Embroidery Machine Guide

Machine embroidery glossary

Topping

A topping is a thin, usually water-soluble sheet laid on top of fabric before stitching, so stitches stay on the surface of towels, fleece and other pile fabric instead of sinking in.

A topping is a thin sheet that goes on top of the fabric before the machine starts stitching. Most are water-soluble film or web, and the needle sews straight through them. Some people call it a topper. It is a different layer from backing, the stabilizer that goes under the fabric.

It matters because some fabrics have a bumpy surface. Towels have loops, and fleece, corduroy and velvet have pile or nap. Needle holes fall between the loops, stitches sink out of sight, and small letters and thin lines disappear first. A topping gives the thread a smooth surface to lie on and holds the pile down. Brother's manual lists napped fabrics such as towels and corduroy as a case for water-soluble stabilizer, and OESD describes toppings as a fix for stitches that would otherwise sink into the nap.

Using one is simple. When you hoop, layer the backing, the fabric and the topping together. If the topping will not fit in the hoop, lay it on the fabric just before stitching. If you float a thick towel on hooped stabilizer, add the topping after the towel is in place and pin it well clear of the needle path. When stitching is done, trim jump stitches while the topping is still on, because they are easier to see. Then tear off the bulk by hand and dab away the leftover bits with a damp sponge, or let the first wash take them. Check that your fabric can safely get wet.

Common mistakes are skipping the topping on towels, forgetting it when floating, and treating it as a replacement for backing. A topping does not hold the fabric steady. Others are trimming jumps after the topping is gone, and leaving the film in humid air, where it can dissolve. Not every topping washes out either. OESD describes Top Cover as permanent, so read the packaging before you buy.

Example: A 3 in (75 mm) monogram on a terry hand towel: hoop a medium-weight cut-away backing with the towel and a sheet of water-soluble topping, and stitch it with a size 75/11 needle, with the bottom of the monogram about 4 in (100 mm) above the hem, as Embroidery Library suggests. Trim the jump stitches, tear off the topping, and dab away any bits left in the letters. Without the topping, the loops would swallow much of the satin stitching.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a topping on every fabric?

No. It is mainly for fabric with loops, pile or nap, such as towels, fleece, corduroy and velvet. Smooth, flat fabric usually does not need one.

Can a topping replace stabilizer?

No. A topping sits on the surface and keeps stitches from sinking. It does not hold the fabric steady, so you still need a backing underneath.

How do I get a topping off after stitching?

Trim jump stitches first, then tear off the bulk by hand. Dab the leftover bits with a damp sponge or paper towel, or let the first wash remove them. Lightweight types can also be misted with water.

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