APPENDIX2517The various precautions concerning the thread, embroidery frames and stabilizers (backings) that must beobserved in order to create beautiful embroidery are described below.ThreadsEmbroidery thread can be costly, therefore caringfor it should be a priority. No matter how well athread is manufactured, it must be appropriatelystored if it is to sew properly. This is especially truewhen one considers the time that lapses betweendelivery to the thread user and the moment thethread is actually used on the embroiderymachine. It is important that embroidery threadsbe stored in an environment that is free ofdamaging agents such as excessive heat, light ormoisture.Embroidery threads are best stored in an area thatis as clean and dust-free as possible. It is alsoimportant that the storage area be free of smoke,fumes and gases. Certain gases may cause thethread to yellow. These fumes originate from suchappliances as gas heaters or from gas or dieselengines.Direct sunlight is also extremely destructive forembroidery threads. Boxes of thread should not beleft open and exposed to direct sunlight. Ifpossible, skylights and windows should bediffused. The best type of lighting for embroiderythread is tungsten-filament or fluorescent tubes. Itis important to remember that prolonged exposureto these harmful sources may also cause the colorsof cardboard boxes and other objects to fade.Temperature and humidity also pose a threat toembroidery threads. The ideal conditions arebetween 59 °F and 77 ° F (or 15 °C and 25 °C).Humidity should be between 40% and 60%.These conditions should be kept as constant aspossible in order to prevent mildew from forming.Excessive temperatures can also cause lubricationproblems that ultimately result in thread breaks.Damp conditions can affect paper bobbins as thecardboard will swell and the thread can becomeoversized. It is also important to realize that even ifthe overall storage conditions are good, there maybe “spot problems” where a thread is exposed to aheat source or bright lights. Ensuring that threaddoes not become damaged requires that stock befrequently rotated and that threads are not left inthe same place for an extremely long time.Choice of thread is a major factor in improvingproduction time. The thread run ability, strength,consistency and weight all affect output. Thesequalities determine how well the machine willsew and the number of thread breaks duringsewing.Thread breaks have an important influence onproduction. Each thread break reduces output byat least 0.07% a day (7.5 hours), assuming that ittakes 20 seconds to rethread a needle. For everyreduction of 14 thread breaks per a day, outputcan be improved by more than 1.0 %.Stabilizers (backing)Backing and topping serve to stabilize and supportthe product being embroidered so the stitches canbe sewn with the least amount of interference orinstability. They serve as stabilizers for yourembroidery work. Without the proper type ofstabilizer, the fabric may move too much withinthe embroidery frame causing poor alignment ofthe embroidery. At times, topping will be requiredin order to manage fabrics with a pile-like surface,such as towels, corduroy and piqué knit. There aremany types of backing and toppings with variousweights for the various fabrics that you may besewing.There are four types of stabilizers (backing) thatcan be used in embroidery: cut-away, tear-away,water soluble and self-adhesive. In these fourtypes, various weights, sizes and textures areavailable. When selecting the stabilizer type for aparticular fabric, consider the design size inaddition to the stitch count and stitch type used inthe design.Finally, make sure that the stabilizer is notstretched. Some backings may not stretchvertically or horizontally but may stretchdiagonally. DO NOT USE THESE TYPES. This typeof backing will stretch during sewing and maycause the design to shift.Creating Beautiful Embroidery
