Jewelry is arguable the most important fashion accessory. And what could be more special than an item that you’ve created or personalized yourself?

Getting started is often the hardest part. So, we’ve made it simple with several kits that contain everything you need to get started designing your own necklace, bracelet, and earring sets.  The “Create Your Own Jewelry” kits are available in four colors – blue, green, pink, and purple.   The “Beaded Jewelry” and “Wire Jewelry” sets take it a step further, including pliers and wire cutters and teaching principles that apply to all jewelry design.  Not only will you develop new skills, but ready-to-wear accessories, too.

A watch need not be ordinary either. We’ve found a kit featuring a lovely mother-of-pearl watch face coordinated with a glass bead watch band that you create yourself.

Want a small reminder of your grandchildren, the family pet, special events or places you’ve been? A photo bracelet could be the answer.

All of these items can be found on Shoppers Rule by using the keyword search of: Jewelry Kit.

With a little practice and some creativity, you will have designer quality accessories for every outfit and occasion.

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Using Sticky Stabilizer for Machine Embroidery

Adhesive stabilizers can be very convenient and are sometimes simply necessary. They are often the best option for “hoopless” embroidering on delicate fabrics and fabrics such as velvet that would suffer from “hoop burn” if hooped traditionally. It also can be a lifesaver when trying to embroider on small, hard-to-hoop items.

But, it would be a disservice to not mention the potential negatives – like sticky built-up on hoops and the machine itself.

So, I will focus on the different types of adhesive stabilizers,
how they work, some brand names, and some pros and cons.
Then I will follow with hoop cleaning options.

Types of Adhesive Stabilizer:

• Peel-N-Stick
• Water activated
• Iron-on
• Spray-on

Peel-N-Stick

Peel-N-Stick type stabilizers are generally a stabilizer that have a paper back on them that must be peeled away to reveal the adhesive surface. These sticky stabilizers are generally intended to be temporary and either wash away or can be torn away upon completion.

Examples include: Sulky Sticky tear-away stabilizer, Perfect Solutions- Sticky Back Wash-Away Mesh, and Hoop-It-All Stick-It-All tear away.

Tip: Hoop the stabilizer first, then score the paper and peel it off inside the frame to reveal the sticky surface. This way the adhesive is not coming in contact with your frame, so you don’t have to clean residue off the frame when you are finished.

Note: Peel and Stick stabilizers can wreak havoc on your machine. When sewing, as the thread is drawn back up on each stitch, the sticky stuff can build up on your needle and even get into your machine and gunk up the works. Be sure to change your needle often when using sticky stabilizers to reduce potential build-up.

Water Activated

Water activated stabilizers are generally activated by moistening with a sponge or spray bottle. Adhere fabric to the stabilizer while it is still damp and sticky. To reposition fabric or to simply make the stabilizer sticky again, simply re-moisten the stabilizer. Fabric and stabilizer can be hooped together or stabilizer can be hooped alone and fabric positioned on top.

Examples include: Hydro-Stick (cut-away or tear-away versions) and Perfect Solutions – Aqua Set.

Tip: Let the stabilizer dry some before embroidering. This will reduce the likelihood of any sticky stuff remaining to gum up your needle and/or machine.

Iron-On

Iron-on stabilizer cannot be used as a means to avoid hooping fabric. But it does serve a very important purpose – that of providing the stability necessary for hooping and embroidering slippery and/or stretchy fabrics that would be too easily distorted without the added support during the hooping and embroidering process. Iron-on stabilizers are available in both cut-away and tear-away versions.

Examples include: Sulky Fuse ‘n Stitch and Sulky Tender Touch permanent, iron-on stabilizers, Sulky Totally Stable iron-on, tear-away stabilizer, Filmoplast,

Adhesive Spray

Sprays can be used to turn your favorite cut-away or tear-away into an adhesive stabilizer. Some sprays provide temporary hold and others are permanent. Sprays can offer an economical way to expand your stabilizer collection and hooping options.

Examples include: OESD 202, 404, 505 & 606 spray, Sulky KK2000, and Sullivans Embroidery Spray Adhesive (ESA).

Note: The downside to spray is that it tends to get everywhere. So you must be careful not to use in close proximity to your sewing machine or computer or in poorly ventilated areas. And it always gets on your hoop.

Hoop Cleaning

Even if you are very diligent about caring for your frames, if you use an adhesive stabilizer, you are bound to end up with residue.

To clean adhesive from your hoop, you may want to try soaking it in warm water and scrubbing gently with a toothbrush, or soft sponge and mild detergent. For heavy build-up, try a cleaning agent such as DK5, designed specifically for removing adhesives.

Suggestion: For small embroidery designs and stable fabrics, instead of using adhesive spray, try attaching the fabric to your favorite stabilizer using a long basting stitch around the perimeter of the area be embroidered. Then embroider as usual and simply remove the basting stitches afterward.

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