by Marsha FordI save the waxed paper backing from sticky-back stabilizer for use when I make FSL items. After rinsing as much of the water soluble stabilizer (WSS) from the article as I want, I can then lay the items on the paper to dry. They won’t stick because of the coating on the paper (ordinary wax paper will do as well) and since they won’t stick, I can shape the designs if they need it and there’s no fuzz from paper or regular towels to worry about.
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I have used freezer paper for applique for years. Now there is another use for it! I have it on hand all the time. Since you can press the fsl items from the back side and let them dry there and they won’t fall off until you take them off.
I have always wondered why they can’t make the paper topping on the sticky stabilizer so it could be used as a tearaway statilizer after removing from the sticky. Guess the manufacturers want to sell more! I’ve used wax paper but never thought of the other topping to lay the fsl on..thanks.
What a great idea! Why on earth didn’t I think of that? I may just have to make a FSL bookmark to try it out tomorrow. LOL
What is FSL?
[FSL = Free Standing Lace - these are stitched on a water soluble stabilizer and they are stand alone - like the lace ornaments you see on Christmas Trees - rob ]
I am going to try this. I always hate to throw the backing away as I am a recycler. Thanks for the idea.
I’m so glad to know this! I have put the FSL on a towel with something heavy on top, but wondered what would work better to keep the article perfectly flat. Thanks for the good idea!
Excellent idea. Thanks
This is brilliant… except now there’s one more thing to hoard.
Hi, I cut open a heavy weight plastic bag and have been drying my FSL pieces betweed it and a heavy towel on top, which is the same idea he he and the bags are usually free!
Thanks for the tip on another way to use an inexpensive household product. I have been experimenting with butcher paper as a stabilizer for my embroidery. I have had good results thus far. I have not had problems with my sewing machine, but I will insert the disclamer that, because butcher paper is not designed to be used with an embroidery machine, there are no guarantees that problems won’t arise. The properties I enjoy with butcher paper as a stabilizer is that I can iron it on to my embroidery project (this is especially helpful if my project is smaller than my hoop, since the butcher paper hoops very well all by itself). The shiny, waxy side of the butcher paper is the side that will adhere to the fabric. I use parchment paper(the same paper you line cookie sheets with) to keep the butcher paper from sticking to the iron or the ironing board cover. I sandwich the fabric to be embroidered and the butcher paper between two pieces of parchment paper and then iron. I use a heat setting that is suitable for the fabric I am embroidering. If I am doing a design where the stitches are so dense that they cut the butcher paper severely (enough to compromises it’s ability to stabilize my project), I float a piece of Press and Seal plastic wrap under the hooped butcher paper, sticky side against the butcher paper (this keeps the butcher paper together). Again, a disclaimer, Press and Seal plastic wrap is not designed for embroidery machines, but so far, I have not experienced any problems. Sometimes, to adjust for added density, I use a larger needle, and I apply Sewer’s Aid lubricant to the needle. This is successful in most cases. When I am finished with my embroidery, I tear away the butcher paper/Press and Seal. Sometimes, I will iron the embroidered item to make it easier to remove the paper (be sure to remove all of the Press and Seal first since this will melt with the heat). The items I have embroidered using this technique seem to launder well. So far, I have only used butcher paper with woven fabrics. I still think cut away is the best stabilizer for knits, but there may be limited application for butcher paper stabilzer with knits if the design is VERY SIMPLE (redwork for example, or applique with simple zig zag edging).
After viewing all the photos in the photo album, I just had to make an embroidery on toilet paper. I went to the Embroidery Library site and got the info on how to do it and then I found a Christmas design in my stash of designs and away I went. I can’t believe how easy it was to do. I used a medium weight cut away then the toilet paper then a water soluble topper. I hooped them all together. Amazing!
I enjoy reading all the bright ideas you have used. But has anyone embroidered the square corner bookmark. I need the instructions? Help. Thank You
I can’t wait to try this buther paper thing. Is buther paper and freezer paper the same thing?