Sulky Printable Stabilizer

I’m writing today about one of the best products I’ve ever used, and I don’t say that lightly!

It’s Sulky Sticky Fabri-Solvy Printable Stabilizer. I used this to put a design on a toddler sweatshirt that I got by accident from H&M (they sent the wrong thing).

The reason this is so nice has to do with embroidery design transfer. The are a few ways to transfer a design onto fabric. 1) use a heat-activated pencil on regular paper and iron it to the fabric. 2) use transfer paper. 3) trace it using a light box or window and a disappearing ink pen. I usually use the tracing method.

The problem with all those methods is that they don’t work on dark or thick fabric. That’s where this amazing stabilizer comes in. You can print a design right on the material and it sticks to the fabric while you stitch. When you’re finished, just soak the piece for a few minutes and the stabilizer dissolves.

One downside is that the glue inhibits the needle, so you can’t “sew” (i.e. you have to use the up-and-down stitching method), but chances are you might have to do that anyway if the fabric is thick.

I also used an iron-on backing on this sweatshirt: Sulky Soft and Sheer Cut-Away Stabilizer. It’s meant to cover the bumpy embroidery so there’s a nicer surface against the skin. They make another one called Tender Touch as well. The Tender Touch is specifically just for backing whereas the Soft and Sheer is also a stabilizer, preventing any stretch or movement of the embroidery. The Soft and Sheer is pretty lightweight and prone to scorching or melting so you have to use a pressing cloth and low heat.

This design is by Tata Sol on Etsy: I’m Amazing Embroidery Pattern.