1. The FABRIC determines the choice of the right stabilizer: 1.1 Fabric Weight a) thin fabric, thin stabilizer b) heavy fabric, strong stabilizer 1.2 Fabric Color a) light fabric, white stabilizer b) dark fabric, black stabilizer 1.3 Type of Fabric a) stretchable fabric, adhesive stabilizer (iron-on or self-adhesive stabilizer) b) non-stretchable fabric, see point 1 c) transparent fabrics, water-soluble stabilizer The rule of thumb is: thin fabric, thin stabilizer - heavyweight fabric, strong stabilizer. If it was only about embroidery, a heavier stabilizer would always ensure the best embroidery result. Wearing Comfort: As a rule, embroidered textiles are worn on the body. Therefore, the wearer must be taken into account, not just the embroidery process. A thin fabric should remain thin and light, and the stabilizer should not be bulky or scratchy when worn - hence a thin embroidery backing with a low grammage is recommended. For heavyweight fabrics, stronger stabilizers can be used. Thicker, heavier backings stabilize better during the embroidery process and a thicker backing does not irritate when wearing heavier fabrics. Weight: When we talk about "thin" and "thick" stabilizers, we always mean the weight of the embroidery backing. This is calculated in grams per square meter (g/m²). When choosing a stabilizer, don't just pay attention to how it feels. Always look at the grammage as well. The lightest, thinnest backings start at 25 g/m², while the heaviest, thickest backings reach weights of 95 g/m². There are several stabilizer qualities with different weights in between. Color: The color of the stabilizer- only white and black (anthracite) stabilizers are available. Colored backings are not available and are also not necessary. A white backing is used for white and light-colored fabrics, a black backing for black, dark-colored fabrics. The stabilizer should be as unnoticeable as possible when wearing a garment, so choose either white or black. Type of Fabric: Stretchy textiles (polo shirts, sweatshirts, T-shirts) need more stabilization. You may choose iron-on backings (marked "B"), self-adhesive backings (Filmoplast) or cut-away backings. Transparent Fabrics: In all cases where embroidery stabilizers shimmer through the fabric, you may want to use water-soluble backings or heat-soluble films. After embroidering, wash out or iron out the remnants (using an iron). 2. The PRODUCTION METHOD and the FEEL influence the choice of stabilizer: 2.1 Tear-Away Stabilizer 2.2 Cut-Away Stabilizer 2.3 Iron-On Stabilizer 2.4 Self-Adhesive Stabilizer Some people prefer to tear away, others prefer to cut away after embroidering. The decision is guided by your own feelings but also by the production method. - A tear-away stabilizer can be removed easily and neatly - but does little for the stability of the embroidery later on - it washes out over time (tempo effect) - A cut-away stabilizer must be cut back around the embroidery after embroidering - be careful not to cut into the fabric. It stabilizes the embroidery for a lifetime, even after many washes. - Iron-on stabilizers (marked as “B”-stabilizer) are ironed onto the textile (wrong side of the fabric) before embroidering. The temporary adhesive keeps the fabric in shape during embroidery. Simply tear out after embroidering. - Self-adhesive stabilizers (Filmoplast) are mounted in the embroidery hoop. Remove the release paper and simply place the fabric on top (do not hoop). This prevents stretchy fabrics from warping during embroidery. 3. The EMBROIDERY DESIGN influences the choice of stabilizer: 3.1 Type of design a) Small fonts / small motifs or short stitches, cut-away stabilizers b) Large motifs or motifs with many stitches, tear-away stabilizers The digitized motif also influences the choice of stabilizer. - Small lettering or very fine embroidery can be damaged when the backing is torn away, the embroidery is practically pulled to the reverse side. This can cause an i-dot to disappear for example. In this case, a cut-away stabilizer would be better. - Large, more open embroidery motifs (i.e.back of garment motifs) can be embroidered using a tear-away stabilizer. After embroidering, the backing can be torn away from large areas.