First time I stitchted out I used tear away but when I tried to tear it away the stitches pulled loose. Next sample I used regular stabilizer and cut away the stablilizer. I used fabric glue to try to keep the threads from coming loose any more. It seems to work but a pain in you know where

This happened to me when I was doing FSL project - I found that there was an issue with my bobbin thread. After cleaning, taking everything apart, and about pulling my hair out I decided to change the bobbin and bobbin thread. That was my issue, but with all the recommendations you have received, I am sure that you will be able to make the project work.

Another good tip I learned was to make sure your bobbin thread colour matches your top thread. Makes text (especially smaller, fine versions) look real sharp!

Most places do not recommend tear away with redwork. I would contact the person or site where I got the files & ask their suggestion on stabilizer. If it's the Bible verse quilt from the Martha Pullen IEC, I know they are always more than willing to answer your questions! Sometimes my lettering will not tie off good enough even when it's some from the sewing machine itself! So I just make a point of putting a little bit of fray check at the end of each tie off...not between each letter unless it's been tied off. I would suggest using a washaway stablilizer, cutting it away as close as possible, then it will wash away in the first washing! There is also a neat stabilizer that will iron away. But it's not a good idea to pull on those stitches if they are true redwork...the redwork that's sorta like a narrow line of satin stitch holds better.

You've gotten excellent answers purplex.. *4U & good luck with fixing your problem *4U

I've had that happen on occasion - it's very annoying. You might have to pull the threads to the back and knot them manually where you can and use 'Fraycheck' on the others. *4U

purplex, I am so sorry that you are having trouble - I hate that - when that happens - where did you get these bible verses from - who is the digitzer and what were their recommendations for these designs?

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1 comment

by purplex 15 Jul 2008

Love covers by Tricia Cribbs. www.FriendFolks.com I have contacted them but have not heard from them yet.

What fabric are you putting you red work on? If you are putting it on blanketing, towels or polar fleece you will need WSS on top.
This could be a digitizing problem. Sounds like the stitches at the beginning and end don't knot off properly. I have always used tear away on my red work with no problems, but torn it away very carefully.It seems to me that it does not matter which stabilizer you use, you still have the same problem. Ricky

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by purplex 15 Jul 2008

100% cotton. I used a glue to keep it from fraying anymore. One person I contacted said to use Badgemaster So I will try that. It is a heavier weight.