Solutions that Stick Embroidery Project

Perhaps the most versatile, yet under-rated, tool is adhesive backing, commonly referred to as "sticky" backing. This wonderful accessory allows you to sew things without hooping them. Of course, you must hoop the backing itself, but not the garment. Instead, you carefully press the item to be sewn into place on the backing material.

This technique works wonders for items such as patches, belts, neckties, karate belts, director's chair seat backs, dog collars, leashes, split front shirts, etc. As an added bonus, you can draw reference lines on the backing material to assist in proper placement and alignment. If you are a digitizer, you can then take it a step further by digitizing running stitch templates that assure correct layout and centering on the garment.

Once the sewing process is complete, the backing can be removed as easily as tear-away. (By the way, if you need more stability, you can hoop cutaway backing under the adhesive layer. You'll just need to trim it away with scissors upon completion of the job.)