For the Business of Apparel Decorating
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/467566
20 1 5 M A RC H PRINTWEAR | 69 decorative items. To use this type of stabilizer, the design is em- broidered directly into the garment and any excess is dissolved in water. The dissolving process generally requires the embroidered item to be submerged in water and agitated. Once the excess dis- solves, the finished design is visible. Some water-soluble options in this category also double as a backing. Like water-soluble topping, heat-away backing dissolves; the difference is what dissolves it. In this case, it's heat. If you em- broider delicate fabrics and want no trace of stabilizer, a heat- away backing may be a good choice. This type of stabilizer dis- integrates with a household iron and is a good option for fabrics that don't react well to water. Designs with heat-away stabilizers may require a higher stitch count to ensure the design holds once the backing dissolves. Embroiderers often want to waterproof their embroidery. Sure, boots can be monogrammed, windbreakers can be stitched, and umbrellas can sport embroidered designs, but until recently, there hasn't been a way to keep the embroidery from interfering with waterproofing. ThermoSeal, howev- er, is an embroidery back- ing designed to waterproof stitched designs. It allows embroidery in water- proof or water-repellant fabrics without compro- mising the waterproofing. When heated, ThermoSeal flows into needle holes to seal any gaps and prevent moisture from penetrating through the embroidered design. ThermoSeal has a relatively low melt temperature, 265 to 300 degrees F, and requires medium pressure to seal. It's possible to seal your embroidery with an ordinary iron. Flame-resistant or fire-retardant backing is a must for anyone who embroiders for fire departments, electrical workers, or rac- ing teams. This type of backing may be required by companies ordering uniforms for certain types of workers or industries. One type of stabilizer in this category is Proban, which is rated as fire retardant and is the preferred stabilizer for uniforms that could encounter flame. Flame-resistant backings are also rated for chil- dren's clothing. decorative items. To use this type of stabilizer, the design is em- broidered directly into the garment and any excess is dissolved in water. The dissolving process generally requires the embroidered item to be submerged in water and agitated. Once the excess dis- solves, the finished design is visible. Some water-soluble options in ThermoSeal, howev- er, is an embroidery back- ing designed to waterproof stitched designs. It allows embroidery in water- proof or water-repellant fabrics without compro- mising the waterproofing. When heated, ThermoSeal Nonwoven backing, such as that shown here, is water soluble, which can help keep stitches from falling into pile when sewing but can be dissolved after decorating.