How to choose the right stabiliser
Tear-away, cut-away or wash-away: match it to the fabric.
Step by step
- Firm woven fabric (canvas, denim, cotton, bags): tear-away.
- Stretchy fabric (T-shirts, sweatshirts, jersey): cut-away, which stays behind to support the design.
- Pile fabrics (towels, fleece): add water-soluble topping on top so stitches do not sink.
- Free-standing lace or very thin fabric: water-soluble.
- Dense designs need more support than light ones.
Pinny's tip
If it stretches, it needs cut-away.
If it stretches, it needs cut-away.
Watch
Ultimate Stabilizer Guide for Machine Embroidery | Embroidery for Beginners (7:25)
By Embroidery Legacy · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 7-minute video from Embroidery Legacy on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
All guides ›Machine embroidery
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.