Washing and Caring for Finished Embroidery
How to wash, dry, press and store an embroidered piece or garment.
Washing
- Rinse out any pen marks in cool water before the piece meets an iron. Heat can set some inks.
- Wash by hand in cool water with a little mild soap. Do not wring. Roll in a towel to remove water.
- If a dark thread colour bleeds, keep rinsing in cool running water until it runs clear. Do not let the piece sit wet in a heap.
Drying and pressing
- Dry flat on a towel away from direct sun.
- Press face down on a folded towel so the stitches are not flattened, with the iron set for the fabric.
- Use a press cloth and a temperature that suits the fabric's care label.
Embroidered clothing
- Turn the garment inside out and use a gentle cycle, or a mesh laundry bag.
- Fuse a soft iron-on backing over the wrong side of the stitching if it rubs against skin.
- Avoid tumble drying on high heat, which wears thread quickly.
Storing and display
Keep finished work out of direct sunlight, which fades thread. Roll rather than fold where you can.