OK here's the DUH question of the day.I have been using the saran type solvy for my machine embroidery, no matter what thickness I use, or pattern, FSL, Filled the machine(design) eats it at different stages. have used the special thread on bottom, have used same thread on bottom, new needles etc. I had been using one that had micro waffle design had a lot of texture but now can't find my source. Went to Jo Annes and my local quilt shop but they all say- Sorry, I've never seen that before.No matter what I attempt Sonia Showalter angels, babylock designs, Needle of Anne-All seem to make a mess of every t-shirt I attempt to sew on.Now I had made these FSL designs before w/o a problem. Shoot the machine???

How old is your WSS? I've heard that the clear stuff gets brittle when it is old or has been exposed to humidity. Just a thought. I use Vilene and haven't had a problem. You might want to take your machine to a nearby sewing store and see if they will walk you through the problem. The one near me will do it at no charge as long as the machine doesn't need maintenance. Good luck!! Machine problems are extremely frustrating and discouraging. I've had lots, so know very well....

I see you have many helpful answers Stella - hope you come right soon.
Sarah.

I use Vilene a lot, the strong type, and use two sheets for large, dense Free-standing lace or for in-the-hoop projects. No problems.

Hey Stella, I know you probably used a new needle and also that needle was a 75/11 especially for FSL designs and you probably loosened the top thread tension by one point, so what else could it be?

Well, personally, I really don't like the Saran type of WSS as it always shreds on me.

So for FSL, I only ever use the fabric type, 2 layers, criss crossed.
For topping on towels etc under filled stitches, I now use Fabric Cover Up/Dry Cover up, it stays under the design and the rest you can tearaway.

Hugs n love, Meganne

1 comment

by theduchess 10 Nov 2011

Meganne:Thanks for the link.Did not know about this.Almost like the mega hoops but at a lower price? Will definitely check it out.Thanks you, Stella

I would go to the dealer where you got it and ask him to help you figure out the problem.. when I have a problem I can't figure out that is who I go to.. they are very helpful..

Eastwitch2 gave you all the same info that I would. I know it can be confusing at first, but you will figure out which works best for you and your machine. Good luck.

Good luck when you sew using this stuff again, you have had some great information

When my machine did that i had a burr on the steal plate.I filed it and then i had no more trouble lol hugs carolyn

1 comment

by theduchess 09 Nov 2011

Thanks for taking time to answer.

You have a couple of good answers. I would add that if you can, slow down your machine speed. Also, I have found that when using 2 layers of stabilizer it seems to be stronger if you put one on the crossgrain and the other on the lengthwise.

1 comment

by theduchess 09 Nov 2011

Thanks! Did not think of this.Stella

If by 'saran' you mean the cling wrap really thin stuff, then that sounds like what I would use as a topper on towels etc to stop the stitches sinking into the pile of the fabric.

For FSL I use Vilene, a more fabricy type WSS, and through trial and error, I use two layers of that.

Clear as mud??

1 comment

by theduchess 09 Nov 2011

You are so right. I had purchased some for towels just have not done them.I'll just load everyone up in my bag and trot over to the little shop Friday. i am sure someone there can sort them all out. This time I will label. Stella

There are 2 kinds of water soluble backing stabilizer that can be used for Free Standing Lace embroidery.
The first one is a heavy Film type that looks like plastic and is called Badgemaster and another is Ultra Solvy.
It is much heavier than the regular solvy water soluble stabilizers used as a topping on top of an item.

The other is the Fibrous type of water soluble stabilizer which goes by different named depending on the brand you buy such as Vilene Water soluble, Aqua Mesh, Wet N Gone, H2OGone, Wash Away to name just a few.

For Free standing lace embroidery use 2 layers of either of these 2 types of water soluble stabilizer.
The Fibrous type will not rip or punch out.
The film type may punch out.

Both these water solubles can be purchased at AllStitch.net or at World Weidner.

Use a size 75/11 or 80/12 sharp point needle for FSLace embroidery and change your needle often.

EastWitch2

2 comments

by theduchess 09 Nov 2011

Thanks so much for all the information. I do not have my tubes labeled and now I know I got everyone mixed up.I was getting ready to shoot the messenger.I had changed my needles, but forgot all about the stuff for on top of the work.Glad I did not get the sticky kind out at all. Stella

by theduchess 09 Nov 2011

Thanks for the links. lots of great prices.