Water-Soluble Stabilizers

Water-soluble stabilizer supports the stitches while embroidering, then is rinsed away, leaving only stitches. Water-soluble stabilizer (WSS) is a must for free-standing lace, and is also useful as a topping to keep stitches from sinking into spongy fabrics like polar fleece.

There are two types of WSS. One looks like plastic (Solvy, Badgemaster) and the other looks more like regular stabilizer because it has little fibers in it (Vilene) that support the design even after rinsing. The plastic types come in various weights. You can use two layers of the lightweight WSS in place of a single layer of the heavyweight. Always keep WSS in a sealed container (like a zipper seal baggie) to prevent dry air from making it brittle or humid air from turning it gummy.

Before rinsing, gently tear away as much excess WSS as possible. The less that goes into your plumbing, the better. You can save the scraps to make liquid stabilizer. Rinse in warm or very warm water, working the stitches with your fingers to release the WSS. If you are making a freestanding lace ornament or bookmark, you may want it to be a bit stiff. In that case, rinse lightly and the remaining WSS will act as heavy starch.

Blot the item between layers of paper towels, then allow to dry. You can't tell how well-rinsed the item is until it dries. Do not iron it until it is dry, as ironing tends to lock in any remaining WSS. You can use a hair dryer if you are in a hurry. If there is still too much stiffness, rinse again with a little liquid soap or run through the washing machine.

Always launder the embroidered item before giving it to a baby or pet, as the WSS may be somewhat toxic to small creatures, especially those who put things in their mouths!

Next issue: making liquid stabilizer

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

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