What is the backing material for a computerized embroidery machine

What is the backing material for a computerized embroidery machine?

In the computerized embroidery process, "embroidery stabilizer" is a type of professional embroidery consumable used to assist in fixing and stabilizing the fabric structure.

Many users who are new to computerized embroidery machines usually focus on the needle count, speed, frame size, and thread selection of the embroidery machine, but tend to overlook the important role of the backing material. However, in fact, the backing material is one of the important factors affecting the embroidery effect. It directly relates to whether the pattern is clear, whether the stitches are stable, and whether the finished product is flat.

During the computerized embroidery process, the embroidery needles will repeatedly penetrate the fabric at high speed, and a large number of stitches will continuously exert tension and traction on the fabric. Without a suitable backing material for support, problems such as: 1. deformation of the embroidery area; 2. fabric wrinkling; 3. deviation of the pattern; 4. collapse of high-density stitch areas; 5. thread breakage or floating threads; 6. stretching of elastic fabric; 7. damage to thin fabric, may occur.

Therefore, correctly selecting and using the backing material is an important step in the computerized embroidery production process.

For beginners of embroidery machines, understanding the functions, usage scenarios, and matching methods of different backing materials can effectively reduce the failure rate of embroidery and improve the quality of the embroidery products. 

1. Why is backing material needed for computer embroidery?

Computer embroidery is not simply sewing the embroidery thread onto the surface of the fabric. It is a professional craft that requires controlling the tension of the stitches, the stability of the fabric, and the accuracy of the pattern.

During the embroidery process, the mechanical tension generated by the high-speed movement of the embroidery needles will change the original fiber structure of the fabric.

In the following situations: 1. Large-area filling embroidery; 2. High-density patterns; 3. Small-font embroidery; 4. Complex contour embroidery; 5. Elastic knitted fabric processing;

The fabric itself usually cannot maintain stability.

2. The main functions of backing material include:

2.1. Provide stable support

The backing (Backing Stabilizer) can enhance the fabric's carrying capacity, keeping the fabric flat during the embroidery process.

It can reduce: 1. Fabric movement; 2. Sliding within the embroidery frame; 3. Stitch contraction.

2.2. Maintain the accuracy of the embroidery pattern

The computerized embroidery machine performs the embroidery according to the digital pattern files (in formats such as DST, PES, etc.).

If the fabric moves, even if the machine's positioning is accurate, it may still cause: 1. Pattern misalignment; 2. Discontinuous lines; 3. Font distortion.

Appropriate backing material can help the stitches accurately reproduce the design effect.

2.3. Enhance the surface effect of embroidery

For some fabrics, such as towel fabric, plush fabric, and flannel; the surface fibers are relatively long and can easily cover the embroidery thread. By using a face lining (Topping), the embroidery thread can be kept on the surface of the fabric, thereby improving the clarity of the pattern.

2.4. Reducing problems in the production process

Appropriate use of backing materials can reduce: broken needles, broken threads, rework, and scrap rate.