Stick and stitch embroidery makes adding beautiful designs to clothing foolproof. This water-soluble stabilizer eliminates transfer guesswork and prevents fabric puckering.
What You Need
- Stick and stitch stabilizer (water-soluble)
- Your embroidery pattern
- Embroidery hoop (6-8 inches)
- Embroidery floss and needles
- Scissors
- Bowl of room temperature water
5-Step Process
Step 1: Print and Prepare
Print your pattern on the rough (non-adhesive) side of stick and stitch stabilizer. Cut around pattern leaving 1-inch border.
Step 2: Position and Stick
Remove backing paper. Position pattern on garment where desired. Press firmly, smoothing out air bubbles. Avoid stretching fabric.
Step 3: Hoop Your Work
Place fabric and stabilizer in hoop with pattern facing up. Tighten just enough to keep fabric taut—don't over-tighten.
Step 4: Stitch Following Pattern
Embroider following the visible lines. Pattern stays crisp throughout stitching. Use 12-15 inch thread lengths to prevent tangling.
Step 5: Remove Stabilizer
Submerge finished piece in room temperature water. Stabilizer dissolves in 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, squeeze gently (don't wring), lay flat to dry.
Quick Tips
Best Fabrics: Cotton t-shirts, linen, lightweight denim, cotton blouses Thread Tension: Keep stitches snug but not tight Needle Size: Use size 7-9 embroidery needles Problem Solving: If stabilizer won't dissolve, water may be too cold—try lukewarm
Why Choose Stick and Stitch?
- Perfect pattern transfer every time
- Prevents fabric puckering on stretchy materials
- Beginner-friendly with immediate results
- No messy transfer papers or fading chalk marks
Ready to try stick and stitch? Browse our collection of patterns designed specifically for this easy technique—each includes detailed stitching guidance and fabric recommendations.