Dissolvable Fabric

Dissolvable fabric or water-soluble fabric is traditionally used in commercial machinery embroidery to prevent stitches from sinking into high pile fabrics like towels and fleece. When using dissolvable fabric you need to make sure that you are careful to overlap your stitches before dissolving the fabric to ensure that you don’t end up with a long string of thread.

At Whaleys there are 3 different types of water soluble fabric with 2 which are affected by cold water and one which is used with hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dissolvable Fabric

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers about Dissolvable Fabric. If your question isn't covered here, please contact us.

  • Dissolvable fabric, also called water-soluble stabiliser, is a temporary fabric that washes away in water. It’s usually made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which breaks down in warm or cold water depending on the grade.

  • The fabric is placed under or over the area being stitched to support fine fabrics, prevent puckering, or hold loose threads in place. Once stitching is complete, the work is rinsed in water and the stabiliser dissolves, leaving the embroidery or lace intact.

  • It’s used in machine and freehand embroidery, particularly for free-standing lace where the stabiliser washes away to leave only the stitched threads. It also works as a topping on textured or pile fabrics, and as a backing for fine or sheer materials.

  • Yes. Cold-water and warm-water grades are both available, and weights run from light film to heavier woven types. Lightweight films suit small embroidery and toppings, while heavier woven dissolvable fabrics suit free-standing lace and three-dimensional work.

    See our dissolvable fabric product range