All the suggestions below are good, I just want to add one more for the lighter weight satin. Support the satin with an iron on woven interfacing with the grain of the interfacing at about a 45 degree angle to the grain of the fabric. Then handle it like you would a single layer of fabric, using appropriate stabelizers. I also use a #9 needle. RNK Distributing (maker of Floriani Stableizers) has a nice chart on their website. Click on "Solutions" at the top of the screen.
ttt for more help. I'm planning to do this soon, so I need all your answers, too. Marji
I embroidered my daughter's wedding dress very heavily without any problems (it's somewhere in the projects, Esther's dress). Just used tear away in the hoop and used temporary spray glue to fix the satin. From leftover bits of the satin lining, which was a far lighter material, I made some goody bags, but they were horrible to embroider, even with iron on (thicker) stabilizer.
When I embroider on satin I use an iron-on stabilizer plus a tear-away stabilizer
The emlibrary team offer written and photo instructions that can be downloaded and printed out or you can watch their free video on stitching on satin. It is found under: "Techniques and Tips" Then scroll down to the "Stitching on Satin" icon. It's really helpful.
Cheers!
1Hot2M8a
Make sure the fabric is framed tightly, or stick the fabic to the frame with sticky backing, put a film over the top. Machine Needle is small. slow the machine down. I have always found dense patterns very hard to sew on satin, voile, etc.without puckering.
I use sticky stabiliser, you hoop the stabiliser and stick the satin to it. I dont hoop the satin. You should also use a new needle. hope this helps.