RE: " I would have to say using gripper shelf/drawer liner to hoop WSS. Cutting a 2-3" open frame to fit your hoop... and adding it and WSS together, then hoop to prevent slippage during stitching...is a life saver." (Read Tip Here)
I read this in the article (see TIP a few articles down) , but I have to truely admit that I dont have a clue what it means. What is WSS? What is a 2-3" open frame? And what hoop size is this for? I am new to machine embroidery and I guess I know less than I thought I did. Please explain this in detail. I love all the helpful hints, and the wonderful news letter. -- Jacque
Thanks for the question! While I didn't write the "tip", I can answer the first question easily and I'll take a stab at what she was saying in the second part...
WSS = "Water-Soluable Stabilizer". It's used for sewing free-standing lace onto, the you immerse the design into warm water for about 10 seconds and pull it out, lay it on a towel and blot it dry. The stabilizer disappears and you're left with the thread only. It must be a design created for that purpose though. They're called "Free-Standing Lace" or "FSL".
WSS is also used as a "topper" layer. You would put in on top of the fabric to be embroidered IF that fabric has a heavy "nap" to it. Terrycloth towels are a good example of a lot of nap. You still use the stabilizer UNDER the fabric, but the WSS goes on top and keeps the thread from sinking down into the nap while you're stitching it out. After you stich the design, you no longer need the WSS and it will disappear when you wash the garment.
RE: The open frame she's talking about... Using grippy shelf-drawer-liner cut it into about a 6" square if your going to use it with a 4x4" hoop. Then cut a 2"x2" or 3"x3" hole in the middle creating a "frame" for your WSS. Hoop both the grippy and the WSS.
-- Larry
you'll find this video an easy way to get up to speed
on ALL the questions everyone starts out with!