I found (in my stash) about 10 yards of WSS. It is now too stiff to use. Any ideas on how to make it soft and usable again? Thanks, Suzanna

I'm guessing that you are using the "plastic" type of wss. That's all that was available when I began machine embroidery and we were told to keep it in a ziploc bag. I did that but often it would dry out and get crisp anyway. Sooooooooo, since I have discovered the vilene type of wss that's all I use. My remnants of the old "plastic" type are what I use when I make my "solvy soup" and then I paint it directly on the fabric to be embroidered. Go to the first comment by jrob and then go to the Solvy Soup link and read what she has to say. That's exactly what I've been doing for years...only water, no alcohol. Your purchase is not wasted; you will just find another way to use it.

I'm glad you posted this. I didn't know that it could get stiff.

I think you should keep going through your stash...maybe you'll come across something else we need to know about!

Hello dear, I had the same problem. I clipped the WSS on a laundry rack and put it in the garage over night because the humidity raises after sunset. It might also help, if you put it on a skirthanger and put it into your bathroom after a bath or shower. But it should not touch a wet surface. Good luck and happy stitching

Here in Brisbane in the Summer my problem is the opposite the heat makes it go too soft almost like cling wrap and I have to put air con on to firm it up.
My suggestion would be to cut it the size you want to hoop and use a hair dryer on it and see if that makes it soft like it used to be.

How about a loaf of bread and the WSS in a sealed bag? It works to add a slice to brown sugar... you never know. I've been thinking of trying it, but I have kept mine in sealed bags since the first lot.

4 comments

by Sewmum1 30 Dec 2017

I wonder if rice would do the same then there would be no issues with bread going mouldy if forgotten. (Only suggesting because I would forget about the bread!) I keep my stabiliser in a sealed bag too and then in a cupboard away from the window

by rescuer edited 31 Dec 2017

Wouldn't rice dry it out? I just wonder because that is what we use to try to save cell phones that have been dropped into water. The rice draws out the water. However, with the bread, I didn't think about the possible mold.

by Sewmum1 31 Dec 2017

Yes thats true and it probably needs just a bit of moisture to soften it. I think I would probably just try and hoop it unless it was too stiff to hoop

by graceandham 31 Dec 2017

Pin it.

I'd have to second what gtaceandham said. It doesn't really "go bad" but does get kind of stiff, I just use it anyway and haven't had any problems.

2 comments

by sewist1 30 Dec 2017

I've done the same.

by sebsews 31 Dec 2017

Ok thanks. I will use it but maybe not on towels. Thanks, Suzanna

Oh what a shame. You have nothing to lose but try a couple of different methods to see what will work. It almost sounds like whatever it is made from to help it dissolve may have been activated partially, possibly just by absorbing moisture naturally found in the air.
Have you tried to see if a piece will still dissolve in water? That may help you decide if it is worth trying to save or not.

2 comments

by sebsews 31 Dec 2017

It dissolves in water but when I embroidery on it the needle seems to break the film and I do not get good coverage on towels.

by Sewmum1 03 Jan 2018

Now I realise you are using the plastic style wss not vilene type. I have this problem with the plastic wss perforating and tearing as it embroiders too, figured it was just getting old or the temp/humidity in my sewing room wasn't right for it. Placed it in a different large plastic bag and when I went to use it next it seemed much better. I usually use this wss for towelling now and use 2 layers if necessary. I hope you can salvage it so it is usable

I had some that was pretty crispy and I found that it cleaned off after stitchout SO much easier. I was delighted. If you're going to liquefy it, just do a bit, maybe 1/8 yard, at a time, as it can go bad, particularly if your faucet water isn't perfection.

2 comments

by sewist1 30 Dec 2017

I have found the same thing.

by sebsews 31 Dec 2017

You are right, it does come off so much easier.

I've never done this, so this isn't a personal recommendation, but it seems it may be worth a try since yours has gone bad anyway.

2 comments

by marianb 31 Dec 2017

Thank you was looking for this.

by sebsews 31 Dec 2017

I will try this. Hope it works.