Does anyone have experience with tearaway/washaway stabilizers? Do they tearaway cleanly? How do they wash away...do they dissolve in water? Do they disappear after one wash in a machine? Do they remain under the stitching and make pokies?

Hi pennyhal2,
I just read you inquiry about stabilizers and wanted to tell you that www. EmbroideryLibrary.com has a great and free guide to using different stabilizers on different fabrics - from Aida Cloth to Wool. No one product is endorsed so it makes it easy to purchase what you want. Look under Fabrics 101 Stabilizer & Design Guide. Hope this helps.

I think it's important to use the correct stabilizer for the job that you are doing. I do not use the cheapest one I can find for the very reason that many have mentioned here. My tear away, tears away very cleanly, and I never have problems with pokies or removing the parts that don't tear away when I take it off my hoop. We have expensive machines. Use a quality product made from a trusted company in our industry, it will pay you in the long run.

1 comment

by pennyhal2 edited 14 Jun 2017

Yes, we must take care of our machines. They are a huge investment. I have a ton of OESD and Florini stabilizers in different weights and varieties. So far, none tear away cleanly. I end up with a bunch of tiny soft fibers sticking out of the edges and it and it is very noticeable on a satin stitched edge.

My favorite stabilizer. I use it for all my kitchen towels. I sometimes use two sheets if high density. Kay

Most tear away stabilizers will eventually wash away after repeated washing but wash away will usually be gone after the first wash. I prefer to wash anything that has wash away in a bucket before it goes in the machine so I do not cause any problems with drains over time.

There is a tear- away that is suppose to get softer and sorta wash away with washes but I did not think it tore away well and did not wash softer or away much either. Many pokies. It depends on what you are using it for the best solution.... I generally don't use a tear away unless I need to have something clear behind it or for stuffed toys, etc. Otherwise, I tend to use a no show mesh cut-away.

1 comment

by pennyhal2 14 Jun 2017

I have a tear away like this. It doesn't really wash away for me either.

Here is a great guide for the use and kinds of stabilizers...this one is for Floriani by R&K Distributors...they have really great products, but they can be a bit pricey...but sometimes, you get what you pay for...at any rate, whether it is Floriani or or another brand, this is still a good reference...

2 comments

by shirley124 13 Jun 2017

Thanks

by toogie 14 Jun 2017

Thanks!

The tear away (paper) I have is not washaway. The washaway I have to cut with scissors and that has a soft cloth feel.

Tear away leaves pokies that wash away does not.

I think they mean us to be confused by all the names and claims, so we'll buy them all. Here's the one thing I know about washaway, and it's important: if you stitch 6 or 7 days a week like me and if you wash it down the same drain for 18 to 36 months, you will be paying a plumber a very expensive after-charge for your washaway. Eventually the drain will close. Wash item in a large bowl of water outside, and then toss the water into the woods or lawn.

3 comments

by babash 13 Jun 2017

Had the same problem with fabric softener in front load washing machine.

by theduchess 15 Jun 2017

Add vinegar and baking soda ONCE a week to all drains. Wash an empty load in washer or dishwasher also keeps them clean.

by parkermom 22 Jun 2017

amen to that! I don't sew every day, but I was using the same sink and drain each time. Learning to change my ways!