How to Use Stick and Stitch Embroidery Patterns: A Complete Guide

Stick and stitch embroidery pattern with a raspberry design, on fabric in a hoop. Hoop is laying flat with other berry patterns around it.

What are Stick and Stitch embroidery patterns and why use them?

Our popular stick and stitch patterns are pre-printed on water-soluble stabilizer, then cut out by hand, creating ready-to-stitch designs that are easy to apply and easy to wash away. And you get to avoid the hassle of having to hand-trace designs onto your fabric, which can often lead to uneven or imprecise stitch lines. These printed lines stay sharp and clear, providing reliable guides for stitching. Plus, if you make a mistake tracing that ends up being outside the design, it might be hard to cover up with stitches.

As a bonus, these dissolvable stickers also help stabilize your fabric while you work, and theyโ€™re ideal for projects where tracing is tricky, like on dark fabric, or clothing and tote bags.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Stick and Stitch Patterns

Applying Stick and Stitch to Fabric

Peel off the backing from the pre-printed stabilizer and place the sticky side directly onto your fabric. Press down firmly, making sure to smooth out any bubbles or edges that might lift. To ensure a secure bond, press around the entire sticker for at least 10 seconds. The friction and warmth from your hands will help with adhesion.

Embroidering the Design

Place your fabric into an embroidery hoop if possible to keep it taut. Shorter stitches are ideal for detailed designs and will prevent the fabric from bunching. Keep your thread tension even for smooth resultsโ€”too tight and the fabric may pucker; too loose and the stitches will look limp.

Rinsing Off Stick and Stitch Stabilizer

Once your embroidery is complete, trim away any excess stabilizer around the edges of the design. Soak your fabric in warm water for 5 to 15 minutes to dissolve the remaining stabilizer. Running water over the design and gently rubbing stubborn areas will help remove any remaining pieces. Let your project air dry flat, or place it in the dryer if the fabric allows.

If your stitches feel stiff after drying, give the project another rinse to soften them.

sun motif stitched onto the back pocket of black jeans

Embroidering on Clothing

Choose Simple Designs

Start with smaller, simple patterns to avoid stretching or distorting the fabric. Use shorter stitches, as they will be less likely to catch and will hold up better over time.

Protect You and Your Work

Secure your stitches with tight knots to prevent unraveling during washing. For added durability, apply an iron-on stabilizer to the back of your embroidery. For sensitive skin, use a soft-touch stabilizer to cover your stitches.

Use Quality Thread

High-quality embroidery thread, like DMC, prevents colors from fading or bleeding in the wash. Cheaper threads can ruin your design and your garment.

More Stick and Stitch Tips

Keep a consistent stitch tension

This applies even if you aren't using stick and stitch, and may take a little practice, but it's like Goldilocks and her porridge temperature - you don't want your stitches too tight or too loose.

Securing the pattern

To keep the stabilizer in place on stretchier fabrics, small areas, or large designs that take time to stitch, add a few running stitches around the edges. If the stabilizer starts to lift, this will help secure it.

Once you're done, snip those stitches before rinsing off the stabilizer. If small holes remain, gently rub the eye of a needle across them to help the fabric recover - just make sure your fabric is self-healing before adding the stitches.

Avoid humid conditions

In hot or humid weather, the stabilizer may become more difficult to work with, and your needle may resist going through the stabilizer and fabric smoothly. Try working in a cool, dry environment if possible.

Fixing sticky needles

If your needle does becomes sticky, simply clean it with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a small cloth and ensure itโ€™s dry before continuing.

FAQs: Stick and Stitch Embroidery Patterns

Can I reuse stick and stitch patterns?

No, they are single-use. Once dissolved, they cannot be reused.

Can I use stick and stitch stabilizer on dark or stretchy fabric? Are there fabrics to avoid?

Yes, it is a great transfer option for dark fabric where tracing may be difficult. However, some may find that stick and stitch works best for them on light to medium fabrics, as the printed lines will blend in more with the dark fabric behind it. Testing on a small swatch is recommended.

Use caution when stitching on stretchy fabrics, even if you arenโ€™t using a stick and stitch sticker. The stretchiness doesnโ€™t always provide a solid foundation for stitches, and can lead to warp and distorted stitches when your hoop is removed, and then more so over time.

Avoid fabrics that canโ€™t be washed, as the stabilizer must be rinsed away.

How long does it take for stick and stitch stabilizer to dissolve?

It typically dissolves in 5 to 15 minutes when soaked in lukewarm water. Gently rubbing or using the faucet sprayer can help speed up the process.

What type of needle should I use with stick and stitch?

A sharp-tipped needle allows for smooth stitching through both the stabilizer and fabric without added resistance.

How do I prevent my fabric from puckering?

Using an embroidery hoop will keep the fabric taut. Avoid pulling stitches too tightly to prevent distortion.

Will stick and stitch leave residue on my project or make my threads stiff?

The stabilizer dissolves completely in warm water. If your stitches feel stiff after rinsing, repeat the rinse process. Some stitchers actually prefer slightly stiffer threads for added durability, especially on clothing.