I used sulky water soluble stabilizer, my machine is a brother se400, I wanted to surprise my daughters today with a gift for their teacher. It was my first try making a FSL so not sure what all the steps are.

I use 2 layers of Badgemaster and my largest hoop. Don't pull on it after you hoop it. If there is a wrinkle adjust it out but don't make the stabilizer too tight. When it is too tight it is like a perforated piece of paper so to speak. When the needle pierces it the stabilizer starts tearing on it's own.I love FSL but I want to make a whole hoop full when I do it. Hope you have better luck with all these different suggestions. Don't give up.

Many Thanks cuties, I will try again I promise!

oh my first FSL was a flop too. The reason it was, was the fact the wss was not heavy enough. So the stabilizer damaged while stitching the design. I bought a more heavy kind and now it works fine. So don't give up try a different one special made for FSl or use more layers.

I use Badge Master by OESD It is so thick you ony need one layer. Have not had a problem yet. I also use fine Tulle when the stitch count is large and the design is dense. Hope this helps you out. Suzanne

after trial and error i can say vilene, vilene vilene 2 layers one setting east and west and another north and south... it works like magic have fun

Depends on what type of Sulky you are using. For fsl, you need one layer of Ultra Solvy-the thickest. Regular Solvy is good for a topper. And if something starts making it perforate, slide another piece on the bottom for some more stability.

I use a double layer of the fabric type (Vilene) from worldweidner. I have also successfully used the Floriani Wet and Gone and the Pellon Wash and Gone but find the worldweidner less expensive than Floriani and more convenient than the Pellon. Have another go at it sometime - it is really fun and there are lots of great designs out there for FSL.

I use Pellon Wash & Gone, two layers, and have never had a problem. It is the mesh type of stabilizer. I buy it at Joann Fabrics when they have a sale.

I wrapped the bottom part of my hoops with strips of muslin and then stitched it in place so it doesn't fall off. Then I use Vilene (the mesh type stabilizer) for FSL. It works beautifully. No need to use multiple layers unless you are using a very large hoop or stitching multiple designs on the same hoop (not really recommended). I bought a large roll of Vilene from Worldweidner.com . They are in the US, but say they ship all over. Good luck with FSL. It is lots of fun and very satisfying when you finally get it figured out!! :)

thank you cuties I'll be checking all the links next. Thanks again!

The WSS was the plastic stuff, I was unaware of the others I'll have to see if my supplier has it, she's an hours drive away. We live in the bush as it were and the nearest Metropolis is an hour away unfortunately. May have to order online not sure what to do, school has only 5 days left. I shouldn't leave things for the last minute but then I only thought of making the gift yesterday... lol

I also use the mesh looking stabilizer, I am not sure what sulky is. Is it the Plastic wss? I only use the plastic one to put on top of towels.

To keep this from ever happening again use "BadgeMaster" It's a very thick plastic looking material, takes a little longer to wash out but you only need one thickness but always have had good results. It's sold at Shoppersrule under by the yard title and is only $2.83 a yard. Very good buy used it for all my FSL last year.

I've used Sulky for a couple of years and never had this problem. You may need to use two thickness. If you try it again put them cross wise of each other. Hope this helps.

I have never seen sulky stabilizer so I don't know what exactly you have.

However in NZ we can get two different kinds of water soluble stabilizer. The one to use for FSL looks sort of like a mesh fabric. Not the best description sorry.
The other one is very thin (like plastic kitchen wrap) and used on towels, fleece etc to keep the pile down while stitching.
(I believe you can get a thick version of the plastic one for FSL, but I have never seen it, maybe a US cutie can help with descriptions of that.)

I use Ultra Sulky wss and have excellant results.You only need to use one layer of it as it is so thick. Carol

I don't like the plastic wws my brother machine hates it even if i put 3 or 4 layers of the stuff ,so as Shirelene said i use the stuff i buy @dbs designs by sick the mess stuff. Anyways i look forward to seeing your finished project here good luck hugs carolyn

Loosie, I always use 2 layers of the mesh looking WSS not the plastic looking WSS - however your sulky WSS might just have needed a second layer - did you use two?

6 comments

by loosie 22 Jun 2011

I only used one layer, have to try it out again later when the kids are in bed.

by nanniesara 22 Jun 2011

I use two layers when doing a FSL,especially it is a very big design. Much better to use two than to have a failed project. Good luck we all are on a learning curve here. Trial and error is the way to go. Good luck. Sara

by bettytaylor 22 Jun 2011

shirlene thank you for that tip, i have both those items in my sewing room, can't wait to try this although for the most part, my fsl comes out good but never perfect. thanks again. betty

by bettytaylor 22 Jun 2011

oops, wrong person, excuse please, i'm old and senile today. betty

by katydid 22 Jun 2011

Shirlene is the queen of FSL!!!

by stitchship 24 Jun 2011

Katydid too the words out of my mouth (keyboard). If anyone knows all about FSL that is Shirlene!