How to Get Perfect Results with Stabilisers

In this comprehensive overview, we look at the core products that form the foundation of our quilting and embroidery projects: stabilisers and batting. Our focus is on understanding how we select, utilise, and optimise these materials to achieve consistent, high-quality results. 

Why We Developed Our Own Products

Market Challenges:

• Inconsistent quality across brands
• Variability in weight, texture, and performance
• Difficulties in achieving uniform results

Our Solution:

• Designing products tailored to our needs
• Ensuring reliability and predictability
• Providing professional-grade materials for hobbyists and professionals alike

Understanding Batting: The Soft Inner Layer

Property	Description	Application
Type	Low Loft	Quilts, wall hangings, table runners
Material	Visos (natural with a man-made twist)	Soft, stable, non-stretching
Features	Feels like silk but isn't Does not poke through dark fabrics Stable fibers with scrim inside	Creates a drapey finish Ideal for layered embroidery Suitable for bedding and wall art
Advantages	Easy to trim Easy to maneuver in hoops Provides consistent thickness	Ensures smooth seams Maintains shape over time

Batting's Role in Embroidery and Quilting

In Embroidery, batting adds dimension and relief to stitched designs, supporting layering without adding bulk.

In Quilts, batting contributes to drape and softness, enhancing visual appeal by minimising seam visibility.

In Wall Hangings & Decor, batting provides structure without rigidity, ensuring flexibility and drape.

Stabilisers: The Backbone of Embroidery Precision

Type	Function	Uses	Key Features
Tear Away	Remove after stitching	Freestanding projects, zippers, coasters	Easy to tear, ideal for lightweight projects
Wash Away	Dissolves in water	Fine details, delicate fabrics	Leaves no residue, perfect for lace or appliqué
Feather Lite	Light mesh stabiliser	Light quilting, monograms	Keeps projects flat, soft feel, no shrinkage
Medium Cutaway	Versatile stabiliser	Most embroidery projects	Standard weight, most popular choice
Bag Stiffener	Adds structure	Bags, bottle carriers, small projects	Flexible, easy to turn, maintains shape

Application Tips and Best Practices

Always cut stabilisers along the roll (portrait orientation) to maintain grain consistency. Avoid cutting across the roll (landscape) to prevent grain mismatch.

Make sure you pin it securely to your hoop using large pins (e.g., quilting pins) to secure and multiple pins on each side for longer hoops.

Ensure stabiliser remains taut and flat during hooping top prevent wrinkles.

Store stabilisers flat or rolled to prevent distortion and always use the same batch for projects requiring uniformity.

Creating the Perfect Mixture

Often, combining stabiliser and batting can give the best results for specific projects. Use batting for softness and drape, with stabilisers to support embroidery and prevent puckering. Batting is also an essential to highlight texture in relief stitching.

Before combining, create sample pieces to test for shrinkage, stiffness, and overall appearance. Adjust materials based on test results to optimise final look.

Ensure uniformity by using standardised cutting techniques, keeping grain direction consistent, and properly pinning and hooping.

We encourage everyone to experiment with test blocks, adhere to best practices, and trust in the consistency of our products. For more inspiration and detailed tutorials, visit the Sweet Pea Studio.

Remember, the right combination of stabiliser and batting can transform your projects from good to exceptional! We look forward to seeing your beautiful creations come to life.