Advice please. I want to embroider on a lightweight Cotton/Poly. It's what Joanne's used to call Symphony. Since it's not all cotton it is not very forgiving and I always have puckering problems. Has anyone used this fabric successfully and do you have any tips for me? Thank you!

I think I conquered it. I starched it a lot and used 2 layers of tear away underneath.
Now I just have to conquer satin. One design on the satin worked great with just 2 layers of tear away underneath but my lettering is puckered.

2 comments

by pennyhal2 21 Jun 2016

I'm glad that adding more stabilizer solved your problem! I've done lettering on satin using the letters from my Bernina machine without a problem.

If it is a purchased font, check to see how much underlay it has. I've found that on my machine I get puckers if the font doesn't have sufficient underlay.

by sewmom 21 Jun 2016

The font is from my Masterworks II software. It's pretty thin and doesn't need a lot of underlay.

Sometimes having a too high a tension on the threads results in puckers. If you puckers on other types of fabrics you sew, the tension is probably ok. Some fabrics just pucker for me even if I starch the fabric stiff.

In that case, I stablilize the fabric on the back with washaway stabilizer using temporary spray glue. The I lay 3 layers of washaway stbilizer on top. Do not use spray glue for the top. Just lay the stabilizer on top. You don't want to use spray temporary glue on the top stabilizers because that will make the layers too difficult for the needle to get through and you can break a needle.That little extra space that the washaway puts in there helps get rid of puckers.

I often use leftover pieces of stabilizer when doing this. This can result in the sewing machine's foot getting caught if it should slide under the loose stabilizer on top. So I usually just use scraps for the first two top layers, then a larger top piece to lay on top to prevent the foot from getting under the smaller stabilizer pieces.

1 comment

by sewmom 21 Jun 2016

Thank you.

I use liquid goo for any drapey fabric. Velveteen do loosen up with handling, however it is enough to get the job done. Good Luck

Kim's advice about the goo seems good to me, but most important is to not try to use a dense design. That is asking for trouble.

1 comment

by sewmom 19 Jun 2016

Thank you.

I am not expert enough to try to guide you through this process but I see that you have already had some good advice. There are a number of embroidery websites that offer guidance blogs on all manner of potential embroidery problems, one of which is Embroidery Library. I have, hopefully, added the links to two sources of information which in any event are always worth reading. Hope that this helps.

1 comment

by sewmom 19 Jun 2016

Thank you.

I have used this fabric before...I usually do not wash my fabric...but for those who do...please go ahead and do so...I "stabilize" this fabric with "goo" that is made from WSS scraps...water and WSS scraps..dunk fabric to saturate...spread out flat and let dry...lightly iron with a press cloth...the fabric should be stiff...embroider...this works well with various light weight fabrics that have a tenancy to pucker...If you don't want to go the 'goop' route...spray starch heavily several times until the fabric is very stiff...then embroider...not sure what kind of design you are planning to use, but on a fabric like this it is best to use a lighter density design...

2 comments

by sewmom 19 Jun 2016

Thanks you for the tips!

by crafter2243 21 Jun 2016

Is there a ratio of water and WSS to make "goo"

I have embroidered on just about everything except Balsa Wood ( not game for that) and I have found that sometimes dressmakers interfacing works the best for some things. Not the iron on type and a new sharp needle.
Are you making the item from scratch? or is it ready made?
If possible do a test with fabric interfacing and the most dense part of the design to see how it goes.
I am sure more advice will follow.

3 comments

by sewmom edited 18 Jun 2016

I'm doing it from scratch. I do know that this fabric shrinks with a hot iron even after pre-shrinking it. I'm making a child's cape and this fabric washes really well which is why I want to use it. The other option would be to do something shiny/slippery but they would have their own issues.

by bevintex 18 Jun 2016

try a heavy starch after washing

by spendlove 19 Jun 2016

Don't be frightened of balsa wood - it is easy to embroider!