Those who have experience in embroidery know that the task often involves the use of a glue. And there are temporary spray adhesives designed for different types of embroidery projects.
However, it is important to remember that not all temporary spray adhesives are suitable for all embroidery projects. The goal of this post is to explain the role of temporary spray adhesive for machine embroidery. Here, we will also introduce you to some of the best temporary spray adhesives for embroidery.
Why do you need adhesive for embroidery?
Spray adhesive is particularly useful when you are working with slippery fabrics. When used correctly, spray adhesive can make the process of machine embroidery a lot easier and smoother. Machine embroidery adhesive keeps the fabrics in place, reduces wrinkles and prevents creeping.
In the garment industry, there are various use cases of spray adhesives. However, here we are focusing on machine embroidery only. In general, spray adhesive is a type of glue that is contained in a canister and released in the form of a fine mist. It is important to note here that spray adhesive designed for machine embroidery must be temporary, not permanent.
When the fabrics no longer need to be held together, the adhesive can be easily washed away. This adhesive dries quickly, in part because it is petrol-based.
In machine embroidery, spray adhesive is used in the processes of , floating, and patches. And there are different types of adhesives for these different processes.
There are stabilizers that are used for the same purpose. They are basically of two types: iron on and water soluble stabilizers. Some iron on stabilizers come with coatings of adhesives. One limitation of iron stabilizers is that you must use them once iron hits the fabric.
Alternatively, you can use a water soluble stabilizer. However, the product has a bad rap for leaving a cotton fiber or cellulose residue behind.
In some cases, you can use a stabilizer in conjunction with spray adhesive. When you are working with applique, spray adhesives are definitely better than stabilizers. That is in part because stabilizers are often associated with unsightly problems such as puckering.
What are the best temporary spray adhesives for embroidery?
The main purpose of using embroidery spray adhesive is to prevent the fabric from wrinkling, shifting or stretching. However, it is important to choose adhesive that is particularly suitable for the project you are working on.
Down below, we are going to discuss 5 slightly different types of embroidery spray adhesives for embroidery projects.
Sprayidea 82
For light fabrics such as underwear and baby cloth
Specifications:
- Bonding: Temporary
- Color: Clear
- Effect time: 30-60 seconds
- Remains tacky for: 45 minutes
- Scent: Low odor
- Spray pattern: Mist
Sprayidea 82 is a low odor and low VOC temporary spray adhesive designed for machine embroidery. It is particularly used with light fabrics such as underwear, baby cloth, and foam. This transparent glue is ideal for relocatable operations.
As with most pressurized spray adhesives for embroidery, it must be kept away from high temperature. Ideally, you should store it in a cool, dry and well-ventilated room with a temperature of less than 30℃.
Sprayidea DY-100
Best tacky spray adhesive for white fabric
Specifications:
- Bonding: Temporary
- Color: Clear
- Effect time: 30-60 seconds
- Remains tacky for: 30 minutes
- Scent: Low odor
- Spray pattern: Mist
Sprayidea DY-100 is for embroidery projects that require relatively less strong bonding. This adhesive is clear and therefore suitable for white fabric. It’s non-toxic because it does not contain any chlorinated solvent, formaldehyde or CFC.
In terms of storage, the requirements are the same as other temporary spray adhesives. This glue works best in temperatures ranging from 15℃ to 35℃. If the nozzle gets clogged, it should be cleaned with a solvent such as alcohol.
Sprayidea 81
Best embroidery spray adhesive for fabrics that must meet safety standards
Specifications:
- Bonding: Temporary
- Color: Clear
- Effect time: 30-60 seconds
- Remains tacky for: 45 minutes
- Scent: Low odor
- Spray pattern: Mist
Here is another great spray adhesive for embroidery. Sprayidea 81 is designed for fabrics that stay in close contact with skin, such as underwear and baby cloth. Sprayidea 81 is a removable fabric glue for embroidery that meets the safety standards of SGS and EU REACH. That’s why environmentally conscious manufacturers choose this adhesive.
If you are working with lightweight fabrics that require high-end bonding, this is the perfect product. This repositionable glue is colorless and odorless.
Sprayidea Super 88
Suitable for efficient and precise bonding
Specifications:
- Bonding: Temporary
- Color: Clear
- Effect time: 30-60 seconds
- Remains tacky for: 30 minutes
- Scent: Low odor
- Spray pattern: Mist
Sprayidea Super 88 is a higher end embroidery spray glue that works very well with a wide range of fabrics such as silk, cotton and satin. When needed, you can easily wash it off, and the process does not damage the fabric.
This removable fabric glue is cost effective because it offers long operation time. It is a non-staining and non toxic embroidery spray adhesive, so you do not have to worry about gumming up needles.
Sprayidea Super 99
An ideal embroidery spray adhesive with a long open time
Specifications:
- Bonding: Temporary
- Color: Clear
- Effect time: 30-60 seconds
- Remains tacky for: 30 minutes
- Scent: Low odor
- Spray pattern: Mist
Here is another colorless and odorless spray adhesive that is ideal for machine embroidery. With a long open time, this adhesive keeps the fabric firm and steady during embroidery. This removable fabric glue can be used prior to embroidery or sewing.
Sprayidea Super 99 is non-toxic and non-staining—it does not gum needles. It is also great for cutting work and applique embroidery that involves the use of paper and thin film.
Tips for using machine embroidery adhesive
- Overheated adhesive can distort the embroidery. Also, do not overspray the adhesive because that can leave grime and make it hard for you to reposition the fabric.
- Before you apply the spray, do a little bit of testing by applying it on a small part of the fabric to see if the adhesive produces the result you expect.
- Remove the adhesive from the fabric as per the instructions provided in the label. Do not scrub, rub or use soap unnecessarily.
- If the general approach does not work, consider tacking or pinning the piece of fabric with a tack stitch.
- When it comes to applying spray adhesive for embroidery, accidental bonding is very common. If that happens, remove the product as per the instructions provided in the label.
- The needle can get a little bit hot and melt the bond material. If you notice the needle gumming or embroidery thread breaks, slow down the machine a bit.
- Make sure the room is well-ventilated, particularly if you have asthma.
Conclusion
Spray adhesives can make embroidery a lot easier by stabilizing fabrics. However, your choice of adhesive matters, and so does the way you apply it. The adhesive you choose must be water-soluble and temporary. Avoid overspraying, and make sure the room is well-ventilated—even if you are using a non-toxic adhesive.
If you need spray adhesive for embroidery, you will do just fine with any of the five products mentioned above. However, always aim to get the best out of the spray adhesive for fabric embroidery. Choose a product that is designed for the particular type of fabric you are working with.