Impressions - May 2016 - 56

think.
make.
do.

EmbroidEry ProduCtion
Like this article? read more embroidery
articles at impressionsmag.com/embroidery.

Back to Basics
Choose the correct backing
for impressive embroidery results.
By NANCy MINI, CoNtrIButINg WrIter

When it comes to getting the biggest
bang for your embroidery buck, the right
backing or topping makes the difference
between a ho-hum product and results that
truly pop. Not everyone who embellishes
apparel or home décor with embroidery
realizes the fabric itself plays a major role
in the decision regarding which backing
should be used.
Backings, also called stabilizers, allow
the hooped garment to glide smoothly
on the needle plate of your embroidery
machine. This smooth movement
during the embroidery process keeps the
registration of your design in place.
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.

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.

Consider the Switch

Explore Other Options

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

Before you consider using specialty backings, there are two basic options from
which to choose: cutaway and tearaway.
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. High-density 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.
Something Special

Most backing is available in
white and black.All photos
courtesy of Nancy Mini,
Madeira USA.

P.56

i m p r e s s i o n s m a g . c o m MAY 2016

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.
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Impressions - May 2016

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