Fabrics 101: Embroidering on Nylon Screen

Stitching on something like screen material may sound too good to be true, but it's a fun and easy project that can be turned into doors, beach totes, and more. Follow along with the steps below to learn more.

Nylon screen is a fiberglass/ polyester mesh that's coated with vinyl. The vinyl addition makes it seven times stronger than regular fiberglass screen. It's pliable, dent-proof, and is tear-resistant. Designs that are medium to high in complexity show up  best on screen. Light designs get a little lost in the mesh.

Using a heavier and more porous water-soluble stabilizer such as Vilene works well when stitching onto screen.

Spray a small amount of temporary spray adhesive onto the stabilizer, then smooth the screen over the top.

Hoop the screen and stabilizer together. Make sure that they are hooped tightly.

Load the embroidery design onto your machine and embroider the design.

After the design has finished stitching, unhoop the design and trim the stabilizer close to the design. Then soak the screen, stabilizer, and design in water until the stabilizer has completely dissolved.

Let the screen and design airdry, then use it for any project you have in mind. One easy way to turn it into decor is by trimming and adding the screen to a frame or embroidery hoop.

Turn your screen into a tote bag by visiting our tutorial here!