Appropriate backing is essential for embroidering most fabrics. Without backing, fabrics can slip, even when they are hooped tightly.
Using the proper backing is directly linked to the production of consistent, high quality embroidery. It is important to understand that 100 different embroiders with identical criteria may choose completely different backing and topping formulas and still achieve successful embroidery results.
There are two categories of backing - cut-away and tear-away, named because of the method for removing the excess after stitching.
Tear-away backing is a non-woven material that tears easily in any direction and can be easily removed after embroidery. Tear-away is extremely simple and fast to use, but the uses are limited because it offers little support to unstable fabrics. Some examples of fabrics suitable for tear-away are cotton sheeting, woven dress shirts, denim, terry cloth, hats, and some satin’s.
Cutaway backing is a woven or non-woven material that must be cut from the fabric after the embroidery is complete. This type of backing is used to support the embroidery on the fabric during and after the embroidery process. It also prevents the fabric from stretching during embroidery. Cutaway backings are generally used for unstable goods such as t-shirts, golf shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, Lycra and spandex.
Cutaway backing is available in several types and weights. A few of the more common are the Polyester or Nylon mesh, which may be used for children’s or delicate garments because of the softness it represents. These types of backings are also nice to use for light colored T-shirts or golf shirts, as in the following example. Cutaway backing is visible through this light colored golf shirt, where the nylon mesh is not.
Topping is used on top of the garment being embroidered to hold down the nap, it does not need to be removed. The use of a topping will add clarity to your embroidery, especially on fabrics like towels, terry cloth, Polar fleece, corduroy, fur, bulky knits and blankets. It helps the thread to lay flat and prevents the nap from poking through the stitches. Embroidery toppings can also add crispness to fine lettering and detail stitching. Most toppings are water-soluble and can be easily removed after the embroidery is complete. Carefully pull the excess solvy from the garment
As a final note, experimentation and experience are the keys to topping and backing selection in today’s rapidly changing embroidery market. To maintain a high quality of embroidery, you will need to find the solution that works the best for you by experimenting and testing new products and techniques.