Soluble Topping Film

Water soluble topping film – colloquially known as “Solvy” or “wash-away” and often referred to as towel topper – is a thin sheet (usually less than 40microns) of PVA which is applied to the top of the fabric before embroidery.  It is used primarily on top of fabric that is “fluffy” or “loopy” like towelling.  It helps to keep embroidery stitches from becoming “lost” in the fibres of the fabric, or to prevent the loops from poking through the design.  Excess film can be easily removed from the embroidery by tearing it away, and as the name suggests, any remaining soluble topping film then dissolves in water.  Soluble topping film can also be used as a base for lace making.