How to properly wash cross stitch without ruining it?

A cross-stitched product has a special value, like any other handicraft. It can take several months to create a masterpiece.

During the work process, the fabric inevitably becomes dirty.

Read the article about whether and how you can wash finished cross stitch after finishing work and not spoil it.

Can it be washed by hand or in a washing machine?

The embroidery needs to be washed because This procedure allows you to solve several problems at once:

• get rid of dust, stains and sebum;
• clean the fabric from small threads and lint;
• straighten the fabric;
• remove markup;
• fluff the floss;
• enhance the brightness of colors.

Basic recommendations:

1. Hand dyed threads. This material does not tolerate contact with any liquids, so this embroidery cannot be washed. Dry cleaning only is acceptable.
2. Cotton floss. The threads are highly resistant to high temperatures, so the product can be washed by hand.

   However, you cannot wring out or twist the fabric, as the threads may not withstand the load and break.

3. Cotton sectional dyeing threads. Wash the product at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees.
4. Floss with glow effect. The maximum water temperature is 30 degrees.
5. Floss made of wool Wash by hand in cool water.Wool does not tolerate spinning or contact with hot water.

Each floss manufacturer indicates on the packaging information regarding the washing method. These recommendations must be taken into account so as not to spoil the work.

Preparation for processing of the finished product

Before you begin the main wash, the product must be properly prepared.

Procedure:

1. Remove the canvas from the hoop.
2. Remove dust by shaking it several times.
3. If preliminary markings were made with threads, they are removed.
4. When the markings are applied with a marker, it must be washed off before the main wash by rinsing the product under running water.
5. Treat the edges of the fabric to prevent it from unraveling.

If the threads are prone to shedding, then the product requires pre-fixing the color. For this purpose, vinegar with a concentration of 9% is used.

To prepare the solution you will need:

• vinegar dining room - 1 tbsp. l;
• water 30 degrees - 1 l.

Soak the embroidery in the prepared mixture for 30 minutes. After this procedure, you can begin the main wash. If the product sheds heavily, then add 1 tbsp to the solution. l. table salt.

Selecting a detergent

Cross stitch should only be washed with liquid detergents. Ordinary powder is not used for this purpose.Its particles will be retained in the canvas, between the threads, which will lead to streaks and damage to the product.

Compositions that are suitable for washing embroidery:

1. Liquid concentrates for hand washing. They should be designed to care for colored items.

   These products include: Ariel gel (360 rubles), Persil Color gel (330 rubles), Losk Color gel (260 rubles), etc.

2. Mild hair shampoo or liquid soap without added dyes.
3. Laundry soap. Before washing, it must be crushed into chips and thoroughly dissolved in water. Do not rub embroidery with soap.

Dishwashing gel is a controversial product. Some needlewomen claim that its use leads to color fading and thread thinning. Other craftswomen, on the contrary, always use it to wash their work.

If in doubt, you can try it on unused threads and track their reaction.

Washing rules

You need to wash the embroidery carefully, do not rub it too hard or squeeze it with your hands. If the fabric is heavily soiled, clean it with a soft sponge from the reverse side. You need to work carefully so as not to catch the knots and damage the product.

Hand Wash Features:

1. Fill a basin with water and dilute the selected detergent in it.
2. If the markings were made with a marker, then soak the fabric only in cold soapy water. Boiling water will only worsen the situation, as the paint will be absorbed deeper into the fibers.
3. Place the product in a basin so that it is completely covered with water.The fabric should be positioned evenly, so use a large container for washing.
4. Clean the fabric carefully by wiping it with your palms or a soft sponge from the reverse side.
5. Rinse the product in running water until it becomes clear.

There are several other ways to wash embroidery. Each of them needs to be discussed in more detail.

On stretch

You can wash the embroidery without removing it from the stretcher (from a wooden or plastic hoop). To begin with, the painting is prepared for washing: the edges are processed, removed from dust, etc., and then pulled back onto the hoop. They are hung in the bathroom and watered from the shower.

The end of washing is to thoroughly rinse the fabric in running water. It is convenient to use a shower for this.

Regular overlay canvas

A regular overlay canvas is erased as follows:

• lightly moisten the canvas using a spray bottle;
• after 5 minutes, the canvas is carefully removed, it will have time to get wet and become softer;
• Wash the fabric by hand using liquid detergent.

Water Soluble Canvas

Canvas with a water-soluble base is washed according to the following instructions:

1. Prepare a saline solution (1 tsp per 0.5 l of water). The water should be cool.
2. If the threads have not faded, the washing process is continued by soaking the canvas in hot water (about 50 degrees).
3. When the mesh is completely dissolved, the product is washed as usual.

Bleaching after finishing work

Embroidery cannot be bleached, but if the fabric surrounding the cross pattern has turned yellow or gray, action must be taken. To avoid damaging the fabric during cleaning, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

• the selected bleaching composition is applied only to the fabric that has no stitches;
• if there are colored threads near the stains, then use a cotton pad or even a cotton swab for treatment;
• after cleaning is completed, the detergent is rinsed under strong water pressure;
• The completion of the bleaching procedure is regular washing.

Means that can safely bleach embroidery:

1. Lemon juice. It is used in its pure form.
2. Hydrogen peroxide. It is diluted with water in equal proportions.
3. Ammonia. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3.
4. Baking soda. It is mixed with water until a thick paste is obtained.

All selected products are left on the fabric for 15-30 minutes, after which the main wash begins.

How to dry and iron?

It is important not only to wash the embroidery correctly, but also not to spoil it during the drying and ironing process. To do this, you must follow the following rules:

1. You cannot wring out the fabric. Water should flow naturally along the canvas. It is placed vertically on the frame.
2. You can lay the fabric out on a flat surface with a towel underneath it.
3. To make the canvas dry faster, lay it out on a towel and roll it up. The terry will absorb excess water.
4. Do not hang the product on a rope or clamp it with clothespins. It is difficult to smooth out the creases that appear.
5. It is not recommended to dry the fabric on a radiator or near other heat sources.

To give the embroidery rigidity, it is starched. Instead of an iron, you can use a steam generator.

Helpful information

Before washing cross stitch, you need to familiarize yourself with the following information:

1. Threads will 100% shed if traces of paint remain on your fingers while working. In this case, you cannot do without pre-fixing the color.
2. Fabrics with metallized threads cannot be washed.
3. If the product requires additional decorative elements, then sew them on after washing is completed.
4. Washing with detergents is only used if there is serious contamination on the fabric. When the product just needs to be refreshed, just rinse it in warm water.

You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products Here.

Video on the topic

The video will show you how to wash and dry cross stitch:

Conclusion

Cross stitch can only be washed by hand. For processing, use gentle detergents; be sure to take into account the type of thread and the manufacturer’s recommendations for caring for the product. Processing should be gentle; stains should be removed with non-aggressive detergents.