Embroidering rayon/poly shirts above pocket

[promocanuck]

Relative newbie here, and I have a new appreciation for twill fabrics today!

I'm trying to embroider quite a small design (under 2K stitches) onto a rayon/poly dress shirt, lightweight material...above the pocket.

The problem is that the logo is a word and runs in a straight line, so if we are not perfectly straight with the pocket, it is very very noticeable.

We think we have it lined up for hooping exactly right, then every odd or third one turns out crooked.

Does this perhaps have to do with the material being so flimsy? I am thinking maybe it is shifting slightly as I press down the top of the hoop to hoop it?

I tried spraying and attaching the backing before hooping and that seems to stabilize the fabric a bit - am I on the right track and/or does anyone have any other tips for me?

MUCH appreciated...of course this is a rush job (why oh why can't it be twill?!)

Thanks in advance
promocanuck

[Theresa S.]

Hi promocanuck...I'm another "relative newby" to embroidery...but have many years sewing and fabric background.

Keep in mind, a twill is like denim...it is not woven "straight"' that is, with the warp (up and down) threads at 90 degrees to the weft (crosswise). Therefore, the fabric will not be as stable. It will inherently have a stretch or "give" in it. I would recommend you stick it down good to your backing, so there is no chance of it moving. Also, in my observations, pockets are often times not straight. Instructions I have recommend aligning with the front edge of the shirt or the buttonholes...that way, the embroidery will be straight, even if the pocket is crooked.

Any one else have thoughts?

[Barbara Bunker]

Any "flimsy" fabric needs stabilizing. I've been happiest with Sulky's Totally Stable, an iron-on tearaway. It looks like freezer paper. Floriani also makes a product like HydroStick, where you get the backing slightly wet, apply and then tear it off after embroidery.

Barb in Broomfield, CO