The answer is “both” and they are two of the most versatile products you can have in your sewing room.

Organza and tulle are mostly recognised by sewers and couturiers as elegant eveningwear fabrics or under-linings to mount lace or devoré type fabrics upon. The technique of stabilising the outer fabric to an under minimises fabric creep, strengthen seams and gives body to the finished garment but remains relatively invisible and doesn’t change the handle or drape.

Close up view of heirloom stitching on tulle

The use of organza and tulle in embroidery does exactly the same thing. Sandwiching either between two layers of washaway will give freestanding lace more strength, ensures all the stitches remain regimented after washing, keeps a more consistent shape and generally ensures a longer life to the work.

A close up view of Organza which is perfect for dimensional embroidery

Organza is a little more opaque in its finish so it can create more of a “modesty” barrier should the embroidery placement be in an awkward area. Tulle, on the other hand, gives the same strength and stability but is almost invisible and allows either skin or a contrast colour to show through the work. Add a layer of Mylar to the tulle and you will get an iridescent reflective quality that is beyond spectacular!