Cleaning Cross Stitch
We hear so many myths, half-truths, and outright misconceptions on the subject of washing cross stitch. Here is a summary of the most frequently asked questions and our answers to them.
Should I wash my finished cross stitch?
Our short answer to this question: No. Unless your fabric has
visible stains, spots, or hoop marks, don't wash it at all. The
simple solution is generally the best. If the marks or stains are
minimal, do nothing.
Is Dry Cleaning Okay?
The name may include the word "dry", but dry
cleaning actually uses fluids. They tend to make over-dyed flosses
run. We don't care much for dry cleaning. It's good for suits
and wool sweaters, but not so good for cross stitch.
Should I use Woolite® in cold water?
We caution against using a wool wash of any kind. Usually,
soaking over-dyed threads causes them to run.
What about dish detergent in very cold water?
Okay, this is one technique we endorse, but only if you really,
really have to wash your finished cross stitch.
But once again, over-dyed flosses may bleed, even if you pre-washed
and soaked them.
Can I wash my linen before stitching?
Yes, definitely. Since you haven't yet applied those beautiful
over-dyed colors, it's okay to wash your linen before you start.
Linen is a very strong fiber and resists damage when wet.
Some stitchers wash out some of the sizing before they start,
which can make some linens softer to the touch and easier to work
with.
Keepsakes secret recipes
Over the years, we've developed some dry processes to remove spots,
stains, and other blemishes from cross stitch. If you have a piece
of soiled needleart, bring it in and we will see what we can do.
Sorry, the processes are secret. We're not going
to tell how we do it, but when we say "dry",
we really do mean it. Our secret processes do not use water or any
type of fluid.
Have we been at all helpful? Do you have any cross stitch cleaning tips you would like to pass along? If so, we're always glad to hear from you. E-mail us at feedback@yourkeepsakes.com!