quilty Little Christmas is $74.98
And the cost of A Quilty Little Christmas Embellishment
Kit is $24.48.
To pre-order this darling collection please follow the link below:
A Quilty Little Christmas Embellishment Kit
Santa will be delivering this holiday cheer by the end of August. Don't delay, order yours today.1
Catch All Caddy 2.0
Everyone loves a By Annie bag, and the Catch All Caddy 2.0 is definitely a favorite. Join Lynda as she teaches you all the ins and outs of creating this fantastic caddy.
The Catch All Caddy 2.0 is loaded with easy-to-access slip pockets and dividers to keep everything organized. The six slip pockets on the outside are perfect for tools and supplies, and a zippered pocket on one end to keep your personal items safe and secure. Inside, the wide-open interior with expanding dividers offers plenty of storage possibilities.
Picking your own fabrics will allow you to make this a one of a kind project that is uniquely you!
Since this is an advanced project, you must have taken Lynda's By Annie's Clubhouse classes or are familiar with making By Annie patterns to enroll in this class.
Lynda Huff
3 Sessions
Saturdays,
August 17th, 31st
September 28th
10:30-4
$75
"Fresh Finds: Discover Our Latest Arrivals!"
We've gone a bit "squirrely" here at Be Sew Creative!
We just received the latest fabric from Clothworks, Secret Life of Squirrels 2. This adorable collection reveals what squirrels get up to in winter when no one’s watching.
Designed by artist Nancy Rose, who sets up little scenes for the squirrels and captures their antics on camera, this fabric is as charming as it gets. Nancy Rose also has a children’s book and calendars featuring real squirrels in everyday human activities.
If you know someone who’s a bit "squirrely" themselves, this fabric is the perfect gift!
Shop The Secret Life of Squirrels 2
Ready, Set, Sew!
Looking to dive into sewing with a fun and hands-on approach? Our Ready, Set, Sew Class is perfect for you!
The Mitered Placemat is an easy project to get you sewing and is a perfect project for gift giving in the coming holiday season!
Saturday,
August 24th
9-11
$15
Class Info and Sign Up
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