Embroidery stabilizers – which stabilizer should I use for machine embroidery?

There are many types of embroidery backing, but which embroidery stabilizer is suitable for which fabric and machine embroidery? You'll find out here!

The most important things at a glance

• Overview of the most common embroidery backings and their uses
• Information and tips on handling embroidery backings
• Troubleshooting common embroidery problems
• Tips for embroidery needles and threads
• Special materials

You read the Embroidery with the Embroidery Machine blog post just as much as I do, but you don't know which embroidery backings and stabilizers are suitable for your embroidery project? I can help with that!

For this post, I was kindly supported by the embroidery experts at Nähwelt Flach with important tips, information, and advice.

In the first part of this blog post, we'll look at what types of embroidery backings there are. Further down in this post, we'll go into each embroidery backing individually, looking at material compositions and areas of use. You'll also get valuable tips on using the individual materials.

Embroidery Backings and Their Uses: Your Guide to Perfect Embroidery

You love machine embroidery and want your embroidery projects to not only look beautiful but also professional? Then there's no getting around the right embroidery backings and stabilizers! They are the invisible backbone of your embroidery and ensure that even complex designs turn out perfectly on any fabric.

In this post, we'll show you what types of embroidery backings there are, when you should use which one, and how to use it correctly – including expert tips!

Types of Embroidery Backings – Overview

Embroidery backings can be divided into four main categories:

• Tear Away embroidery backings and films
• Cut Away embroidery backings
• Water-Soluble embroidery backings and films
• Other embroidery aids

Each of these groups has its own purpose and is indispensable depending on the type of fabric and embroidery technique.

Tear Away Embroidery Backings – Ideal for Lighter Embroidery Designs

Tear Away Backings are often hooped together with the fabric drum-tight. After embroidery, the excess backing can simply be torn away around the embroidery design. A small piece remains under the embroidery, ensuring lasting stability.

Important: These backings are perfect for embroidery designs with low to medium stitch density. If the density is too high, the design may shift – in this case, either a second layer or alternatively a cut away backing will help.

Special tip: "Pay attention to the special fiber structure – this makes it possible to tear the backing cleanly in all directions."

Using Tear Away Backings

BasicStabilizer & TearStrong

Cut the backing larger than the embroidery hoop.

Place under the fabric and hoop together tightly.

Embroider the design.

Carefully tear away the backing from the reverse side.

Filmoplast® & Filmoplast® Strong

Only hoop the backing tightly in the embroidery hoop (grid paper facing up).

Trim the overhangs and corners slightly.

Prick the paper with a needle and pull it off – the adhesive surface is exposed.

Stick the fabric on, smooth it out, and embroider it.

Pull the fabric away from the backing towards the center.

Cut Away Embroidery Backings – Maximum Stability for Demanding Embroidery

Cut Away Backings are the most stable type of embroidery backing. They remain permanently under the embroidery and ensure long-lasting firmness – ideal for stretchy fabrics and elaborate designs with high stitch density.

Special tip: "Cut Away Backings are particularly recommended for clothing that is washed frequently – this keeps your embroidery stable!"

Using Cut Away Backings

PolySoft & ExtraStrong

Cut the backing larger than the embroidery hoop.

Place under the fabric and hoop together tightly.

Embroider the design.

Carefully cut away the excess backing around the design.

PolySoft special tip:
For knitwear such as T-shirts or sweatshirts, spray the backing with temporary spray adhesive, fix it to the reverse side, and only then hoop it. This prevents the fabric from distorting during embroidery.

Water-Soluble Embroidery Backings and Films: Magical Helpers for Delicate Embroidery

Do you want to create delicate embroidery, freestanding lace designs, or embroider on fluffy fabrics like a professional? Then you should definitely get to know water-soluble embroidery backings and films! These special stabilizers dissolve completely when washed – leaving only your beautiful embroidery behind.

Here you'll find out when you use water-soluble embroidery backings, how to use them correctly, and which products will help you achieve impressive results.

When are water-soluble embroidery backings and films used?

Water-soluble embroidery backings and films are ideal for all materials that can be treated with water. They offer two great uses:

• As a top layer: Ideal for high-pile fabrics such as terry cloth, velvet, or plush. They prevent the stitches from "sinking" into the pile.
• As a backing: Perfect for light fabrics and embroidery designs with low stitch density. After washing, nothing remains – the result looks like it was magically created directly on the fabric!

Water-soluble embroidery backings are also indispensable for special embroidery techniques:

• For felt embroidery: Place the felt between two layers of backing – after embroidery, you can cleanly cut out the design.
• For freestanding lace: Here, e.g. AquaStrong provides stability during embroidery and then disappears without a trace.

Special tip: "Always store water-soluble backings in an airtight bag – this protects them from drying out and moisture!"

AquaFilm – the perfect top layer for fluffy fabrics

AquaFilm is a thin, water-soluble film that serves as a top layer when embroidering on high-pile fabrics. It prevents the pile from swallowing the embroidery and ensures razor-sharp results.

Using AquaFilm:

1. Hoop the fabric and the appropriate backing together.
2. Place AquaFilm as the top layer in the size of the embroidery design.
3. Embroider the design.
4. Then carefully tear away AquaFilm or remove it with a damp cotton swab.

AquaLight – the ideal stabilizer for delicate fabrics

AquaLight is a water-soluble embroidery backing that lies under the fabric. It provides light support for delicate fabrics or delicate designs – after washing, it completely disappears.

Using AquaLight:

Place AquaLight under the fabric and hoop together drum-tight.

• Optional: Use AquaFilm additionally as a top layer.
• Embroider the design with low stitch density.
• After embroidery, carefully cut away the excess backing.
• After washing, the backing is completely dissolved.

AquaStrong – for freestanding lace and creative special techniques

If you want to embroider delicate freestanding lace designs, you need a particularly stable, water-soluble stabilizer like AquaStrong. It is thick, firm, and yet water-soluble – ideal for projects where the fabric itself does not matter.

Using AquaStrong:

Hoop one layer of AquaStrong drum-tight in the embroidery hoop.

Embroider the freestanding lace design.

Expert tip: "Use the same embroidery thread for the top and bottom threads – this makes the design look perfect from both sides!"

Unhoop, generously cut away the excess backing.

Rinse in warm water – only until the desired firmness is reached.

Hoop the design, let it dry, and iron if necessary.

Aqua Strong for Embroidering Towels and Napkins

Aqua Strong is great if you want to embroider towels or napkins so that the embroidery looks good on both sides. Embroidery Queen Kasia Hanack, who knows extremely well about all kinds of embroidery, recommends the following procedure.

You need two different types of backing for terry cloth:

• Aqua Strong embroidery film (or comparable water-soluble backing, Soluvlies also works) under the fabric
• Aqua Light embroidery film (or similar) on top of the fabric (for fluffy materials such as terry cloth)

Here's how it's done:

• Lightly wipe the Aqua Strong embroidery film with a clean damp cloth to make it tacky
• Stick it to the wrong side of the fabric and press firmly
• Use the embroidery thread as the bobbin thread
• Bring the bobbin thread up and secure it with the top thread so that the thread does not knot
• Embroider slowly
• Wash out the backing after completion

Extra: BasicStabilizer – a universal backing that can be torn away

Although not water-soluble, the BasicStabilizer is an ideal addition for simpler fabrics. This soft embroidery backing is particularly suitable for:

• Redwork embroidery designs
• Quilting
• Appliqués
• Low-density decorative stitches

It ensures even results and high wearing comfort for embroidered clothing.

Application of BasicStabilizer:

Place the backing under the fabric.

Clamp the fabric and backing drum-tight into the embroidery hoop.

Embroider the design.

After embroidering, carefully tear away the backing around the edge of the design.

Technical information about BasicStabilizer

• Material composition: Cellulose / synthetic fibers
• Weight: 37 g/m²

Special tip: "Make sure that the backing cut is always larger than the embroidery hoop – this way you can still fine-tune the tension after clamping!"

TearStrong & Filmoplast® – Strong stabilizers for demanding embroidery projects

Whether you are embroidering on thick fabrics, creating fine cutwork designs, or decorating small parts such as collars and button plackets – with the right embroidery backings, every embroidery will be a success! In this post, we introduce you to two particularly strong helpers: TearStrong, the robust backing that can be torn away, and Filmoplast®, the clever self-adhesive embroidery backing for difficult materials.

TearStrong – the powerful backing for dense embroidery patterns

TearStrong is an extremely stable embroidery backing that can be torn away, ideal for heavy fabrics and dense embroidery designs. Thanks to the high density of the short backing fibers, it is particularly tear-resistant – and yet easy to remove in all directions.

Perfectly suited for:

• Heavy fabrics (e.g. denim, canvas, corduroy)
• Dense embroidery designs
• Techniques such as cutwork or paintwork

The innovative fiber technology allows the backing to be torn cleanly in all directions – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Application of TearStrong:

1. Place TearStrong under the fabric to be embroidered.
2. Clamp the fabric and backing together drum-tight in the embroidery hoop.
3. Apply the embroidery design.
4. After embroidering, carefully tear away the backing around the edge of the design.

💡 Tip: Make sure that the backing cut is larger than the embroidery hoop – this way you can tension it even better after clamping!

TearStrong at a glance:

• Tear-away edge: particularly clean – ideal for clothing
• Long-term stability: the remaining stabilizer permanently protects the embroidery
• Material: 75% cellulose / 25% synthetic fibers
• Weight: 60 g/m²

Filmoplast® – the self-adhesive embroidery backing for delicate materials

Do you want to embroider on pressure-sensitive, thick or small pieces of fabric that cannot be clamped into a hoop? Then Filmoplast® is your ideal partner! This self-adhesive embroidery backing can be easily prepared and is reusable.

Ideal for:

• Corduroy, velvet, terry cloth & other delicate fabrics
• Wool felt & thick materials
• Small parts such as pockets, collars, button plackets
• Multiple embroidery in exactly the same place

Application of Filmoplast®:

1. Clamp Filmoplast® in the center of the embroidery hoop – with the checkered paper backing facing up.
2. Trim the overhanging corners close to the edge.
3. Cut the paper backing crosswise and peel it off – the adhesive surface is now exposed.
4. Stick the fabric on bubble-free and embroider it.
5. After embroidering: carefully tear the fabric away from the center of the Filmoplast® – the rest remains clamped.

Extra: Use Filmoplast® multiple times – here's how!

If you want to embroider the same design multiple times in exactly the same place (e.g. on collars, napkins, or cuffs), you can reuse the saved Filmoplast® multiple times:

How to use Filmoplast® multiple times:

• Leave Filmoplast® clamped flat after the first embroidery.
• Close the resulting hole with a repair piece.
• Peel off the protective paper, stick on new fabric – ready for the next design!

Grouped embroidery with Filmoplast®:

Do you want to embroider several smaller designs in one embroidery hoop? No problem!

Here's how:

• Work from the center of the hoop outwards.
• Draw guide lines on the Filmoplast®.
• Stick on the fabric piece, embroider it.
• Stick on the next fabric piece, move the design, embroider again.
• Only at the end carefully tear everything away from the backing.

Conclusion: Tear-resistant & clever – the right embroidery backing for perfect embroidery

Whether solid and stable or sticky and clever – TearStrong and Filmoplast® are indispensable helpers for demanding embroidery projects. They give your designs stability, ensure clean edges, and make working with difficult materials easier.

✨ Embroider smart – with the right backing for every project! By the way: Filmoplast is available in black and white!

Filmoplast® Strong, PolySoft, ExtraStrong & AquaFilm – Stabilizers for professional embroidery projects

Anyone who wants to achieve perfect embroidery results needs not only creativity and precision – but also the right embroidery backing. In this post, we show you four specialized stabilizers that help you master even difficult materials or complex designs with confidence: Filmoplast® Strong, PolySoft, ExtraStrong and AquaFilm.

Filmoplast® Strong – adhesive power for heavy-duty tasks

Filmoplast® Strong is a self-adhesive embroidery backing that can be torn away, which is particularly strong and stable. Ideal for fabrics that cannot be clamped into the embroidery hoop – such as delicate, thick, or small pieces of fabric. Embroidery designs with a high stitch density can also be implemented without any problems.

Optimal for:

• Pressure-sensitive fabrics such as corduroy, velvet, terry cloth
• Thick materials such as wool felt or fabrics with felled seams
• Small cutouts, e.g. patch pockets
• Button plackets with buttonholes

Application:

1. Clamp Filmoplast® Strong in the center of the embroidery hoop, with the checkered paper side facing up.
2. Trim the overhanging corners close to the edge.
3. Cut the paper crosswise and carefully peel it off.
4. Stick the fabric on bubble-free and embroider it.
5. After embroidering: tear the fabric away from the center of the Filmoplast® Strong, the rest remains clamped.

💡 The clean tear-away edge increases wearing comfort – ideal for clothing!

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Filmoplast® Strong at a glance:

• Self-adhesive & tear-resistant
• Long-term stability for the embroidery
• Suitable for high stitch densities
• Material: 75% cellulose / 25% polyester
• Weight: 95 g/m²

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PolySoft – soft backing that can be cut away

PolySoft is a particularly soft, but tear-resistant cutaway backing, which is perfectly suited for delicate fabrics. It adheres well to jersey, piqué, or other elastic fabrics and ensures a clean embroidery image – without losing the soft feel of the fabric.

Ideal for:

• The "In the Hoop" technique (e.g. pockets completely in the embroidery machine)
• Trapunto technique
• Delicate, stretchy fabrics (e.g. jersey, polo piqué)

Application:

Place PolySoft under the fabric.
For stretchy fabrics, spray with temporary spray adhesive in the lengthwise and crosswise directions.
Stick the fabric on bubble-free, fix it briefly and make sure it is no longer stretchy.
Clamp both drum-tight and embroider.
After embroidering, carefully cut away the backing.

💡 Tip: For knitwear, let the embroidered area rest for 24 hours before cutting – this makes the backing easier to remove.

By the way: Matching the basic tone of your fabric, you can use Polysoft in black or white.

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ExtraStrong – for heavy fabrics and complex designs

ExtraStrong is a particularly robust cutaway backing for large, detailed embroidery designs with many stitches and a high stitch density. It gives your embroidery designs support and ensures that even delicate outer lines stay in place.

Ideal for:

• Heavy fabrics
• Designs with a high number of stitches and many details
• Applications with temporary spray adhesive

Application:

1. Place ExtraStrong under the fabric.
2. Clamp the fabric and backing drum-tight into the hoop.
3. Embroider the design.
4. After embroidering, carefully cut away the backing around the design.

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AquaFilm – the transparent overlay for fluffy fabrics

AquaFilm is a thin, water-soluble film, which is used as an overlay – not as a stabilizer! It prevents embroidery stitches from sinking into high-pile fabrics such as terry cloth, velour, or plush.

Application:

1. Place BasicStabilizer under the fabric, clamp both.
2. Place AquaFilm as an overlay on top.
3. Secure with a hoop, embroider the design.
4. After embroidering: carefully tear away AquaFilm, remove residues with a damp cotton swab or during washing.
5. Cut the backing on the reverse side around the design.

💡 Important: Protect AquaFilm from moisture – ideally store it in a plastic bag.

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AquaFilm

Thin, transparent, water-soluble film

• Application area: As an upper layer when embroidering on high-pile fabrics (e.g. terry cloth, velour, teddy, corduroy)
• Function: Prevents stitches from sinking into the fabric
• Dissolution: Dissolves completely in cold or warm water

 Application:

1. Place BasicStabilizer under the fabric
2. Place AquaFilm on top and secure with a hemming frame
3. Embroider the design
4. Carefully tear off the AquaFilm and remove any residue with water
5. Tear off the backing fleece along the embroidery

💡 Tip: Store in a sealed plastic bag – protects against moisture and drying out.

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AquaLight

Lightweight, water-soluble embroidery fleece

• Application area: For "openwork" embroidery designs – where no stabilizer should be visible later
• Property: Completely water-soluble – ideal for delicate or transparent fabrics
• Also suitable for: Fair Isle wool technique / felt projects with the embroidery machine

Application (openwork embroidery designs):

1. Place AquaLight under the fabric, AquaFilm on top
2. Clamp everything drum-tight and embroider
3. Carefully tear off the AquaFilm
4. Generously cut away AquaLight from the back
5. Rinse or wash both materials in warm water

Application (felt designs with Fair Isle wool):

1. One layer of AquaLight → Fair Isle wool → weft yarn → second layer of AquaLight
2. Clamp everything and embroider
3. Cut out the design and dissolve in warm water
4. Residual adhesive feels soapy → provides shape stability

💡 Tip: Use only for openwork embroidered designs, as no stabilizer remains.

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AquaStrong

Strong, water-soluble cutting fleece

• Application area: Lace embroidery ("Free Standing Lace")
• Property: Extremely stable during embroidery, completely washable
• Result: Only the embroidery remains – no residue

Application:

1. Clamp one layer of AquaStrong drum-tight
2. Embroider the lace design
3. Cut out the design
4. Dissolve in warm water – residual adhesive may provide support
5. Shape the design while damp, dry, and iron if necessary

💡 Tip: Use polyester or viscose embroidery thread for top and bobbin threads

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PIG – Permanent Iron Glue

Double-sided, permanent iron-on film

• Application area: For permanently fixing appliqués, patches, emblems, and edges
• Property: Wash-resistant up to 40°C, full adhesive strength after 48 h
• Perfect for: Sewing machines, embroidery machines, and plotter projects

Application (e.g. patches):

1. Embroider the design on firm fabric
2. Cut out the design with a small margin, iron on the back
3. Cut out PIG, place it on top, and iron with baking paper (20–25 s, without steam)
4. Peel off the protective paper and iron onto the substrate

Application (appliqué with sewing machine):

1. Place the fabric on the film side of PIG
2. Iron firmly (20–25 s, without steam)
3. Cut out the design and peel off the protective paper
4. Place on the substrate, iron on, and sew on if necessary

Application (plotter projects):

1. Place the fabric on the film side and iron on
2. Peel off the protective paper and stick to a cutting mat
3. Plot the design, iron onto the substrate, and further process if necessary

💡 Tip: Iron on fabric stiffener beforehand – improves adhesion permanently!

ThermoStrong – The Heat-Dissolvable Embroidery Film

ThermoStrong is a heat-sensitive, perforated specialty film that dissolves without residue when ironed. Thanks to its transparency and structure, it is ideal for embroidering badges, logos, or labels – especially on delicate fabrics such as velvet, corduroy, or other water-sensitive materials. After embroidering, the design can be easily removed from the film.

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Application for Badges and Logos

1. Cutting
   Cut ThermoStrong slightly larger than the embroidery frame. This leaves enough room for re-tensioning.
2. Layer Selection
   • For simple designs, one layer with the smooth side facing up is sufficient.
   • For dense or large embroidery patterns: two layers – place the rough sides together.
3. Embroidering
   Embroider the design as usual.
4. Removing the Film
   Carefully push the embroidered design out of the film.
5. Ironing
   • Ironing temperature: Two dots, increase carefully to three dots if necessary.
   • Completely dissolve any residue by ironing in circular motions. Do not leave the iron in one place!

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Embroidering Fine and Stretch Fabrics

• Place ThermoStrong under the fabric and clamp both together firmly in the frame.
• After embroidering, tear off or trim the excess film outside the embroidery.
• Remove remaining residue by ironing (as described above).

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Material Composition:

100% Polyester

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Machine Preparation & Workspace

There are a few basics that simply must be right if you want stunning embroidery results. Here are our best tips for embroidering with the embroidery machine!

A Stable Workspace = Better Embroidery Results!

• The embroidery machine must stand vibration-free and securely
• A push table (e.g. with Bernina) additionally stabilizes large embroidery frames.
• Large pieces of fabric must not hang down, so as not to obstruct the embroidery frame transport.
• The embroidery unit should stand at the same height as the embroidery/sewing machine.
• The embroidery unit should be able to move freely.

Cleaning & Care

• Clean the machine regularly and oil it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Remove the needle plate and remove lint.
• It is a good idea to oil the machine additionally before embroidering and let it run for a few minutes so that the oil can distribute.

Thread Tension

• Coordinate top and bobbin threads (back: 2/3 top thread, 1/3 bobbin thread).
• For new materials: make a sample (e.g. with a fabric remnant) and adjust the tension.

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Clamping Instead of Gluing

• Clamp the fabric with stabilizer drum-tight in the embroidery frame
• Always use the smallest possible embroidery frame – the tighter the fabric
• Clamp the fabric in the grain – prevents creasing.
• Clamp elastic fabrics untretched (i.e. relaxed).

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Embroidery Needles – The Key to Perfect Embroidery

A harmonious interplay of embroidery machine, yarn, stabilizer and the right needle is crucial!

General Tips:

• Replace blunt/bent needles immediately.
• Match needle size to yarn thickness and fabric:
  • Thin yarn = small needle size
  • Thick yarn = large needle size
• For new projects: Always use a new needle!

Needle Types at a Glance:

Needle Type	Properties / Application
Embroidery Needle*	Ball point, clean contours, larger eye – for woven fabrics
Top-Stitch Needle*	Large eye – ideal for effect and metallic yarns
Super-Stretch Needle*	For stretch fabrics (Jersey, knit); only for light designs with low embroidery density
Titanium Embroidery Needle*	Very durable (Titanium Nitride coating), reduces thread abrasion, ideal for heavy embroiderers
Anti-Glue Needle*	Reduces adhesive residue, ideal for spray adhesive or Velcro applications
Needle for Lettering*	Specially for small lettering stitches and monograms – very fine point, not usable with a threading aid

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Embroidery Threads – Variety with Function

Embroidery threads differ in material, thickness, and effect. The thickness is numbered inversely: the smaller the number, the thinner the yarn.

Yarn Types at a Glance:

Yarn Type	Properties / Use
Polyester*	Very tear-resistant, ideal for high embroidery speeds, available in multicolor
Viscose*	Shiny like silk, but more durable; does not pill
Cotton*	Matte look, made of mercerized cotton, thickness 30 = needle size ≥90 required
Metallic*	Effect yarn with shine – requires Top-Stitch Needle, use only as top thread
Specialty Yarns*	Glow-in-the-dark, fluffy, or with a metallic effect – pay attention to the appropriate embroidery density

Important Notes for Metallic Yarns:

• Clean the machine beforehand.
• Use only as top thread!
• Embroider with a Top-Stitch Needle (80–90).
• Loosen the thread tension and reduce the speed.
• Guide the yarn with a long path (e.g. over yarn roll holders).

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Bobbin Thread – The Invisible Base

• If the back is not visible: fine, tear-resistant bobbin thread (white, natural, or black).
• If visible: use a color-matched yarn like the top thread.
• Wind the spool evenly, regularly check the capsule for damage.

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Spray-On Temporary Adhesive – Temporary Help for Clamping

A transparent, temporary spray adhesive helps fix fabric and stabilizer – especially for CutWork, Trapunto, or stretch materials.

Application Tips:

• Always spray the stabilizer – never the fabric! (Exception: appliqués)
• Use only in well-ventilated rooms.
• To protect the surroundings: spray in a box.
• Remove adhesive residue from the embroidery frame with warm water or plastic cleaner.

The Better the Material, the Nicer the Result

Tear-resistant yarns, cleverly selected embroidery fleeces, needles that suit the project, and good embroidery designs that make you want more – these are the ingredients for truly beautiful embroidery results.

I hope this post helps you choose the right stabilizer. Let me know in the comments which is your favorite embroidery stabilizer.

Happy simple sewing, your Sabine