Fabrics 101: Embroidering on NeopreneProducts Used
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Steps To Complete
Neoprene is a stretchy and synthetic rubber material. It's waterproof and great for insulating items -- it keeps the hot hot, and the cool cool. And, that layer of rubbery insulation also adds a bit of protection when used in laptop and iPad covers and cases, as well wetsuits for water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. |
It's not easy to find neoprene on the bolt at a fabric store, so I took my search to the Internet. I ordered 3mm neoprene from Seattle Fabrics. It arrived quickly and as promised. With the rising popularity of making can koozies, it wouldn't surprise me if neoprene was found in bricks-and-mortar fabric stores very soon. Because I'm "floating" the neoprene on top of the stabilizer and not hooping it, I am using cutaway stabilizer -- and I strongly recommend that you do the same. If I don't hoop the neoprene, then I'm risking that the fabric will shift. That risk of shifting and gapping greatly increases when using tear-away stabilizer, so I'm going to guard against that increased risk by using cutaway stabilizer. Will you get good results with tear-away stabilizer? Probably. But for the best and most professional-looking results, I recommend cutaway. |
I made a can koozie out of the neoprene. In the photo to the left you can see that I drew out the rectangle from the pattern, and also the horizontal and vertical axis lines. |
I attached the hoop to the machine, and moved the hoop so that the needle was right over the center point. Then, I embroidered the design. |
It turned out great! After I stitched the design, I twisted and yanked and pulled on the neoprene to see if I could get it to rip or tear from where the needle perforations were. Nope. This is tough stuff! |
I ordered a variety of blank and unconstructed neoprene items from TheSewphisticatedStitcher.com. At that site you can find blank luggage tags, bottle koozies, and can koozies (shown left). |