Embroidery Backing Guide (How & When to Use It)

Embroidered items, like those cute baby onesies, should feel as good as they look. Nobody wants a beautiful design that’s uncomfortable to wear, right?

Master Embroidery: Ultimate Backing Guide for Flawless Designs

Enter the unsung hero: embroidery backing. This little wonder ensures that those intricate machine embroidery designs don’t irritate the skin, making wearables comfy-cozy!

Not just for machine embroidery, hand stitching artists benefit too. A good backing can enhance fabric stability, reduce visible thread tails from the front, and protect those delicate threads from laundry nightmares.

Choosing and Using the Right Embroidery Backing

Wondering which backing to pick or how to stick it on? No worries! Let Luna guide you through the world of backings. Along the way, I’ll sprinkle in some top fabric options and their best use cases.

Both hand and machine embroidery lovers can utilize backings. For my machine enthusiasts, let’s keep our focus off stabilizers for now, but if you’re itching to dive deep into stabilizers (like tear-away or cut-away), peek at my detailed stabilizer guide.

Steps to Apply Embroidery Backing

  • Cut the mesh backing to fit. It should be slightly larger than your design for covering stitches, but a tad smaller if stabilizing.
  • Lay the rough side on the embroidery, keeping the smooth side up.
  • Press with a medium heat iron for 15 seconds (FYI, I adore using my Cricut Easy Press set at 260 degrees).
  • Allow it to cool, then check if it’s fused. If not, give it another go. If your fabric’s delicate, consider using a protective pressing cloth.

Picking the Perfect Backing: Things to Mull Over

  • Will it alter your fabric’s feel? Ensure it doesn’t interfere with the fabric’s natural flow or feel.
  • Is it long-lasting? How does it fare after multiple washes?
  • Size and ease of use matter. For big projects, a single fused piece is ideal!
  • If you’re dealing with sheer fabric, ensure the backing won’t play peek-a-boo from the front.

Luna’s Top 5 Embroidery Backings

  1. Sulky Tender Touch Backing – This soft, stretchy mesh stabilizer is my go-to. Ideal for both hand and machine embroidery, it ensures designs are soft to the touch. A tip: for best results, ensure you apply adequate iron pressure.
  2. Exquisite Fuse So Soft – A lightweight fusible tricot backing, it’s a favorite for covering those pesky scratchy stitches and is a permanent stabilizer contender for quilts.
  3. Stabilizer Manufacturer Alternatives – Brands like OESD, SuperStable, and Floriani have their take on fusible linings or embroidery backings. They’re worth a look!
  4. Pellon Interfacing – If specialized backing isn’t your thing, sewing interfacing can be your best bud. Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex fusible is a top pick. It offers more stability but ensure your fabric and interfacing shrink rates match to avoid puckering.
  5. Fusible Tricot Knit – Check out your favorite interfacing brand’s fusible tricot knit options. The lightweight ones are akin to the specialized embroidery backing options.

With this backing knowledge under your belt, your next embroidery project is bound to be a comfy and gorgeous success! Remember, backings are like the best friends of embroidery – always there to offer support and comfort.

Quick Recap

Key Points Details
Importance of Backing Enhances comfort, reduces irritation, and stabilizes fabric
Application Cut to size, place rough side down, press with medium heat, and let cool
Considerations Fabric feel, durability, size, and visibility on sheer fabrics
Top Backings Sulky Tender Touch, Exquisite Fuse So Soft, Stabilizer Manufacturer Alternatives, Pellon Interfacing, Fusible Tricot Knit


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Hello! I'm Monica, the creative mind behind sewing-beginners.com. On my blog, I delve into the world of sewing, sharing my passion and knowledge with a community of both novice and seasoned sewers. From foundational techniques and comprehensive tutorials to innovative projects and expert tips, I cover a wide array of topics to assist you on your sewing journey.

My aim is to make sewing approachable and fun for everyone. I offer detailed instructions, project inspirations, and practical advice to motivate and educate. Whether you're embarking on your first sewing project or looking to enhance your skills, my blog is here to guide and support you at every stage.

Join me on sewing-beginners.com as we explore the art of sewing together, crafting beautiful and unique creations with every stitch. Thank you for visiting my blog and being part of this fantastic sewing community!