Fabrics 101: Embroidering on Organza

Organza is a woven fabric made from silk, or synthetic material like polyester. Add embroidery to organza to dress up sheer curtains, scarves, dresses, and even suncathchers! Here are some tips and tricks to get great results when embroidering on this light and luxurious fabric.

Project Needs & Notes:

- Polyester organza fabric
- Water-soluble stabilizer (like Vilene or Sulky Ultra Solvy)

Designs featured in this tutorial include:
- H6611, Butterfly Alights

We recommend embroidering on polyester organza for best results. Silk organza is dry-clean only, while polyester organza can be hand washed or machine washed using a gentle cycle.

Polyester organza comes in a large array of colors. Since organza is sheer, and most types of stabilizer will show through, hoop the fabric with one piece of heavy weight water soluble stabilizer.

Lay the stabilizer on top of the fabric. Hoop both layers together firmly. Tighten the hand screw on the hoop.

Since both sides of the design will be visible, wind a bobbin with the same color thread that is used in the needle.

At each color change, change the bobbin to match the top thread color.

Embroider the design.

Choose open, light stitching designs when embroidering on organza. These types of designs allow the fabric to drape beautifully and also let light shine through.

A size 75/11 sharp sewing needle provides best results. The sharp point of the type of needle leaves the smallest holes in the fabric as it sews.

After each color sews, remove the hoop but do not unhoop the fabric. Change out the bobbin to match the top thread color.

Attach the hoop back onto the machine, and continue sewing the design.

When the design has finished, trim away the excess stabilizer.

Also, trim any long threads on the backside of the embroidery.

Then, soak the fabric in water to remove the remaining stabilizer.

Blot the fabric with paper towels and allow it to air dry.

Press the fabric with a pressing cloth on top and an iron set on a low heat setting.

Organza is wonderful for a wide variety of projects, including a stunning sheer suncatcher.

Add the fabric to a hand embroidery hoop, add a ribbon hanger, and hang it in a window. Visit the project tutorial and watch the video to see how it's done.