Fabric Stabilizers & Foundations

What are Fabric Stabilizers and Foundations? 

A fabric stabilizer, or backing, is used in sewing and machine embroidery to support fabric during the stitching process. By using a stabilizer, you can keep the fabric from puckering and stretching while stitching. 

There are many types of stabilizers out there, each one categorized by the method of its removal. The three most common types of stabilizers include:

  • Cut-Away - This is considered to be the most stable and can be used on any project. When in doubt, turn to a cut-away stabilizer. However, if you are stitching stretchy fabrics or knits, this is a must-use stabilizer. If you choose this style of stabilizer, you will cut away the product once your project is finished, leaving the stabilizer behind the stitching. 
  • Tear-Away - Tear away stabilizers allow you to remove the majority of the product once it is finished. It can be used on almost all projects and fabric types; however, if you are sewing on knits, stretchy or sheer fabrics, then you want to avoid this stabilizer.
  • Wash-Away - If you need to leave no trace of the stabilizer, use a wash-away. You want to use a wash-away stabilizer if you are dealing with lightweight fabrics, such as a sheer fabric. Avoid using it if your fabric cannot be washed. 

Choosing the right fabric stabilizer for your project depends on the weight of the fabric you are using. The weight of your stabilizer should match the weight of your fabric, or according to your fabric’s stitch count. The higher the stitch count of your fabric, the more weight you want in your stabilizer. 

Interfacing, Interlining, and Fabric

Interfacing and interlining are used to add support, structure, and stability to your fabrics and projects. 

While interfacing and interlining are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Here is the difference between the two so you know what is needed, so you get the results you want from your next project: 

Interfacing - Interfacing is used to help prevent your fabric from stretching while also adding structure. This is used on parts of the fabric that are visible, such as the collar, cuffs, waistbands, and other areas of your project that may need added support. Fusible interfacing is a popular choice, as it fuses to the fabric when you add steam or heat, making it easier to work with since it does not need to be stitched on.

Interlining - Interlining is when you add the product between fabric, either to help stabilize your project or to provide additional warmth. One good example is if you are making a coat. To add warmth, you would want to interline it with cotton, flannel, or polyester. 

Here at GoldStar Tool, we carry a variety of fabrics used for interfacing and interlining, including: 

  • 100% Cotton 
  • Muslin
  • Tear-Away 
  • Vinyl Mesh
  • Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing/Interlining
  • Woven Tricot Fusible Interfacing/Interlining

Boning

If you are making garments that need a solid structure, then boning is the fabric foundation you want to use.

Boning is used in garments that need to retain their shape and stay wrinkle-free. You are likely to use boning if you are constructing a corset, bra, strapless garment, or you need to create a stiff collar. 

At GoldStar Tool, we sell several types of boning, including: 

  • Rigilene Boning
  • White Steel Boning
  • Cotton Covered Plastic Boning
  • Plastic Boning
  • Steel Boning
  • And Underwire

We have all the boning supplies you need to create a garment that will keep its shape and structure. 

Corset and Bra

As mentioned above, if you are making a corset or bra, you will likely need special materials to complete your project and keep your fabric stable, so it keeps its shape. When it comes to bras and corsets, the stability of the garment determines how it is used, and the results the wearer will get while wearing it. This makes the stabilizing methods crucial in these projects. 

At GoldStar Tool, we don’t just provide the boning and underwire needed for creating these garments; we also provide the proper elastic, bias tape, and closures you will need to be sure your garments are high-quality and provide the wearer with the support they are looking for. 

Bias Tape

Bias tape is a narrow strip of fabric that is often used in seam binding and finishing raw edges. It is used to make a variety of projects to create cleaner edges, add decoration, or to strengthen the edge of a garment, giving it more support and helping it keep its overall structure. 

Stabilizers and Foundations in Home Decor

If you sew, chances are garments are not the only thing you are creating. Home decor items are also popular projects for sewers, from beginners to experts. If you are creating a home decor project, then you will probably need to use some type of stabilizer or foundation. 

Curtains

Curtains are a common project for all levels of sewers. They are fun to make and allow you to add a personalized touch to any home. Whether you are making them for your own home or for a business, GoldStar Tool sells the items you need to get the project done. 

Here are some of the items we offer on our website that you will need if you are creating curtains: 

  • Drawstring Cord
  • Pleat Tape
  • No-Sew Hem Tape
  • Seam Binding

Cording

While cording can be used in garments, it is commonly used in home decor products, such as curtains and the seams of pillows, slipcovers, and cushions. By using cording in seems, your project keeps its shape with added structure, giving you a more finished and detailed result. 

Cording is also used to give a project a more aesthetic look and can be used as an added decorative detail to your project. 

GoldStar Tool Has All the Fabric Stabilizers and Foundations You Are Looking For!

No matter what type of project you are creating, if you need to provide additional support to your fabric, GoldStar Tool has the fabric stabilizers and foundations you need. Whether you are looking to support your stitching, give shape and structure to your garment, or add some extra detail to your project, we’ve got you covered!


Don’t see the stabilizer and fabric foundation you are looking for or have questions about one of our products? Contact us online or give us a call at 1.800.868.4419, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

Fabric Stabilizers & Foundations

Interfacing, Interlining & Fabric
Interfacing, Interlining & Fabric

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What Are Sewing Scissors Used For?

Fabric-specific scissors and shears are used for one thing: cutting fabric.

They should cut smoothly and cleanly and feel comfortable when you use them. You should always use the appropriate type of scissors and shears for your fabric if you want them to last and you want your fabric to cut cleanly.

Using your sewing scissors to cut anything but fabric is a quick way to ruin a good, and possibly expensive, pair of scissors. Keep them sheathed or otherwise properly stored when not in use and always use a different pair of scissors for paper and other non-fabric cutting applications.

Choosing the Right Scissors for Your Fabric

Different types of scissors have specific functions, such as spring-mounted thread clippers, which are perfect for opening buttonholes and snipping off thread ends in everyday sewing. Dressmaker shears are designed to cut just about any type of fabric, from fine silks and cotton to the heaviest denim and leather.  Synthetics tend to shred a little with dressmaker shears and standard fabric scissors, so serrated-edged scissors are a much better choice. These Mundial shears have cushioned handles and micro-serrated stainless steel edges that ensure clean cuts without slipping.

What to Look for In A Pair of Scissors or Shears + -

Of course, you want to look for a good quality brand. At Goldstar Tool, we carry brands like Mundial, Wescott, Wiss, and our own Goldstar brand of scissors. Scissors can be expensive, but price isn’t always a good indicator of how good they are. Just because they are pricey does not automatically make them good. Stainless steel forged blades are strong, sharp, and will last a long time. When choosing a good pair of blades, you should ask yourself… Are they comfortable? If they don’t feel right when you’re cutting, they’re not right for you. A good pair of shears should be sharp and cut cleanly through your fabric from the start to the end. Of course, with use, they may need sharpening, which should restore them to a like-new condition. However, if they don’t cut well when they’re new, sharpening really won’t help, and it may be time to invest in a better pair. When you buy new shears or scissors, ask yourself… Is it the right type for your needs? Do you need a longer set of dressmaker shears, or would a pair of offset scissors work better? Will they cut thin fabrics as well as thicker fabrics, or do you need a separate pair for heavier materials? Remember that a good pair of scissors is an investment, so put some thought into your choice and be sure to take care of them. Repeatedly buying inexpensive scissors that you throw away can add up to a costly expense. 

Types of Shears + -

Dressmaker shears are the most important scissors to have. Heavier than traditional scissors, they’re designed to cut fabrics of all types and typically do so very well. These Mundial shears are engineered for right-handed or left-handed users, and come in 6”, 7” and 8” models (including left-handed 8”.) Our Goldstar brand 8-inch forged stainless steel shears cut the entire length of the blade, all the way to the tip. If you prefer pinking shears, we have two types from the GoldStar line. Our heavy-duty shears have classic metal handles, and the other has cushioned plastic handles. For the quilter, Mundial professional quilting scissors in either 5 ½,” 8 ½, or 9 ½” offer soft grip cushioned insert handles for comfort and extended use.  Do you enjoy applique work? Our Mundial applique scissors help you make quick work of trimming around appliques, as well as evenly trimming Are buttonholes your nemesis? Our exclusive buttonhole scissors have a screw that stops you from cutting through your carefully made buttonholes. Safer than regular scissors or a scalpel, the screw limits your cutting length, so you cut exactly the length you need.

Other Cutting Products + -

Keep your scissors handy with a leather belt/hip holster, animal print belt holster or a lanyard that hangs around your neck. These will keep your shears handy and always available. Rotary cutters are a great way to do precise, fast cuts with ease. Goldstar Tool’s rotary cutters make fast work of whatever you need to cut. We also carry the replacement blades for all of our rotary cutting tools. Straight paper cutting is fast and easy with Westcott Titanium Bonded Paper Trimmer. It trims up to ten sheets of paper quickly with a completely safe, no-touch covered blade assembly.

Caring for Your Shears and Scissors

Caring for Your Shears and Scissors

Keeping Your Shears and Scissors in Tip Top Shape + -

The first thing you should NEVER do is cut anything but fabric with your scissors and shears intended for fabrics. The second is to never cut into a pin or needle since it will damage them permanently. When you’re finished using your shears, the best thing you can do is wipe the blades with a dry cloth to remove lint, threads, dust, and other small particles that can make them harder to use. Synthetic fibers can also dull the blades. Clean away the dry particles after every use. Keep your shears and scissors working smoothly with a small drop of quality sewing machine oil in the fulcrum or the pivot screw. Carefully open and close them a few times (point down) to distribute the oil, and wipe them, spreading some of the remnant oil over the blades. You want to oil your scissors and shears about once a month, more if you use them daily.  Of course, be careful not to drop them, or they could be damaged to the point of being unworkable.

Sharpening Your Shears and Scissors + -

When they just don’t cut like they used to, sharpening is a must to prevent damage to your fabrics. You may have heard that cutting through aluminum foil steel wool and/or sandpaper as a way to quickly sharpen your dulled scissors. Despite their popularity, we don’t recommend these methods. Think about it—if you shouldn’t use your sewing shears and scissors for paper and other things, or attempt to cut through a pin or needle, why would you use either of these to sharpen a blade? There are better ways to sharpen your shears at home or in your commercial shop. Need something small and efficient to keep around? These handy Scissors And Blade Sharpeners are economical, convenient, and sharpen on the fly. Our ExtremEdge V2 Knife and Shear Sharpener is a fast, easy way to sharpen non-serrated scissors and knives safely. The bottom section holds it in place for simple one-handed operation, and it’s sold for a reasonable price. If you have more than a few pairs of scissors, sending them out for sharpening can shut down operations. Our Wolff Industrial Twice as Sharp Scissor Sharpening System is an investment that will save you and your workers time and money, and keep your scissor arsenal sharp and cutting perfectly every time. Priced at under $500, you can sharpen your tools in-house whenever you need to. Plus, it comes with instructions so that anyone can learn to use it for fast on-demand sharpening.  Pinking shears, like our own soft-handled or heavy-duty shears, are best sharpened by a professional. There’s no reason to keep working with dull scissors and shears. Get one of our exclusive sharpening tools today.