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Sticky Fabri-Solvy is a tool for transferring patterns to felt and other fabrics and makes embroidery a breeze. While Sticky Fabri-Solvy makes projects easier, there are some necessary steps to prepare for its use. This Back to Basics tutorial will help you understand how to use Sticky Fabri-Solvy successfully and get the perfect outcome everytime!
Skill Level: Beginner
Supplies
Sulky Sticky Fabri-Solvy - Printable, water soluble stabilizer that comes in 8 1/2 x 11" sheets. It has a peel away backing that exposes a sticky side for applying to fabric.
Printer or Writing Tool - The design can be placed on the stabilizer with a home printer or traced onto it with a pencil or pen.
Scissors - Paper scissors are best for cutting around the design since the stabilizer has a sticky layer.
Fabric - The stabilizer works on any fabric that it can stick to! We have included specific instruction for using it with felt.
Embroidery Needle - An all purpose embroidery needle #3-9 glides easily through the fabric and stabilizer.
Thread - Sewing thread, embroidery floss and wool thread can all be used with great success.
Embroidery Hoop (optional) - A hoop might prove useful to hold the stabilizer in place if there is a large design being stitched.
Preparing the Fabric
The way to remove Sticky Fabri-Solvy is to dissolve it in water. Therefore, the felt or fabric being used must be pre-soaked to prevent shrinkage after the design is stitched.
To pre-soak felt, submerge it in cold water until soaked through. Lay flat to dry. After soaking, do not wring felt as you may cause fibers to shift and weaken. Instead, place felt on a paper towel on a flat surface, then place another paper towel on top. Gently push down to help water escape from felt and speed up the drying process.
Preparing the Sticky Fabri-Solvy
Using your printer, print (or trace) the pattern or design onto the stabilizer. Use paper scissors to trim around the perimeter of printed design. Do not cut exactly along design edge, as that is where you will be stitching.
Peel away backing and smooth sticky side onto the fabric. It works just like a sticker and is immediately ready to be stitched!
Stitching through Stabilizer
The printable stabilizer is easy to stitch through with a sharp embroidery needle and any type of thread. If you are using a thicker floss, consider cutting shorter lengths to prevent fraying from being repeatedly pulled through multiple layers.
Finishing the Project
To remove the Sticky Fabri-Solvy from fabric, soak in cold water for several minutes. If there is any stabilizer left on the fabric, use a stronger stream (such as a faucet sprayer) to remove remaining bits. Lay flat and allow to air dry.
The stitched fabric can now be used however you intended! Cut it down to shape using a pattern or deep etch die. In the example below we stitched flowers to our Egg pattern and Stitchable Letter die to make Easter ornaments.
In addition to the ornaments, we have a variety of tutorials that utilize Sticky Fabri Solvy on felt and other fabrics, including:
Lavender Sachets
Eraser Pillow
Gingerbread Cookies
Retro Christmas Songbook
Now that you have a basic understanding of Sticky Fabri-Solvy, we hope you'll give it a try! We have a free download of floral patterns that you can print on stablilizer and stitch onto... almost anything! Use the pattern as is or change the scale when printing to fit your needs.
Floral Embroidery Motifs (click to download)
Congratulations on learning a new skill! Be sure to check out the fother tutorials in our Back to Basics series.
