Here are some tips to get good results with your embroidery designs sewing.

1. When it's possible, run your outline stitching first, this will help stabilize your fabric even further!

2. I prefer layering solvy while stitching out a design to add dimension. Sometimes the "film" solvy can get a bit heavy using this technique, causing stiffness and can be difficult to remove. We've found a great "web" type that gets the job done with less stiffness and is super easy to remove! The film type soluble is still best for the base layer & I use it for every design I stitch on any fabric that water will not harm.

3. We've all heard the "stabilize, stabilize, ..." To the point that I'm now seeing a lot of you over stabilizing! This creates as many problems as you're trying to eliminate and wasting money. Don't over stabilize, use 1 or 2 layers of the correct stabilizer. Ask us about our commercial backings to get the best possible results for all your embroidery needs!

4. I always start with a commercial fusible backing in the appropriate weight for the fabric or garment I'm stitching on. We have 3 weights of fusibles in both permanent-for dense designs-and tear away. Two of them come in a generous 48" width.

5. If your skin is sensitive, we suggest using our soft tear away backing under a fusible layer for any garments that will lay next to the skin. The soft tear away is - also rated by the US government - for use in children's sleep wear and is formaldehyde free!

6. If you enjoy creating wearable art that's quilted, stippled or uses the trapunto technique, we have a great "fill" backing that won't make your garment look like a down jacket and is dense enough not to pull apart when it's laundered!

Sandy Carter is the author of embroidery articles at embroidery designs by Thread Artist. She has an article about embroidery software for digitizing and lettering fonts at embroidery software. There is free embroidery digitizing Tutorial at this web address - embroidery by Thread Artists Designs