Yesterday someone asked my Yahoo group about whether stablizer can shrink and if so, how to prevent that? We’re getting some great answers:
ROBERTA:
I really would like to get some feedback on a particular issue: SHRINKAGEI recently read somewhere that some people both prewash their fabric AND stabilizer to prevent shrinking after a newly embroidered garment is washed. I would like to get some feedback about this. I have been using Sulky stabilizer (nylon mesh) for tee shirts. After continuing to get the same results, i.e. puckering after washing an embroidered tee shirt, it finally occurred to me that the stabilizer was shrinking.
Are there any brands out there that don’t shrink? Does anyone on this list prewash their stabilizer? Any help I can get with this issue will be appreciated.
SUZ:
I’m not aware of any stabilizer that doesn’t shrink at least a little. I don’t prewash, but I use my steam iron and just shoot hot steam on the stabilizer – it’s quick and easy. Be sure to let it dry before using it or it will stretch in the hoop. That seems to do the trick with all the kinds I’ve used.
LINDA:
I just steam mine before using Seems to eliminate any shrinkage. I think they all shrink some, even the non-fabric based ones. Don’t touch the iron to the stabilizer, just hold it about ½ inch above.
DOREEN ABOUT FUSIBLE STABILIZER:
I run under a tap of warmer water and hang to dry. Steam by holding the iron above the stabilizer and then fuse
LINDA:
I lay my fusible stabilizer with the fusible up when steaming. Then I turn it over to fuse it to my fabric.
In response to my question about what brand of stabilizer, Marge replied: I use Floriani’s nylon mesh, like his best.
Responding to a question about using this method for Jeans, Marge replied: I would use a product like Wonder Under, fuse the design to the jeans and then applique it by hand. It should stay on without a problem.