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Creating Beautiful Embroidery 221
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Creating Beautiful Embroidery
The various precautions concerning the thread, embroidery frames and stabilizers (backings) that must be
observed in order to create beautiful embroidery are described below.
Threads
Embroidery thread can be costly, therefore caring
for it should be a priority. No matter how well a
thread is manufactured, it must be appropriately
stored if it is to sew properly. This is especially true
when one considers the time that lapses between
delivery to the thread user and the moment the
thread is actually used on the embroidery machine.
It is important that embroidery threads be stored in
an environment that is free of damaging agents
such as excessive heat, light or moisture.
Embroidery threads are best stored in an area that is
as clean and dust-free as possible. It is also
important that the storage area be free of smoke,
fumes and gases. Certain gases may cause the
thread to yellow. These fumes originate from such
appliances as gas heaters or from gas or diesel
engines.
Direct sunlight is also extremely destructive for
embroidery threads. Boxes of thread should not be
left open and exposed to direct sunlight. If possible,
skylights and windows should be diffused. The best
type of lighting for embroidery thread is tungsten-
filament or fluorescent tubes. It is important to
remember that prolonged exposure to these
harmful sources may also cause the colors of
cardboard boxes and other objects to fade.
Temperature and humidity also pose a threat to
embroidery threads. The ideal conditions are
between 59
°F and 77 °F (or 15 °C and 25 °C).
Humidity should be between 40% and 60%. These
conditions should be kept as constant as possible in
order to prevent mildew from forming. Excessive
temperatures can also cause lubrication problems
that ultimately result in thread breaks. Damp
conditions can affect paper bobbins as the
cardboard will swell and the thread can become
oversized. It is also important to realize that even if
the overall storage conditions are good, there may
be “spot problems” where a thread is exposed to a
heat source or bright lights. Ensuring that thread
does not become damaged requires that stock be
frequently rotated and that threads are not left in
the same place for an extremely long time.
Choice of thread is a major factor in improving
production time. The thread run ability, strength,
consistency and weight all affect output. These
qualities determine how well the machine will sew
and the number of thread breaks during sewing.
Thread breaks have an important influence on
production. Each thread break reduces output by at
least 0.07% a day (7.5 hours), assuming that it takes
20 seconds to rethread a needle. For every
reduction of 14 thread breaks per a day, output can
be improved by more than 1.0 %.
Stabilizers (backing)
Backing and topping serve to stabilize and support
the product being embroidered so the stitches can
be sewn with the least amount of interference or
instability. They serve as stabilizers for your
embroidery work. Without the proper type of
stabilizer, the fabric may move too much within the
embroidery frame causing poor alignment of the
embroidery. At times, topping will be required in
order to manage fabrics with a pile-like surface,
such as towels, corduroy and pique knit. There are
many types of backing and toppings with various
weights for the various fabrics that you may be
sewing.
There are four types of stabilizers (backing) that can
be used in embroidery: cut-away, tear-away, water
soluble and self-adhesive. In these four types,
various weights, sizes and textures are available.
When selecting the stabilizer type for a particular
fabric, consider the design size in addition to the
stitch count and stitch type used in the design.
Finally, make sure that the stabilizer is not
stretched. Some backings may not stretch vertically
or horizontally but may stretch diagonally. DO
NOT USE THESE TYPES. This type of backing will
stretch during sewing and may cause the design to
shift.
1. Polyester mesh cut-away stabilizer works
extremely well with light-colored fabrics since
it prevents a shadow from showing through on
the front after you have trimmed away the
excess. This type of backing is ideal whenever
you need stability with a light and soft touch in
your finished product, for example, with baby
garments.