How do you wash your finished cross-stitch project?

[michi]

I'm new to the boards (and stitching) and am finally about to finish my first cross-stitch project. Unfortunately, in spite of frequent hand washing, the edges of the white Aida have gotten a little soiled, and I think I'll have to wash the piece before framing. I've tried to do some research online and have heard that people suggest washing cross-stitch projects in cold water with mild dish soap. Is this true? If anyone has any tips or soap brands to suggest, I'd appreciate it. (I used DMC floss and white Aida fabric.) I'd hate to ruin this project after putting in so many hours and hard work! Thanks!

[johloh]

hand wash with cold water and a tiny bit of dish soap (the kind for the sink not for the dishwasher)...just like you read...works like a charm.

[Loora]

I second the suggestion of COLD water + mild soap. The cold water prevents the floss from losing its colors, it may even fix them. However, the DMC floss never gets discolored in my experience. I've put embroideries on scarfes and towels, and washed them up to 90°C without problem. Just use cotton or synthetic floss, not silk (you shoud not wash silk floss or ribbon at all).

I'd add: DRY FLAT ! You may try to purge the excess of water, but be careful not to twist (not sure it's the right word) the fabric: it may become deformed. Just take off the excess of water by pressing a towel on the fabric, and dry flat.

And never ever iron directly on embroidery. You should put a bath towel in between the aida fabric and the iron. That way, the heat doesn't "attack" the fabric directly. Never steam. If you use linen, it's best to iron when the fabric is not completely dry.

I'm sounding like Martha Stewart right now, but believe me, nothing's worse than wasting hours of work because you disregarded washing instructions.

For framing, depending on how long you want your work to last, you should ask for acid-free framing. I own a beautiful embroidery made by my great-great-great-grandmother in 1892 that is still in pristine condition, thanks to good framing (no sprite on that one though).

I guess that all for today...

[DMLC]

If any of my pieces do get dirty ..... I take them to the dry cleaners!! LOL!!
They do know the best way to get stains out plus they will iron your pieces too!!

[Caiella]

Yes! Just the help I was looking for, thanks everyone My projects are slowly piling up, and I had no idea how to wash them... so thanks agani!! XD

[LilMissFirefly]

Hey guys, I'm also about to wash my piece. However, I read online that red floss will nearly always bleed. Is this true? I've also used some glow-in-the-dark thread so will washing have any affect on that? Lastly, would mild handcare formula be ok to use?

[Stardrifter]

i've never had red dmc floss bleed on me but i've had other brands bleed a bit (not so much as to stain other things but i've had the water turn pink)
as for the glow in the dark thread- if it is the dmc light effects than it is washable with a mild detergent in warm water (according to the care instruction of this site: http://www.cross-stitch-centre.co.uk/ac ... fects.html

i use about a teaspoon of mild clothing detergent (zero) in my sink and just.. i dunno.. kinda give'r hell in there lol

[LilMissFirefly]

Thanks =) I ended up washing it in cold water, with some kindwash and stain remover. It was all very nerve-wracking submerging it in water after being so careful with it for months but it turned out ok....i posted pictures of it here:

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