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From: Ria
Date: 02-24-2006, 05:32 PM (1 of 38)
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Hi, gosh I haven't been here for quite awhile...I do have a question I would appreciate any help with..I bought clear n melt to top off my towels to embroider...this stuff is clear and after you do the embroider you put the iron on it and it crumbles away...it is not sticky so my question is this...since there are no directions on it...do you just lay this film on top of the towel...hoops 3 layers...underneath stabilizer, towel and then clear n melt?''also since towels are so thick and I have so much trouble hooping them for my Brother 6500.....is there a way to embroider without the hoop? thanks much for any help you can give me......Ria 
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 02-24-2006, 09:43 PM (2 of 38)
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Nope...you cannot embroider without a hoop, unless you can make the design by hand. (ie. moving the towel with your hands as it embroiders, which is impossible to do) You do not have to hoop your towels. You CAN use a sticky on the hoop, lay the towel on top, make sure it's stuck well and use your clear-n-melt or solvy on the botton and the top. (they make a clear sticky these days...I think it's OESD or Janome...I can't remember the name). Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Ria
Date: 02-24-2006, 10:40 PM (3 of 38)
Thanks Chrys, that was kind of what I meant about not hooping. I know you have to have the hoop to embroider but I wondered if the towel "had" to go into the hoop..what you say here makes a lot of sense. I can see how that would be done. So you would put the clear n melt under and on top. I was going to put it just on top and an iron on on the bottom. I will try what you say here and thank you so very very much for your help. It is really appreciated..... Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: MartySews
Date: 02-25-2006, 12:02 AM (4 of 38)
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I embroidered a stack of bath towels at Christmas for gifts. First I used a poly-mesh stabilizer in the hoop with a spray adhesive to hold the towel in place with water soluable stabilizer on top. I did not hoop the towel. All of the designs (roses and other florals) came out great. I just had to wash the hoops afterwards with a little oxy-clean and then wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. Worked great. Hope this helps. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: Ria
Date: 02-26-2006, 08:14 AM (5 of 38)
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Yes Marty this helps me a lot..there are so many products out there on the market and for someone who is rather new to embroidery it can be so confusing. These step by step explanations with product information are invaluable to me. I save them all in a file until I know them by heart. I have gotten so much help at this forum but I have been away for quite awhile because......."life happened" LOL...thanks again.....
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-26-2006, 12:54 PM (6 of 38)
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The alcohol works great for cleaning your hoops but don't use anything with alcohol in it because it will dry out your hoops and cause problems later.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Ria
Date: 02-26-2006, 02:22 PM (7 of 38)
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Paroper, thanks much...if alcohol is bad to use then what is good to clean the hoop? Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-26-2006, 09:34 PM (8 of 38)
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There are some products that are made to clean the hoop and they add a moisture to the hoop to keep it from drying out. The two I have used are HR Zero by OESD (Oklahoma Embroidery and Supply), Oklahoma City, Ok which smells like oranges and DK5 by JT Trading Corp, Newtown, Ct which really stinks. Both products work very well. I'm sure that there are others. I suspect that baby oil would work because of the make up of the oil and the make up of the glue but it might leave a residue on the hoops that could get onto your clothing. Some people just soak in soapy water. I haven't tried that. I don't know if anything would rust if that were done or not. I would certainly be sure and dry them well if I got them wet. A lot of time I just rub it off with my fingers. If you have a lot on your hoop, it will just ball up and you can roll it off. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-26-2006, 11:42 PM (9 of 38)
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Just tonight I took my large hoop into the kitchen and put it in hot water and a little dishwashing liquid for a few minutes and the sticky came right off. I don't use the spray very often, I prefer the sticky stabilizer. Of course, I haven't done any towels yet, either. I did dry my hoop really well and made sure the screw on the bottom of it was really dry. In fact, DH insisted that I should get the hair dryer and blow it dry to be sure there was no moisture left around the metal parts. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Ria
Date: 02-27-2006, 12:48 PM (10 of 38)
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Pam thank you so very much...this was all very helpful to me. I save all these replies in a file for later use...I am also wondering if that goo gone stuff that takes off sticker prices from glassware would work..it is oily..and I would be sure to wash it off when I finish...thanks bunches..Ria.
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: Ria
Date: 02-27-2006, 12:49 PM (11 of 38)
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Patsy I think your idea of the hairdryer is great...thanks so very much...Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-27-2006, 12:59 PM (12 of 38)
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I would expect Goo Gone to work well as long as it doesn't have alcohol in the ingredients. Just make sure that you get it all off because you don't want to have anything on your hoops that could leave a mark later.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Ria
Date: 02-27-2006, 09:27 PM (13 of 38)
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I tried a brand new experiment today and it worked. My sticky stabilizer had not come yet and I was anxious to do a towel embroidery on my 5x7 hoop as part of a gift I am giving...so I took the towel ( yes I have guts LOL ) and I hooped the med weight stabilizer to the hoop and made sure it was really secure and tight...then I layed the towel on top and centered it for the design....then I basted large stitches all around inside the inner part of the hoop right up agains the hoop in long stitches using quilting thread..it only took me like 2 minutes...then I lay the clear N melt on top and pinned two safety pins to each side to hold it in place being sure of course that the pins did not and could not interfere with the needle...and it came out so beautifully...then I just removed the clear n melt and the stitches and did not have to clean any goo off my hoop or needle...has anyone ever tried this before?...I was so surprised at the great results I got....... Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-27-2006, 09:44 PM (14 of 38)
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Ria sounds like a winning way to get it done to me. I don't like the spray or the sticky adhesive stabilizer for the reason tha it does leave a sticky mess on the hoop that then attracts all the dirt, fuzz and lint in the sewing room. The next time I'm doing fleece or something that is heavy, I'm going to try your method. I'd rather spend a few more minutes to baste it on than have that sticky goop to contend with. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: MartySews
Date: 02-27-2006, 11:26 PM (15 of 38)
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Good job Ria. You might also want to pin around the outside edges of the hoop instead of basting. Just some other thoughts. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: paroper
Date: 02-28-2006, 01:35 AM (16 of 38)
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Most machine companies make basting stitches available for each of their hoops. I can't remember where Brother's are, but you might check the Brother site. The have some nice freebies there anyway that you'll probably want.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mamadus
Date: 02-28-2006, 03:42 AM (17 of 38)
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another good way to get 505 or whichever spray adhesive you use, off hoops is to use the new microfiber cleaning cloths.... they reduce or eliminate the need for detergents, and generally, any adhesive comes right off... fyi... I never hoop towels... I generally hoop tear away, spray it with 505, lay the towel on top, then top with either tulle or vilene... just my 2 cents,,, MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: Ria
Date: 02-28-2006, 09:21 AM (18 of 38)
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Thanks Marty I actually tried to pin inside the hoop LOL..to save time but it was bulky and I had the stabilizer on tight so the sewing worked better... Ria Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: Ria
Date: 02-28-2006, 09:22 AM (19 of 38)
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Thanks Pam, I will check the brother site out today...I usually go there about once a month LOL... Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: Ria
Date: 02-28-2006, 09:24 AM (20 of 38)
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Hi Mamadus, long time no talk LOL..you have always been so helpful to me. I love those cloths and have many so I will try that...these little tidbits are so helpful...have a great day.... Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: Ria
Date: 02-28-2006, 09:26 AM (21 of 38)
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Thanks Patsy and Marty...it is so nice to get input from the people here...like they say...two heads are better than one...and many heads are the best LOL> ..Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: kyla_1_max
Date: 03-11-2006, 02:54 PM (22 of 38)
Thanks a lot Ria, going to try that. This is the frist time i've heard of clear n melt. can you get that from a local craft store or do it have to be special ordered?  really new at this,but not a quiter at all. pinning the towel is a great idea to Marty,will try that also. THANKS!!!
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User: kyla_1_max
Member since: 03-11-2006 Total posts: 4 
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From: Ria
Date: 03-11-2006, 04:31 PM (23 of 38)
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Kyla I got the clear n melt at Joannes and to tell you the truth I am not completely happy with it..I am still looking for a better topper....the clear n melt does hold the stitches down to perfection...that did a great job...but on some close stitches it actually tore apart because the tight stitching perforated it to where it just tore...but what I am most disappointed at ..the lady at Joannes said this...."Lay it on the towel and stitch..then when you are done..just press it with an iron...putting some paper or thin material over the clear n melt and it will just turn brown crumble and you can then just brush it off with a brush" This has never been the case with me...I tried warm, med warm and hot iron and the clear n melt melted...and formed into melted plastic balling up and some of it came off really well but some of it was between the stitches and I had to use a tweezers to get it off..I just am not that happy with it.....If anyone has a better topper for towels..I sure would like to know.........Thanks much.....Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: MartySews
Date: 03-11-2006, 05:53 PM (24 of 38)
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I use water soluable "Solvy" on top of the towels that I did at Christmas and used ABC Embroidery's polymesh on the bottom. Worked out great. Happy Stitching! Marty It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: Ria
Date: 03-11-2006, 08:51 PM (25 of 38)
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Marty, is that all you used...the poly mesh under and the solvy on top....what I mean is..I am not familiar with these items...is the poly mesh the only "underneath" stabilizer you used...and does the towel adhere to it..or did you hoop the towel...( I dont think you hooped it) not really clear here...I want to find a really great way to do towels and just stick with that...sorry if I dont understand...but I am not familiar with these products..I would imagine you spray the solvy with water after you are done to disolve it right?...I do appreciate any and all information I can get on this...It's like this..if someone went into an art store with me they wouldn't have a clue what to buy where I would know most any item in there....so I am like a new kid here with these items... thanks so much....Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: MartySews
Date: 03-11-2006, 09:29 PM (26 of 38)
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Ria, I did not hoop the towels. I put ABC Embroidery's (brand name)polymesh stabilizer in the hoop, used a little bit of 505 (a spray on fabric adhesive) on the polymesh and then hand pressed the towel to the 4 x 4 hoop. Be sure to keep the towel straight. Using 4 straight pins on the outside of the hoop, I pinned the clear water-soluable Solvey stabilizer on top. Then I put the hoop in the machine and stitched. When I am finished stitching, I cut the excess polymesh away and used a damp cloth to dissolve the Solvey after removing the towel from the hoop. I have done over 20 towels this way and it works for me. ABCEmbroidery.com is the source for the polymesh stabilizer. I like it because it is pre-cut into 5 x 7 sheets and is a cut-away that works. I trim it close to the stitching and it holds the stitches quite nicely. Hope this explains the process clearly. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: Ria
Date: 03-11-2006, 10:01 PM (27 of 38)
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Yes this certainly does explain it all Marty...I did a search and ended up at ABC and saw the poly mesh...I did not know about the spray so I will get that too..I also was able to see the solvy and I like that it comes in the pre cut sizes..that is so handy.....thanks so much...you explained it wonderfully..... Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-11-2006, 11:27 PM (28 of 38)
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Be sure and spray the stabilizer with the 505 not the garment/towel or product. When you spray, spray lightly. It only takes a little and a lot leaves a residue. If properly used, it will not gum your needle nor cause any problems.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mamadus
Date: 03-12-2006, 02:52 AM (29 of 38)
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just a thought here.... when I do towels... I usually use a tear away as the bottom stabilizer... since towels are a woven, not a knit... its fine to use the tearaway,, and since you will see the back of the towel at some point... the tear away (for me anyway) produces a nicer look on the back... I do agree with you regarding the clear and melt.... personally I was not impressed.... I'll keep my solvy or tulle for the topper.... just my 2 cents... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492
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From: paroper
Date: 03-12-2006, 05:34 AM (30 of 38)
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I'm glad that you guys have mentioned the clear and melt. I bought some a few weeks ago and haven't had the nerve to try it...sounded too good to be true. I'll be careful about where I put it when I do try it. Sounds like my Aqua Film is better. Thanks.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Ria
Date: 03-12-2006, 10:09 AM (31 of 38)
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So much great information on this subject...WOW..thanks Pam and Mo...I am filing it all away for future use...If someone doesn't learn all the trix on this site...they will never learn LOL...you guys are great.... Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: kyla_1_max
Date: 03-13-2006, 02:23 PM (32 of 38)
| Thanks Ria for telling me. I think i will go to the ABC site and buy the mesh,solvy,and the tear away and see what works for me. There are so many answers to embroidery towels, that being new at this,guess i have to try them all and hope for the best. There's just so much i don't know and it can be frustrating. This is the best place to be,you all are so helpful..THANKS A LOT!!! |
User: kyla_1_max
Member since: 03-11-2006 Total posts: 4
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From: kyla_1_max
Date: 03-13-2006, 02:35 PM (33 of 38)
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Ria, I did not hoop the towels. I put ABC Embroidery's (brand name)polymesh stabilizer in the hoop, used a little bit of 505 (a spray on fabric adhesive) on the polymesh and then hand pressed the towel to the 4 x 4 hoop. Be sure to keep the towel straight. Using 4 straight pins on the outside of the hoop, I pinned the clear water-soluable Solvey stabilizer on top. Then I put the hoop in the machine and stitched. When I am finished stitching, I cut the excess polymesh away and used a damp cloth to dissolve the Solvey after removing the towel from the hoop. I have done over 20 towels this way and it works for me. ABCEmbroidery.com is the source for the polymesh stabilizer. I like it because it is pre-cut into 5 x 7 sheets and is a cut-away that works. I trim it close to the stitching and it holds the stitches quite nicely. Hope this explains the process clearly. Happy Stitching! Marty Thanks Marty for telling Ria step by step instructions ,this also help me a lot too. Beginners like myself need these kind of answers,will get these suppiles and let you know how my towel turn out....Thanks again for breaking it down,lol |
User: kyla_1_max
Member since: 03-11-2006 Total posts: 4
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From: GFranklin
Date: 04-11-2006, 08:59 PM (34 of 38)
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The last towel I embroidered was placed on the hooped stabilizer and pinned in place. I did use a very small amount of spray adhesive--practically non-existent--I used dissolvable stabilizer on top of the towel and tear-away on the bottom. Then, before embroidering, I basted around the design area and removed the pins. This basting holds the towel in place and holds the clear stabilizer in place. I have used the clear and melt, but I don't like the stiff edges around the design that seem to be left over after the melting process. Of course, that may be my fault and not the stabilizer. But, I have discovered the solvy works better: just tear away what is around the design and the rest can be spritzed away or you can just leave it (there is rarely much left) and it will wash out when the item is laundered.
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: Ria
Date: 04-12-2006, 10:25 AM (35 of 38)
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Gayle I agree with you 100 percent....it only takes a few minutes to baste the towel in place and I just love this rather than the sticky stuff whether it is sprayed or on stabilizer....this has got to be so much better for the machine...and if doing a smaller piece I just baste it also to the backing...I love solvy....so far it is the best.....I dont like the meltaway....I have done a lot of towels....and they all have turned out great....it is wonderful to learn new ways to do things.....I loved reading this thread......have a great day everyone.... Ria
Ria
"Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them" (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Brother 6500.....Brother 8060......PED Basic... Embird...... |
User: Ria
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 121 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-12-2006, 10:52 AM (36 of 38)
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In cases where you use solvy on the top and another aqua product on the bottom, you may want to consider wash-away thread for the basting. when the project is washed, the basting will wash away too.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 04-12-2006, 07:32 PM (37 of 38)
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I did some towels for my DS's friends boat, huge white bath towels with a nice border on them. I did the embroidery in the border, as I couldn't get it to work very well in the terry cloth, no matter how much stabilizing I did, now I realize I should have not tried to hoop the towels!! I eventually just did it with no stabilizers, but because the border was such a nice tight weave it worked fine. Don't think I'll try doing it like that again, as I realize now I was taking a real chance. But....you got to learn somehow!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-12-2006, 07:38 PM (38 of 38)
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Unless you understand the reason for the stabilizers and solvy, it is easy to think that if something is heavy you won't need stabilizer.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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