Supplies
Cut-away vs tear-away stabilizer: choose by fabric
Stretchy fabric needs support after the hoop comes off. Stable woven fabric may not.
Cut-away for lasting support
Madeira recommends cut-away for unstable fabrics such as knits and lightweight wovens. It remains behind the design after excess material is trimmed. T-shirts, polos and sweatshirts often need that continuing support through wear and washing.
Tear-away for stable fabrics
Tear-away supports stitching but is removed around the finished design. Madeira recommends it for stable non-stretch woven fabrics such as canvas, denim and twill when the fabric can support the design afterward.
Fabric is only the start
Design size, density, stitch length and fabric weight affect the required backing. Dense designs may need heavier support. Test the actual fabric, thread, design and stabilizer combination rather than copying a setting from a different project.
What to buy first
Start with a backing appropriate for your main fabric and enough material for test stitches. A mixed pack can be useful for learning, but do not treat all sheets as interchangeable. Check the product instructions for removal and care.