How To Float Fabric Machine Embroidery Tutorial?

How To Float Fabric Machine Embroidery Tutorial?

How to float fabric machine embroidery tutorial introduces a new embroidery technique that allows you to float fabric. Suppose you’ve been struggling with floating fabric or want some tips on doing it right.

 In that case, this comprehensive tutorial will teach you everything you need to know. We’ll cover the basics of floating fabrics and eight techniques for getting the job done. Plus, we’ll give you plenty of helpful hints and creative ideas that will make every float project successful!

 So grab your tools, and let’s dive in!

What is Floating Fabric?

Floating fabric is a machine embroidery technique in which fabric is “floated” above the stabilizer or backing material. 

It’s most commonly used to add texture, dimension and visual interest to an embroidery design. The fabric can be layered and stitched with various decorative stitching techniques to create unique effects.

When To Use Floating Fabric

Floating fabric is a great way to add special elements to your projects. It’s perfect for heirloom sewing, quilting, home décor and other craft projects that require extra detail.

It’s also an excellent way to showcase specialty fabrics like laces, voiles and organzas. And if you want to add a 3D effect to your embroidery, floating fabric is the way to go.

Preparing To Float Fabric

You should prepare the right type of fabrics and the right tools so that your process will go smoothly.

Choosing the Right Type of Fabrics for Floats

Stability is the most important thing to consider when choosing fabrics for a floating project. You want the fabric to remain stable and secure while stitching, so look for lightweight fabrics that don’t stretch too much. Cotton, linen, silk, organza and voile are all good options.

Pre-Washing and Pressing Your Fabrics Before You Begin

It’s important to pre-wash and press your fabrics before you start stitching. This will help ensure the fabric lies flat during embroidery and prevent puckering or bubbling in the finished project.

How To Float Fabric Machine Embroidery Tutorial: 10 Best Techniques

Below are 10 methods you can use when searching for “How to float fabric machine embroidery tutorial”.

Using a Water-Soluble Topping or Stabilizer  

Using a water-soluble topping or stabilizer for floating fabric is a great option. It provides added stability when stitching and creates a smooth, even surface to float the fabric. Here are some tips for using this technique:

1. Start by laying down the water-soluble topping or stabilizer on your embroidery hoop.
2. Cut the fabric slightly bigger than your design and place it on top of the topping or stabilizer, smoothing out all wrinkles.
3. If necessary, use pins to hold the fabric in place while stitching.
4. After stitching, remove any excess topping or stabilizer with a damp cloth or brush.
5. Lastly, soak the fabric in water to dissolve the topping or stabilizer and uncover your finished design.

Using a Temporary Fabric Adhesive Spray

Using temporary fabric adhesive spray is another great way to float fabric. This method allows you to skip the hoop and use a flat surface for stitching, especially for large or delicate fabric pieces. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by flat laying your fabric, ensuring all wrinkles are smooth.
2. Spray the adhesive evenly over the fabric, not oversaturating it.
3. Once the adhesive is dry, carefully place your design on top of the fabric and pin in place if necessary.
4. Start stitching!
5. When finished, gently peel off any excess adhesive and launder the garment as usual.

Hooping with Paper-Backed Fusible Webbing

Hooping with paper-backed fusible webbing is a great way to keep your fabrics securely in place while stitching. It’s perfect for fabrics that are difficult to hoop or active fabrics such as jerseys and stretch knits. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by pressing the paper-backed fusible webbing onto the wrong side of your fabric.
2. Place the fabric into your embroidery hoop, ensuring all wrinkles are smooth.
3. Gently trim away the excess webbing, not cutting too close to your design.
4. After stitching, remove the fusible webbing with a damp cloth or brush.

Using an Embroidery Basting Box

An embroidery basting box is a great option for intricate pieces that require extra stability and accuracy. This technique allows you to hoop up multiple layers of fabric at once and stitch them together, creating perfectly aligned layers that won’t shift or slip during stitching. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by laying out your fabrics in the basting box and placing the box into your embroidery hoop.
2. Gently lower the presser foot onto the fabric to hold it in place while you stitch.
3. Use a light touch when stitching to avoid fabric stretching or puckering.
4. Once finished, carefully remove any excess basting box and launder the garment as usual.

Using Pins

Using pins can be a quick and easy way to float fabric. This method is great for small projects requiring more fabric control or extra stability when stitching. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by laying your fabric flat and placing your design on top.
2. Secure the layers of fabric together with straight pins, making sure to keep even spacing between them if necessary.
3. Gently guide the fabric as you stitch, not pulling or stretching it too much.

Using A Temporary Adhesive Pen

Using a temporary adhesive pen is a great way to keep your fabrics in place while stitching, and it’s handy when working with delicate fabrics or small projects. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by laying the fabric flat and placing your design on top.
2. Secure the layers of fabric together with the adhesive pen, making sure to keep even spacing between them.
3. Gently guide the fabric as you stitch, not pulling or stretching it too much.
4. Let the adhesive dry when finished, and remove excess with a damp cloth.

Using Fusible Interfacing or Lightweight Iron-on Adhesive

Using fusible interfacing or lightweight iron-on adhesive is a great way to add extra stability when stitching and help keep your fabrics in place. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by laying the fabric flat and placing your design on top.
2. Secure the layers of fabric together with fusible interfacing or lightweight iron-on adhesive, ensuring an even spacing between them.
3. Gently guide the fabric as you stitch, not pulling or stretching it too much.
4. When finished, press the layers together to activate the adhesive and remove any excess with a damp cloth.

Using a Sticky Self-Adhesive Stabilizer

A sticky self-adhesive stabilizer is a great way to add extra stability when stitching and help keep your fabrics in place. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by laying the fabric flat and placing your design on top.
2. Secure the layers of fabric with a sticky self-adhesive stabilizer, keeping even spacing between them.
3. Gently guide the fabric as you stitch, not pulling or stretching it too much.
4. When finished, remove any excess stabilizer with a damp cloth or brush.

Using Painter’s Tape/Embroidery Tape/Masking Tape

Using painter’s tape, embroidery tape, or masking tape is a great way to keep your fabrics in place while stitching, and it’s beneficial when working with delicate fabrics or small projects. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by laying the fabric flat and placing your design on top.
2. Secure the layers of fabric together with tape, keeping an even spacing between them if necessary.
3. Gently guide the fabric as you stitch, not pulling or stretching it too much.
4. When finished, remove the tape and launder the garment as usual.

Using a Fusible Stabilizer

A fusible stabilizer is a great way to add extra stability when stitching and help keep your fabrics in place. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by laying the fabric flat and placing your design on top.
2. Secure the layers of fabric together with a fusible stabilizer, keeping even spacing between them.
3. Gently guide the fabric as you stitch, not pulling or stretching it too much.
4. When finished, press the layers together to activate the adhesive and remove any excess with a damp cloth.

So, after this guide on how to float fabric machine embroidery tutorial, you had 10 different ways to keep your fabrics in place and create beautiful projects. Now that you know the tricks of the trade, there’s no stopping you!

FAQs about How To Float Fabric Machine Embroidery Tutorial

Q: How do I know which method is best for my project?

A: Pins or fusible stabilizers may be a better choice for large or bulky projects as they will provide more stability and control over the fabrics. However, a temporary adhesive pen or tape may be the better option for working with delicate fabrics, as it will provide more flexibility.

Q: Can I float the fabric on a sewing machine?

A: Yes, it is possible to float the fabric on a sewing machine, but there may be better options for your project. Floating fabric on an embroidery machine is usually more efficient and gives you more control over the fabric.

Q: Is it necessary to use a stabilizer when floating fabric?

A: It depends on the project and the type of fabric you are working with. Stabilizers can help to keep your fabrics in place. At the same time, you stitch and can also help reduce the fabric’s puckering or distortion. Experimenting with different methods and finding which works best for you is a good idea.

Q: How long should I wait before removing the adhesive?

A: Generally, you should wait until the adhesive is completely dry before removing it. Depending on the type of adhesive, this could take a few minutes to several hours.

Q: What should I do if my fabric doesn’t stay in place as I stitch?

A: If this happens, try using a heavier-weight stabilizer or iron-on adhesive to help keep the fabric in place. You can also use pins or tape to hold the fabric together temporarily.

Conclusion

After this “how to float fabric machine embroidery tutorial“, you should now have the knowledge and skills to float fabric to create beautiful embroidery pieces confidently. 

Whether using fusible interfacing, lightweight iron-on adhesive, sticky self-adhesive stabilizer, painter’s tape/embroidery tape/masking tape or a fusible stabilizer, there is sure to be a method that works best for your project. 

With practice and patience, you can create stunning results every time. Happy stitching!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_embroidery

https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Machine-Embroider

https://www.library.upenn.edu/event/embroidery-machine-101-learning-basics

https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/MSTDE3009