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

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??

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.

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

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

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.

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..

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

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.

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

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....