Best T-Shirt Brands and Types for Machine Embroidery (Plus the Right Stabilizers!)

Machine embroidery on t-shirts can be a fun and creative way to customize your wardrobe, but getting the perfect stitch-out requires the right combination of fabric, stabilizer, and design. If you’ve ever struggled with puckering or stiff embroidery, don’t worry—you’re not alone! In this blog, we’ll explore the best t-shirts for embroidery, the stabilizers you should use, and some key techniques to ensure a flawless finish.

Choosing the Best T-Shirt for Embroidery

Not all t-shirts are created equal when it comes to embroidery. The stretch, weight, and fabric blend of the shirt play a huge role in how well your design stitches out. Here are some key considerations:

• Fabric Blend: A cotton/polyester blend is a great choice, as it provides a bit of stretch without being too flimsy. 100% cotton can work as well, but it may be more prone to shrinkage and puckering.
• Weight: Lightweight t-shirts can be tricky for embroidery, as they may not provide enough support for dense designs. A mid-weight or slightly heavier t-shirt works better.
• Stretch: T-shirts with too much horizontal stretch can cause warping or puckering. Look for a balanced stretch that doesn’t distort under tension.

Recommended T-Shirt Brands for Machine Embroidery

If you're looking for high-quality t-shirts that work well with embroidery, consider these brands:

• Bella+Canvas – Soft, durable, and available in various blends.
• Gildan Softstyle – A popular choice with a nice balance of weight and softness.
• Hanes Beefy-T – A heavyweight cotton option that holds embroidery well.
• Next Level Apparel – A great mix of quality and affordability.

Matching Your Stabilizer to Your T-Shirt

Choosing the right stabilizer is just as important as selecting the right t-shirt. Here’s a quick guide:

• Cutaway Stabilizer (Best for Knits)

  • Ideal for t-shirts since they stretch.
  • Provides long-term stability.
  • Helps prevent distortion over time.

• No-Show Mesh Stabilizer

  • A lightweight option that works well for thinner t-shirts.
  • Less visible through light-colored fabrics.
  • Can be layered for extra support.

• Tearaway Stabilizer (For Woven Fabrics Only)

  • Not recommended for t-shirts, as it doesn’t provide enough stretch support.

• Iron-On Stabilizer

  • Can help reduce puckering.
  • Works best when paired with a cutaway stabilizer.

Common Embroidery Issues and How to Fix Them

Puckering

Puckering happens when the fabric gathers around the stitches. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Ensure your stabilizer is strong enough for your design.
• Try using a double layer of no-show mesh with adhesive spray between layers.
• Lower the stitch density in your design—dense stitching on lightweight fabric can lead to puckering.

Poor Hooping

Improper hooping can cause misalignment or stretch marks in the fabric.

• Use a stabilizer strong enough to hold the fabric in place.
• Avoid over-tightening the hoop, which can stretch the fabric unevenly.
• Try floating the fabric (hooping only the stabilizer and using temporary adhesive to attach the shirt).

Stiff Embroidery

If your embroidery feels hard and unwearable:

• Lower the stitch density in the digitized design.
• Use a softer stabilizer like no-show mesh instead of heavy cutaway.
• Choose a more open design rather than a solid block of stitches.

Testing and Adjustments

If you’re struggling with a particular t-shirt, here are some things to try:

• Increase the amount of 505 adhesive spray to secure the stabilizer properly.
• Experiment with layering stabilizers to see what provides the best support.
• Run a test stitch on a scrap piece before embroidering the full design.

Final Thoughts

T-shirt embroidery is all about finding the right balance between fabric, stabilizer, and design. With a little testing and the right techniques, you can create professional-looking embroidered shirts that are comfortable to wear and long-lasting. Whether you're using Bella+Canvas, Gildan, or Next Level, remember that stabilization and digitization are just as important as the fabric itself.

Happy stitching!