Mylar is a thin plastic film that can be incorporated into specially digitized machine embroidery designs. Typically, these designs have low density fill stitches to allow the colour & iridescence of the mylar to shine through the stitches. The colour of the thread you use will influence the “colour” of the mylar.
Using Mylar in an embroidery design with regular 40 weight embroidery thread eliminates the need for using more expensive and harder to use metallic threads.
Using one layer of Mylar is usually sufficient but if you want a more dramatic sparkle effect you can use two layers of Mylar.
Remember to wind bobbins to match your top thread if you are using Mylar with free-standing lace designs.
Using Mylar in an embroidery design is much like using the applique technique in the design. A placement stitch is first stitched out, place the mylar (you can hold it in place painters’ tape). I have found that using temporary spray adhesive is not a good idea on leather, vinyl fleece, or other fabrics with a pile since a residue from the spray adhesive can be left behind that laundering might not remove.
The tack down stitch is the next step. Run the fill stitches and remove the excess mylar from the fill stitches by tearing it away (it tears really easily!) and then run the remaining steps to finish the design.
Mylar is very susceptible to high heat and can be damaged easily. Launder your item on cool or cold water turning the item inside out. Hang or lay flat to dry. You can dry your item in a cool dryer but your Mylar will last longer if you air dry the garment.
To press your Mylar design, place item right side down on a padded surface with an iron on a low dry heat (no steam, wool setting is the best) use a pressing cloth, teflon sheet, or a piece of a brown paper bag to cover the design area between the wrong side of the design and the iron (this will protect it from excessive heat). Press down and lift the iron from section to section rather than sliding the iron over the area. Check to make sure you are not damaging the design or garment before applying more heat. If using a commercial heat press, use the recommended heat setting for your garment, use a padded pillow (they are specially made for the commercial heat press) and a protective sheet of paper or Teflon sheet.
Please feel free to contact us at magpiedesigns@bellnet.ca if you have any further questions. We would love to show case your work on our social media channels as well as our website so send us your pictures with a small blurb about the work you have done!
I hope you enjoy using Mylar Film in your embroidery work as much as I have in developing these beautiful designs!