Leni Bernardo

Unless your cross-stitch project is being placed in a vacuum you will most likely need to do some cleaning or laundering of your finished project at some point.  Whether you have wrinkles in the fabric from your embroidery hoops or there is some bleeding from the embroidery floss, there are certain things you need to remember when caring for your cross-stitch project.

Know Your Fabric

While most cross-stitch fabrics can be hand washed, some have specific dry cleaning instructions.  Pay close attention to the types of fabrics you are using for your cross-stitch project.  If you are stitching on clothing or other items, there should be a tag telling you how to care for the fabric.  Most Aida fabric can be hand washed.

Wrinkles in the Fabric

If you are using embroidery hoops to hold your cross-stitch project, you will inevitably end up with wrinkles in the fabric.  Some people try to iron their fabric as it is and face the consequences.  Often the fabric ends up burnt.  Instead you can spray a little water on the wrong side of the fabric and iron it dry using a medium-high to high setting on a dry iron.  Also, use a white towel when you press your project.  This will prevent any color from the towel from bleeding into your fabric.

If Museums Use It…

When washing your cross-stitch project you need to be careful that you are using a cleanser that will not harm the fabric.  Ivory Flakes or Joy dishwashing detergent are excellent cleansers.  In fact, many museums use a combination of Joy and distilled water to restore old needlework pieces.

Stop the Bleeding

Bleeding colors is another problem with laundering cross-stitch fabrics.  If you are washing your cross-stitch project, you do not want to use a washing machine.  Even the gentlest of cycles has too much agitation and can harm your project.  It is also important to keep an eye on your project so that you can prevent bleeding.  There is nothing worse that going to clean your project and ending up with what looks like a tie-dyed fabric.

Some experts recommend that you wash with a salt and vinegar mixture in lukewarm water.  This is a good mixture if you cross stitch project is on clothing or other such fabrics, as it prevents bleeding.  Baby bath products along with Snowy Bleach are also recommended on light fabrics.

When you go to rinse out your fabric, rinse it well.  Then you can blot it in a towel to remove excess moisture.  Finally, you can iron it dry on the wrong side.  Be sure to use a medium-high to high setting on a dry iron.  Do not press too hard or move the iron back and forth too much.  If you do, then you can flatten the stitches.

Just Say No to the Dryer

While it can be tempting to throw your fabric in the dryer, it is not a good idea.  Since most fabric you are using is linen, the heat will break down the flax fibers.  The agitation can also ruin your project.  However, if you have an air dry setting and a sturdy project, you could use that setting.

Spot Cleaning

Not all cross-stitch projects require you to launder the whole project.  Sometimes you may only need to clean off a spot of dirt.  In those cases you can use a little bit of detergent, warm water, and a toothbrush to cleanse specific areas.  Brush lightly using the mixture to gently remove any stains.

No matter what fabric you use, it is important to be gentle in caring for your cross-stitch projects.  You spend a lot of time counting and stitching, and you do not want to have tragedy strike after all that hard work.  Using care and gentle detergents can help you keep your projects clean and long-lasting.