does anyone embroider?

[zoemurr]

I have a question. I took some fabric to an enbroidery shop to have names put on it. I am going to sew them to be stockings. Not sure how I didn't notice it when I picked them up, but I just went to use them and they all are sewn to a large piece of black paper. Is this common? What am I supposed to do with it? Trim it down? Won't this leave a bump in the stocking?

 

[marlynnp]

Yes, machine embroidery uses a backer to stabilize the stitching. You need to either trim it close with scissors or it may be tear-away. I'd call the place and ask them.

 

[zoemurr]

Yes, machine embroidery uses a backer to stabilize the stitching. You need to either trim it close with scissors or it may be tear-away. I'd call the place and ask them.

but they are gone all weekend and I want to start sewing. Shouldn't they have taken care of this for me?

 

[marlynnp]

but they are gone all weekend and I want to start sewing. Shouldn't they have taken care of this for me?

No, they shouldn't have. Many people leave the stabilizer completely alone. The embroiderer doesn't know what you plan to do.

 

[Keli]

I would just trim really close to the embroidery and not worry about it.

 

[Robbi]

If they had cut the backing before you sew the names to the stockings, it probably would have become limp and hard to sew. Make sure while trimming not to cut the embroidery threads. This seems like common sense but all the embroiderers I know have become distracted and at least once have cut threads and ruined a piece.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I would just trim really close to the embroidery and not worry about it.

Hey, Keli, does your husband know you used to hang out with that really cute guy??