what kind of stabilizer do you use when making an intricate redwork (linework) design? I used tearaway, but it took forever to get all the stabilizer removed. Any quick suggestions?

I also prefer to use wss on red work designs. Also use it on sheer fabrics like tea towels where tear away would be too heavy and remaining cut-away would be visible on the front.

I use vilene too. If I think the stitches may get lost in the weave of the fabric, I put a sheet of vilene for a topper too. It keeps the stitches on top of the fabric.

I have inherited masses of old bed sheets. They make wonderful stabilisers!

2 comments

by graceandham 25 Sep 2014

Oh, that's cheating, isn't it? Wow! Would never have tried that!

by lique 26 Sep 2014

I like to cheat if it suits me!

Vilene - which is a fabric like wash-away.

Tear away is usually too hard on the stitches in redwork. the fiber like wash away is safer. Just have to soak it to get it all out if you want it to be "soft" afterwards. You can always used 2 layers of it if you think it needs it. Good luck!

1 comment

by graceandham 25 Sep 2014

Like, over 10,000 stitches.

I made curtains using fibrous washaway stabilizer with an Urban Threads thistle design and they came out looking wonderful.