Not all fabrics are made equal when it comes to embroidery. Find out which materials are best for machine embroidery, what to avoid, and how to choose the right needle and stabiliser for long-lasting stitched designs.
Embroidery is a beautiful way to personalise clothing, gifts, and home decor, but can you embroider any fabric? Whether you're just getting into embroidery or considering a custom design, knowing what materials work best is key to a professional, long-lasting result.
Can You Embroider Any Fabric?
Technically, you can embroider on most fabrics, but that doesn’t mean every fabric will give you good results. Some materials are too thin, too stretchy, or too delicate to hold stitches well, especially with a machine.
For the cleanest finish and durability, the right pairing of fabric, needle, and stabiliser makes all the difference.
Best Fabrics for Machine Embroidery
These fabrics are most commonly used and give reliable results:
-
Cotton (woven): One of the most beginner- and machine-friendly fabrics. Perfect for shirts, totes, and gifts.
-
Linen: Great for home decor or rustic-style embroidery.
-
Poly-cotton blends: Durable and resistant to wrinkling, often used in custom clothing.
-
Denim: Thick and textured - ideal for bold statement pieces.
-
Felt: Easy to hoop and doesn't fray. Great for patches and accessories.
-
Fleece & Sweatshirt Material: Soft but stable enough for personalised hoodies or sweaters.
Fabrics That Are Tricky (But Possible)
Some fabrics can be embroidered, but need special care:
-
Stretchy fabrics (like jersey or spandex): Use cut-away stabiliser and a ballpoint needle.
-
Silk or satin: Beautiful but slippery - use extra stabilising and a sharp needle.
-
Tulle or mesh: Possible with careful hooping and water-soluble stabiliser.
Fabrics to Avoid (or Think Twice About)
-
Extremely thin or sheer fabrics like chiffon or organza.
-
Heavily textured or pile fabrics like thick faux fur or towelling (unless you're experienced).
These can lead to misaligned stitches, puckering, or thread breakage without the right tools and experience.
Choosing the Right Needle & Stabiliser
To help embroidery turn out beautifully, it’s not just about fabric, you need the right setup:
-
Needle Types:
-
Use a sharp (universal) needle for woven fabrics.
-
Use a ballpoint needle for stretch or knit fabrics.
-
-
Needle Sizes:
-
Lightweight fabric: Size 70/10 or 75/11.
-
Medium-weight fabric: Size 80/12.
-
Heavy fabric like denim: Size 90/14.
-
-
Stabilisers:
-
Tear-away for sturdy fabrics like cotton.
-
Cut-away for stretchy or delicate fabrics.
-
Water-soluble for lace or sheer designs.
-
More on embroidery needles in this blog post.
Embroidery isn’t one-size-fits-all. With the right knowledge and tools, you can stitch on a wide range of fabrics, but knowing which ones work best ensures your piece looks polished and lasts for years. If you’re ever unsure, reach out or explore our curated range of custom embroidery products.