Many embroiderers use backing stabilizer on every project, but topping (also called topper) is often overlooked — and it's the missing ingredient that separates good embroidery on textured surfaces from great embroidery. Here's how they work and when to use each.
What Is Embroidery Backing?
Backing (also called underlay stabilizer or base stabilizer) goes beneath the fabric in the hoop. It provides a firm platform for the needle to push off, prevents the fabric from shifting during stitching, and supports the finished embroidery through washing and wear. Backing is used on virtually every machine embroidery project.
Types of Backing
| Type | Best For | Removed After? |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-away | Woven fabrics, stable knits | Tears away cleanly |
| Cutaway | Stretchy knits, fleece, towels | Trimmed close, stays permanently |
| Water-soluble (WSS) | Freestanding lace, sheers | Dissolves in water |
| Heat-away | Velvet, delicate fabrics | Removed with iron |
| Fusible tear-away | Extra-stable positioning | Tears away (iron-on type) |
What Is Embroidery Topping?
Topping (topper) goes on top of the fabric surface, between the fabric and the embroidery foot. It prevents stitches from sinking into textured or looped surfaces — such as fleece, terry cloth towelling, velvet, and loosely woven fabrics — and holds them up at the surface level for a clean, raised appearance.
When Do You Need Topping?
- •Towels and terry cloth — without topping, stitches disappear into the loops.
- •Fleece and high-pile fabrics — topping keeps letters and details legible.
- •Velvet and velour — topping prevents pile from interfering with stitch formation.
- •Loosely woven fabrics like burlap or jute.
- •Knitted sweater fabric or any surface with texture that could swallow fine stitches.
Types of Topping
- •Water-soluble topping — most common; place over fabric, stitch through it, rinse away with water. Completely invisible after removal.
- •Sticky water-soluble topping — self-adhesive; sticks to the fabric surface without pinning.
- •Cellophane (kitchen film) — a free household substitute; stitch through it and tear away after (doesn't dissolve, but tears cleanly).
Create embroidery files for any fabric type:
Open Image Converter →The Combination Rule
For terry towels: use cutaway backing + water-soluble topping. For fleece: use cutaway backing + water-soluble topping. For velvet: use cutaway backing + water-soluble topping. Topping alone without backing doesn't work — you need both on any textured fabric.