The fabric placed beneath the embroidery is usually referred to as "underlay" or "underlay paper" in embroidery techniques. Its main function is to be placed beneath the base fabric (the fabric used for embroidery) to stabilize the fabric, prevent it from stretching, wrinkling, or deforming during the embroidery process, and make the embroidery piece more flat.
According to different embroidery requirements, fabric materials and techniques, the commonly used backing materials mainly include the following types:
1，Paper lining (embroidered lining paper): Such as brittle paper, plain paper, thick paper with good durability, etc. The paper lining is convenient for cutting. When placed underneath, it can provide better stiffness and is suitable for general embroidery or for fabrics with large elasticity/contractility.
2，Non-woven fabric/water-soluble lining: Such as non-woven water-soluble lining, cold water soluble lining, etc. When placed underneath, these materials can maintain the overall softness of the embroidery, suitable for thin fabrics or embroidered items that require washing (the water-soluble lining will dissolve after being soaked in warm water, making it easy to remove)
3，Hot melt liner (hot melt adhesive): Its appearance is similar to a plastic film. When placed underneath, it provides excellent stability. It is suitable for most fabrics. After embroidery, it can be removed using a hot iron, making it suitable for items that require a "standing" effect or to prevent the embroidery thread from getting stuck.
4，Adhesive tape/wax paper: Adhesive tape is suitable for general embroidery, while wax paper is suitable for leather embroidery, providing the necessary support and anti-sticking properties.
5，Gauze: Suitable for embroidery on openings, it provides sufficient support without affecting the embroidery surface.
According to the thickness of the fabric: thick fabrics (such as canvas, denim) usually use thick underlays, while thin fabrics (such as silk, chiffon) use thin underlays.
According to the fabric properties: For fabrics with high elasticity or prone to shrinking, thick underlays or heat-melt underlays that are not easy to tear should be used for fixation; for three-dimensional fabrics that are prone to "sinking" (such as corduroy and towel fabric), they need to be used in combination with surface underlays. The underlay should be selected in accordance with actual needs in coordination with the surface underlay.
Dongguan Evergreenbadges Co., Ltd.
Our product range including:embroidered patches, woven patches, chenille patches, printed patches, leather patches, PVC patches, silicone embossed patches, epaulettes and brassards.
Address: 2nd Building, No. 5, Guxia Industrial 2nd Rd., Shipai Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province
Phone: +86-769-87036875 / +86-18898701468
Email: sales@egbadges.com
Post time: Jul-08-2026
