Best Fabrics for Embroidery Blanks
Why Fabric Matters for Embroidery Blanks
Not all blank garments are created equal when it comes to embroidery. The fabric you stitch on determines everything — how cleanly your stitches lay, whether the fabric puckers during hooping, how the garment holds up after washing, and ultimately how professional your finished product looks. Here's what we've learned from over a decade of supplying embroidery blanks to crafters and businesses.
Cotton Interlock vs. Jersey Knit
Most cheap blank shirts use jersey knit — a thin, single-knit fabric that curls at the edges and stretches under the hoop. It works in a pinch, but your embroidery will never look as clean as it could.
All Blanks Boutique garments use combed cotton interlock knit. Interlock is a double-knit fabric, meaning it's knitted on both sides. This makes it:
- Thicker — our fabric is 6+ oz, about twice the weight of standard blanks
- More stable — doesn't stretch or curl during hooping
- Smoother — both sides look identical, no wrong side
- More durable — holds dense embroidery stitches without tearing or puckering
The "combed" part means the cotton fibers are combed to remove short strands before spinning. This produces a smoother, softer yarn that's less likely to pill or feel rough.
Polyester Blends for Sublimation
For sublimation printing, you need polyester content. Our sublimation blanks use a 70% polyester / 30% cotton blend. The polyester allows sublimation ink to bond permanently, while the cotton content keeps the garment soft and comfortable against skin. Pure polyester gives more vivid colors but feels more synthetic.
Fabric Weight and Embroidery
Fabric weight is measured in ounces per square yard. Here's how different weights perform for embroidery:
- 3-4 oz — too thin for embroidery. Puckers easily, needs heavy stabilizer. Most cheap blanks fall here.
- 5 oz — acceptable with good stabilizer. Many mid-range blanks.
- 6+ oz — ideal for embroidery. Holds stitches beautifully with minimal stabilizer. This is what we use.
Care Tips for Embroidered Garments
- Pre-wash and dry blanks before embroidering if the finished garment is for personal use (removes sizing and pre-shrinks)
- For resale, steam-iron the front before embroidering to engage the fibers
- Wash embroidered items inside-out on gentle cycle
- Our cotton interlock swells about 25% thicker after the first wash — this is normal and makes the fabric feel even more premium
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best material for embroidery on baby bibs?
Cotton interlock is ideal. Our bibs and burp cloths use interlock knit on top for embroidery with chenille terry cloth backing for absorbency.
Can I embroider on polyester?
Yes, but cotton interlock is preferred. Polyester can melt if your needle gets too hot from high-speed stitching, and it tends to show needle holes more. Our cotton embroidery blanks are the better choice for embroidery projects.
Why do your blanks feel thicker after washing?
Cotton fibers swell when washed for the first time. Our 6+ oz interlock will feel noticeably thicker and cozier after the first wash. This is a feature, not a defect — it means the fabric is densely constructed with quality cotton.