Adel, it is more how many stitches are in a concentrated area that I consider heavy. I guage my stabilizer by this: The stretchier the material, the heavier the stabilizer and if it doesn't hardly stretch at all, I use a light stabilizer. Hope this helps you.;)

I thing too that it is more important to match the stabilizer to the type of fabric rather that the stitches as jrob said. You also want to consider the stitch count for the type of fabric.

I have a flower for you today - as you have some good answers already. *4U

Go to www.rnkdistributing.com They have a workbook you can download also go the Kayly tips. I went to a lecture on Floriani stabilizer and it was very soft and bulgy or bubbly. Nice sight.

Fantastic question and good answers. thanks Lisa

I do believe jrob has set u on the right path adele, *4U

There is a "rule of thumb" guide on stabilizers on my web site. I will include the link.

I know I've read many articles on this but for the life of me I can never remember what i've read, so, when it comes down to stitching out, I look at the number of stitches compared to the size of the design, then I mentally compare it to others I have successfully stitched, then I completely ignore all that and go by my gut instinct depending more on the material I am stitching on.

I bet you thought you were going to get a really sensible answer... LOL! Sorry, teeheehee! :-}

Actually, IMHO, it really comes down more to the quality of the stabiliser you use,,,, I learnt very early that buying (cheap) bulk stabilisers from some ebay sellers caused me more heartache than they were worth.
Now I only buy GOOD bulk stabiliser from ABC or Shoppers Rule because I know I can trust it if it says only one layer is necessary for even a heavy stitch count. ABC often have sales and free post in USA. thay have a sale on now.

You could do a search of Sick articles, or check out Emblibrary actually I'm not doing much so i'll check them out for you :-}}

Now I should have given you enough to stop you stitching for a week.... LOL!!!
Hope it helps, hugs n roses, Meganne