I decided to try out my new 9.5x9.5 frame that came with my Babylock. I have to admit that I was pretty astounded at the huge amount of stabilizer it required. I decided that I'd need to search to see if there is a chart somewhere that tells the size of stabilizer you'd need for different hoop sizes instead of having to learn the sizes by trial and error. However, I can't find such a chart and am beginning to think that one doesn't exist. Does anyone know of such a chart?

You can using the plastic grid inserts that come with each hoop size to gauge the correct size. You just need to remember to add the 2 inches or so to have enough stabilizer to hoop. Allstitch sells the huge rolls of stabilizer which I love. Let us know what works for you. I'm sure it will help others.

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by pennyhal2 06 Feb 2018

Now why didn't I think of that? I can quickly make my own chart doing that.

No chart. I use a really wide roll for my 8 x 10 hoop and cut several sheets to fit my largest hoop. Then I use the shorter side of the roll that's left for many 5x7 hoopings. It seems to work itself out. I do buy a large roll of medium tearaway that is excellent for almost everything from sewingmachine.com. and it's quite reasonable. I have not found a wide roll of cold washaway, so I turn my big hoop lengthwise and it uses the full width of the roll, so that goes really fast. Right now I am stitching quilted potholders with the washaway and I am zipping (snipping) through the roll at an alarming speed - but having fun. Congratulations on your new frame.

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by pennyhal2 06 Feb 2018

The roll I have to use for one hoop is 19" wide which is handy, but I could use something a few inches smaller. I didn't realize that these bigger hoops are that much bigger than the stitching area. I guess they need all that extra reinforcement inside the hoop to keep it stiff.

by graceandham 06 Feb 2018

Just started a new big roll TM20A - 28" x 25 yards, $19.90 plus tax. To be clearer, my big hoop lays across the width of the roll and my 5 x 7 runs in the opposite direction, then I cut between. These same folk may have precut squares in your size - check with their 800 phone number. I think they used to supply the embroidery mills because of their location and because most things are offered in large sizes and quantities at wholesale type prices.

I sew the bits together, after using just the centre. Also I cut the width of the hoop, but leave it nice and long, so that I can unhoop and move the stabiliser. Thus saving the end which never gets em broidered upon.

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by parkermom 05 Feb 2018

Never thought of that. I waste too much

by pennyhal2 06 Feb 2018

Now that's a great idea!

Interesting comments. Hugs

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by pennyhal2 06 Feb 2018

I agree. They are helpful too!

Hi penny, I, for one usually cut my stabiliser 1 inch larger than the required hoop. When using WSS (water soluble stabiliser) I do sometimes use 2 pieces depending on how many stitches are in the design, but again I use it about an inch wider etc. than my hoop. I'm sure with trial and error you will work it out.
Look for specials when stabilisers are on sale and you can benefit from that. I live in Australia and get mine from a company in Victoria. Love Chris

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by pennyhal2 06 Feb 2018

I buy it in 50 yard rolls online. It's a lot cheaper that way and it lasts a long time. However, I need to look for it in larger sizes I guess.

It still would depend upon what you were stitching...FSL, filled design. redwork...all would take a different stabilizer...I purchase my stabilizers in 50 yard rolls and usually they are 20" wide...I buy various types and if I need to bump up the stabilizer, I might use two layers...but I have rarely needed to do so...even for FSL...what I have found is that you need to stabilize the sides of the hoop to prevent the stabilizer from shifting in the hoop as the longer the side the less the hoop can hold the stabilizer in the center of the sides...I use rubberized shelf lining to help keep the stabilizer from slipping...it works well for me...

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by pennyhal2 06 Feb 2018

Thanks for the info! I did the rubberized shelving for my Bernina hoops. These new Babylock hoops seem to really hold the stabilizer very well so I haven't needed to do that...at least for now! It's for these larger hoops that I need to start purchasing the best size to reduce waste.

No but large hoops do take up more stabiliser. I buy the stuff in 100% m rolls and like to get it at 30cm wide. I know that spendlove buys a large 100m roll and then gets her other half Mr s to cut it into smaller rolls. I am waiting for my local fabric shop to let me know how much a large roll is. I have found that buying in quantity is the answer for me

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by spendlove 04 Feb 2018

A 100m roll 100cm wide. We cut it into 2 x 30cm and 1 40cm. I need the 40cm for my biggest hoop.

by pennyhal2 06 Feb 2018

Thanks for the info. Once I figure out what sizes I need, I'll buy rolls that are as big as I can get. For now, I'm buying rolls that aren't too long to test them out.