Summer is the season when you’re likely to spend the most time outdoors, and also the season you’re most likely to think about making something with outdoor fabric. We have some tips for machine embroidery for outdoor use.
There’s nothing like kicking back on the patio on a summer evening with a refreshing beverage and good company, especially if you’re reclining on a set of lovely embroidered pillows.
As with many specialty fabrics, there are certain things you need to know to successfully embroider on outdoor fabric. Read on for some helpful tips.
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Outdoor fabrics are heavyweight but still require a stabilizer for embroidery. Use either two layers of tear-away stabilizer or one layer of paper-release adhesive tear-away stabilizer. Use large pieces that extend well beyond the hoop perimeter.
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Position one piece of tear-away stabilizer on a flat work surface. Position a second piece of stabilizer over the first, but aligning the grain in the opposite direction to the first. Or use one layer of a tear-away paper-backed adhesive stabilizer.
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Even on outdoor fabric with a smooth surface, double or triple stitches may wobble or shift on the grainline, while stitching perfectly straight on another area. Always test stitch the design on scrap fabric to determine any problem areas.
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Install a new embroidery needle before embroidery.
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If available, always embroider a basting outline on the fabric before embroidering the design to add more stability during stitching.
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Outdoor fabric is a solution-dyed acrylic fabric that’s colorfast and doesn’t easily wrinkle, but is difficult to iron. Select a synthetic iron setting and never use steam. Most wrinkles usually relax on their own.
Sources for Outdoor Fabric
Amazon has a large selection of outdoor fabric that is perfect for patio usage.
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Waterproof canvas is a great option for its durability and the wide assortment of colors it comes in.
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Sunbrella is a fabric brand that has high quality outdoor fabrics that are both sun and water resistant. It is a pricier option, but will create a long lasting set of patio cushions!
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Don’t forget your local fabric stores like Joann’s. They often run promotions and deals on outdoor fabric at the end of the season. You can p
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Do you already have the perfect fabric in your stash but it isn’t waterproof? You can treat it with something called Otter Wax and create your own weatherproof fabric!
For complete instructions on creating the Porch Pretties be sure to check out the July/August 2018 of Creative Machine Embroidery.
Originally published July 19, 2018; updated on June 17, 2024.
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