Yep, I don't get it either. I have been hesitant to embroider on my knit tops thus far because of that. I did one that turned out weird cause I guess the fabric moved (should have used adhesive spray or iron on I guess) and one where my bobbin casing pulled the fabric down inside so I got a hole I had to embroider over. I'll be watching this too. I have mostly done dish towels and felt projects and FSL because of all this.
~Debra

Rules? I use my own judgment and it's been ok so far.

Let me know also.Right now I am looking at 1 tube ULTRA SOLVY, 1 can spray adhesive,1 tube Super Solvy, 1 tube Poly Mesh Cut-a-Way. I have NO CLUE which to use on a towel.Have only used ultra to make the FSL crosses. I also have a small roll of something that resembles tissue paper but cannot recall why saleslady told me I needed it.Can't afford to ruin towels or tops.

I have found that it just take trial and error till you find what work with your machine the thread and density of the design are you stabilizing. with the density of the design or the move and weave of the fabric some times I use more than one type of stabilizer to meet all the needs of the design and the type of fabric I do samples and make a note of what works and what doesn't I use fiber WSS organze stiff tulle tearaway and cutaway and starch the fabric I also use the scrap of the wss and make a paste with water and dip tight weave polyester shower curtain pieces cut to size need let dry press and use as a cutaway with a sandwich of one layer wss in the middle between cloth and fabric be used for the design olso use a stay in place topper if the fabric has a pile that the design will try to hide in (sorry about the spelling no spell check on this computer and my brain is having trouble spelling today have brain swelling problems today) hope this helps can PM if you want more information as to a special project maybe I can help but most of all you just have to try different thing till you find what works for you.

Jrob once posted a nice list of which stabiliser for which material. I'll see if I can find it.

Emblibrary's advice sounds more logical - on jeans I never use any.

Found it, see link

Hello Sea
Love Me (freedom) lol

Thank you to everyone whom responded to my confusion over conflicting statments about the stabiliser on two different but pro sites. Sadly I do not have enought flowers to give you one each. Hugs instead.

Here is a workbook that I printed out. I read it and highlighted a lot of info...but have to admit that so far, I have been winging it. Also, she uses the terminology for her line of stabilizers...but you can exchange the label for another brand and I think the ideas stay the same.

http://www.rnkdistributing.com//pdf-files/JennyHaskinsStabilizerWorkbook.pdf

Hi Glory,
I have a definite preference for medium weight cut away stabiliser that I purchase in bulk from either Shopper's Rule or ABC because we really don't have much to choose from here in Australia and I find that what is available is terribly overpriced.

I also love the fabric type Water Soluble Stabiliser (for lace) from ABC and Cloud Cover from Shopper's Rule.

Then there is Fabric Cover (formerly called Dry Cover Up) which is fantastic for embroidering on towels and is available from Discount Embroidery Supply.

Now I know most countries have different import/tax/duty regulations but have you actually checked with English authorities as to precisely what they are there?

In the beginning I was worried about being charged duty/taxes etc. on things I purchased from overseas, but I was amazed to find out that duty is only charged on goods valued at $1,000 AUD, calculated on the exchange rate on the day the goods actually arrive here.

Now this calculation is spread over all your parcels/purchases that arrive on the same day so it makes sense not to buy huge amounts, or several lots close together, in case they should all arrive on the same day and put the combined value over the $1,000 limit.

So, you see you may find that England might have similar limits and you may be able to purchase your stabilisers from the States without it costing you an arm and a leg.

Just some food for thought that I hope is helpful to you.
hugs and roses, Meganne