Description
Kimberbell Medium Tear-Away is a non-woven, sew-in embroidery backing for stable, non-stretch fabrics: quilting cottons, cotton blends, denim, terrycloth, vinyl, leather and utility fabrics. It is rated for medium to high stitch count designs, and once the design is stitched the excess tears neatly away from the stitching. Use it when the finished piece does not need a permanent backing.
The 12" x 10 yard roll suits 4" x 4", 5" x 7" and 6" x 10" hoops. Kimberbell makes the same tear-away in three weights: Light for low stitch counts and lightweight fabrics, Medium (this roll) for most everyday designs, and Heavy for stitch-heavy designs and large open areas. For knits and anything stretchy, use a cut-away such as Kimberbell Medium Cut-Away.
Specifications
| Type | Tear-away, non-woven |
|---|---|
| Weight | Medium |
| Fusible | No (sew-in, hoop with the fabric) |
| Width x length | 12" x 10 yards |
| Best for | Medium to high stitch count designs on stable wovens, including towels, denim, vinyl and leather |
| Care | Follow the care instructions for the fabric |
| Also available as | Light Tear-Away 12" · Light Tear-Away 20" · Heavy Tear-Away 20" · Heavy Tear-Away 12" x 10" pre-cuts |
| SKU | CDS-KDST103 |
What one 12" x 10 yd roll makes
6" x 6"
8" x 10"
9" x 13"
11" x 15"
Cuts are the hoop size plus about 2" each way, laid along the 10-yard length at the 12" width and turned where that fits more. Counts are approximate and assume no waste.
Compare and choose
- Light, medium or heavy tear-away: which weight do I need?
- Match the weight to the stitch count. Light is for low stitch count designs and lightweight fabrics, and is handy for piecing. Medium handles most designs with medium to high stitch counts. Heavy is stiff and crisp, for stitch-heavy designs, soft fabrics that need extra support, and designs with large open areas. When in doubt on a dense design, add a second layer of Medium. Kimberbell Heavy Tear-Away 20" roll
- Tear-away vs cut-away: which should I use?
- Tear-away is for stable wovens that will not stretch: it supports the stitching and then comes off, leaving the back clean. Cut-away stays in the project and is trimmed with scissors, so it keeps designs from distorting on knits, sweatshirts and anything that stretches or gets worn and washed hard. If the fabric stretches, choose cut-away. Kimberbell Medium Cut-Away 12" roll
- Can I use this tear-away on towels?
- Yes. Kimberbell lists terrycloth and towels among the woven fabrics it suits when no permanent backing is needed. Add a water-soluble topping on the right side so stitches sit on top of the loops instead of sinking in.
- How do I remove tear-away stabilizer cleanly?
- Hold the stitches flat with one hand and tear the stabilizer toward the design, not away from it, so the stitches are not pulled. Tear a little at a time around curves and small details. Any small bits left inside tight areas can stay; they are hidden on the back.
- Is a 12" roll wide enough for my hoop?
- It covers 4" x 4", 5" x 7" and 6" x 10" hoops with margin to clamp. For 8" x 12" and larger hoops a 20" roll cuts with less waste; Kimberbell Light and Heavy Tear-Away both come 20" wide. Kimberbell Light Tear-Away 20" roll
- How does this compare to OESD Ultra Clean and Tear or Sulky Tear-Easy?
- They do the same job. All three are tear-aways for stable wovens. Ultra Clean and Tear is also a medium weight for medium to high stitch counts and comes 10" and 15" wide; Sulky Tear-Easy is a 12" roll. Choose by width and the brand your designs or classes call for. OESD Ultra Clean and Tear 10" roll
