Spray Adhesive: Spray the fabric or the stabilizer?

Spray adhesive is great to use for machine embroidery and decorative stitches! My favorite brand to use is 505 Spray Adhesive because it holds the fabric to the stabilizer while I'm stitching, but is not stuck so tight that I can't peel off the stabilizer after I'm finished. But what is the best to spray with the adhesive - the stabilizer or the fabric?

It is always best to spray the stabilizer instead of the fabric or garment. Never spray the back of the fabric because the spray adhesive can leave a residue mark that can be difficult to get out. Most of the time 90% rubbing alcohol will remove most of the stain, but some spots are really tough to get out. Always spray the stabilizer no matter if you are stitching embroidery designs or decorative stitches.

If you are stitching decorative stitches, you will want to spray the stabilizer and then stick it to the fabric. If you spray the fabric and not all the sticky residue is covered by the stabilizer you stick to the back of the fabric, it will tend to stick to the bed of the machine and not want to feed through as you are stitching. This can cause your decorative stitches to become distorted.

Note: If you do get some spray adhesive on your fabric, see this post for tips on how to get it out!