Stabilizer and Iron On Patches

I've had problems in my hand embroidery projects, with the fabric stretching. Usually I can wet it thoroughly and block it and it straightens out. But not always.

So I decided to try the machine embroidery technique of ironing on a thin stabilizer. It works! I had been afraid the needle would balk at the extra thickness, but it's fine.

I haven't been very happy with my Glorious Cross Christmas ornament because of the stretching. I'll see if it can be fixed with stabilizer. If not, since the embroidered part itself is fine, it might become an iron-on patch.

See the stretched fabric? Hmmmm