Examples of custom fabrics

Performance sportswear (stretch mesh / lycra)

Stretchy, lightweight fabrics tend to distort and pucker.

Create a ‘Sports Mesh’ or ‘Lycra’ fabric profile with increased pull compensation, lighter density, and additional edge-run underlay to stabilize stitches without weighing down the fabric.

Heavy canvas or denim

Tight materials need less underlay and less dense stitch spacing to avoid thread breakage.

Fabric with no stretch is generally the easiest to work with. Save a ‘Denim/Canvas’ profile with wider stitch spacing, longer stitch length, and lighter underlay – e.g. edge run on single tatami, 4-5 mm. Use a tearaway stabilizer.

Stretchy denim

Alignment issues, depending on design.

Use Jersey settings. Increase pull comp to counter pull-push effect. In practice, you may even require laydown stitch to tie everything together.

Terry toweling (towels, bathrobes, blankets)

Loops in toweling swallow stitches and lettering.

Create a ‘Terry Toweling’ fabric with edge run and double-zigzag underlay, higher density, and stronger pull compensation. Plus notes on using a water-soluble topping. If using Solvy, edge run may be enough.

Neoprene or scuba fabric

Thick, spongy material compresses under stitches and causes distortion.

Define a ‘Neoprene’ setting with looser density, extra pull compensation, and reinforced stabilizer recommendations.

Silk or delicate fabrics

Fine, smooth fabrics can easily pucker or show needle marks.

Save a ‘Silk’ profile with lower density, shorter stitch length, and minimal underlay to reduce stress on the fabric.

Leather or vinyl

Perforation from too many needle penetrations can damage the material.

Create a ‘Leather/Vinyl’ fabric profile with longer stitches, reduced density, and minimal underlay.

Custom branded apparel line

You frequently stitch on the same set of fabric types for a client’s uniform or merchandise.

Save specific profiles – e.g. ‘Brand Polo Knit’, ‘Brand Cap Twill’ – so settings are always dialed in without re-adjusting.

Quilted or padded fabrics

Multiple fabric layers shift under the needle.

Define a ‘Quilted Fabric’ profile with stronger underlay, increased pull compensation, and stabilizer recommendations.