Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 04, 2009 06:57pm | #1

   It sounds as if your designs might be too dense for this loosewoven fabric.  I usually use simple outline designs (like redwork) without much satin stitching for these types of fabric.  You probably want scarves to be able to drape which you would lose with heavier stabilizers and dense designs.

   That said, perhaps you could try a washaway stabilizer that is like fabric, not the clear ones that look like saran wrap. You may need to use a spray on fabric adhesive like KK2000 from Sulky to temporarily adhere stabilizer to fabric too.

   It may also help to spray starch your fabric which helps to stabilize it too and a soft cutaway if you are going to line the scarves so it wouldn't show on the back. 

1. 
   artistic1 | Jul 04, 2009 08:08pm | #2

   Thanks...I really want to use these designs as it is sort of an inside joke among us and need something to embroider them on w/o a lot of expense. Wouls the wash away go on top? Could I also stablize it on the bottom?and starch it??What else could i put these designs on I am thinking a t-shirt wouldnt work either.

    

   Debbie

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 05, 2009 02:44am | #3

   Tshirts are great, I often use the less expensive ones to try out new designs.  I like to use a press on cutaway as it maintains it's stability on knit and helps support the stitches.  My favorite here is Floriani Press on mesh with iron on adhesive cutaway as you can easily pull up the part that is not under the embroidery and cut away the extra.  It is still soft against the skin and is also great for baby things. 

   Another idea is to make "patches" out of some scrap fabric and you could all sew them onto something else. 

   Maybe give the scarves one more try using the spray starch, spray adhesive the scarf backside to maybe Sulky Soft and Sheer cutaway (since it wouldn't change the drape of the scarves as much) and maybe even clear water soluble like Solvy on top to help support while stitching. 

    (Hmmm, another thought, I have used organza or even netting under embroideries with water soluble on top and a permanent cutaway underneath with success.  You could use bobbin thread to match your fabric so it wouldn't be so obvious on the back.  (This is a more advanced technique but you could give it a try.  I use it for my little faery and other winged things then applique them to art quilts and such.)  Be certain the hooing is "perfect".  

   Don't use warm water to wash away the water soluble stabilizer if you use the applique technique, and don't use the glitter organza as it has a glue of it's own that can make a nasty mess.  (Voice of experience here, giggle.)  There once was a fairy that shrunk and wrinkled and was very very sad because of my experiment and using the warm water instead of cold...sad.

   It does sound like a fun group of gals you are making them for! 

   Edited 7/4/2009 7:48 pm by MaryinColorado

1. 
   artistic1 | Jul 05, 2009 07:00am | #4

   Thanks it worked! I applied iron stabilizer two sheets on the back and wash away on the front and it actually worked w/o making holes...Thanks so much! i have one done and 5 to go! 

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 05, 2009 08:43am | #5

   Congratulations!  I'm so happy to hear that it worked out for you.  Your friends will be excited and thrilled with them!  Mary

2. 
   sewsandquilts | Oct 17, 2009 03:27pm | #6

   Holes in the fabric? Don't forget to put in a new needle, and often. Make sure it is an appropriate type of needle, too.