How to Stabilize a Nylon Bag for Machine Embroidery

Nylon is a versatile fabric that is commonly used for windbreakers, ponchos, tents, sleeping bags, and tote bags. Because nylon is thin and slippery, it can be a bit tricky to embroider. But, when stabilized and hooped properly, the results can be stunning.

Things You'll Need

• Nylon to be embroidered Applique embroidery design or light to medium fill design Medium-weight cutaway stabilizer Temporary spray adhesive Two-sided tape Scraps of non-skid shelf liner

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of medium-weight cutaway stabilizer a bit larger than your embroidery hoop.

2. Spray the stabilizer with temporary spray adhesive and stick it on the back of the nylon.

3. Place double-sided tape on the bottom of the inner hoop around the sides, leaving the corners open.

4. Cut small strips of non-slip shelf liner and stick it to the tape around the edges of the inner hoop.

5. Hoop the nylon snugly, being careful not to stretch or skew the fabric in the hoop.

Tips & Warnings

• Nylon is very slippery and tends to slip in the hoop. The shelf liner in the hoop will help hold the fabric in place and avoid slipping. Applique designs work well on nylon, as do light to medium fill designs. A very dense design with a lot of stitches will be more likely to cause the fabric to slip and pucker.

References

• Embroidery Library Projects