🧵 Which Embroidery Stabiliser Should You Use? A Guide for Every Fabric & Project

🧵 Which Embroidery Stabiliser Should You Use? A Guide for Every Fabric & Project

If you're getting puckered fabric, shifting designs, or stitches that don't sit right—your stabiliser might be the culprit. Using the correct embroidery stabiliser is one of the most important steps to achieving clean, professional embroidery results. Whether you're working with knits, cottons, lace, or towels, the right stabiliser can make all the difference.

At Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies, we stock a wide range of embroidery stabilisers in New Zealand, and we recommend the Madeira range for its premium quality and versatility. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the right type of stabiliser for your fabric and project—plus give you links to shop our top picks.

🧩 What is an Embroidery Stabiliser?

An embroidery stabiliser is a support material used underneath or on top of fabric during machine embroidery. It keeps the fabric from stretching, puckering or shifting as the needle moves—helping your design come out crisp, even, and accurate.

Different types of stabilisers work best with different fabrics and stitch densities. The wrong one can ruin your design; the right one can take it to the next level.

🛍️ Types of Stabilisers – And When to Use Them

Here’s a breakdown of the main stabiliser types and the Madeira products we recommend for each.

✅ Tear-Away Stabilisers

Best for: Woven fabrics like cotton, linen, denim, and poly-cotton
Remove by: Gently tearing away the excess after stitching

Recommended Product:
🧷 Madeira Cotton Soft

Why we recommend it:

• Made from 100% cotton

• Eco-friendly and soft

• Tears cleanly in both directions

• Great for light to medium-density designs

Perfect for: Shirts, tote bags, quilting cottons, children’s wear

✅ Cut-Away Stabilisers

Best for: Stretchy fabrics like knits, jersey, lycra, and performance wear
Remove by: Trimming around the stitched area after embroidery

Recommended Products:
🧷 Madeira Super Strong – for dense, detailed embroidery
🧷 Madeira Super Stable – fusible cut-away for extra hold

Why we recommend them:

• Provide permanent support for designs on unstable fabrics

• Help prevent stretch and distortion

• Ideal for garments that will be washed and worn repeatedly

Perfect for: T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, baby clothes

✅ Wash-Away Stabilisers

Best for: Sheer fabrics, lace, organza, or projects where no stabiliser should be visible
Remove by: Completely dissolving in water

Recommended Products (Madeira Avalon Range):
🧷 Avalon Film – topping for towels and plush fabrics
🧷 Avalon Ultra – strong enough for freestanding lace
🧷 Avalon Fix – sticky version for hard-to-hoop fabrics

Perfect for: Lace ornaments, bridal wear, towels, freestanding designs, sheer overlays

✅ Heat-Away Stabiliser

Best for: Projects where water can’t be used, such as velvet, silk, or satin
Remove by: Applying a hot iron—no moisture required

Recommended Product:
🧷 Sulky Thermofilm

Why we love it:

• Leaves no residue

• Ideal for delicate or water-sensitive fabrics

• Great for freestanding or lace-style designs

Perfect for: Velvet embroidery, silk scarves, decorative satin work

📋 Quick Reference: Which Stabiliser for Which Fabric?

🇳🇿 Why NZ Embroiderers Choose Madeira Stabilisers from Direct Sewing

At Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies, we supply some of the best embroidery stabilisers in New Zealand, and Madeira is our go-to brand for a reason:

• ✅ Consistent high quality

• ✅ Options for every fabric type

• ✅ Eco-friendly cotton tear-aways

• ✅ NZ-wide delivery from our Auckland store

• ✅ Friendly, expert advice from real sewists

Not sure which stabiliser you need? Get in touch or pop into our showroom—we’re happy to help!

🛒 Shop Embroidery Stabilisers in New Zealand

🧵 Ready to get the best results from your embroidery machine?

👉 Browse all Madeira embroidery stabilisers at Direct Sewing NZ