How to care for embroidered clothing

Owners of embroidered clothes definitely do not want to spoil the work in the wash or careless mistake in care, especially for those items that were hand-embroidered by themselves or by a loved one. How to preserve the charming and neat look of embroidered works for as long as possible? Let's figure out step by step how to wash, dry, iron and store embroidered items.

Washing

Let's start with washing, since this is one of the most difficult elements of care. Even if we are very careful to wear embroidered clothes only on holidays, it will still have to be washed in the end.


The most important requirement is the water temperature. Embroidered works should be washed in slightly warm or cool water with the addition of liquid soap or soap shavings. Do not add washing detergent or other agents, at least, they may dissolve unevenly and the granules will get stuck in the embroidery. Also, no washing detergent or bleaching agents should be used because they can wash the color out of the threads.

Some craftsmen advise adding a little vinegar to rinsing water to preserve bright colors.


Machine washing is not recommended so as not to damage the embroidery texture. But if you are still ready to take a risk, choose the delicate or hand wash mode at 30 degrees without spinning and drying cycle. Do not add capsules or powder when washing, as they may remain in the embroidery.


After washing, in no case should you twist and squeeze the fabric with embroidery. Instead, you can use such a life hack - put the embroidered fabric on an unfolded towel, roll the towel together with the embroidered fabric inside into a roll, pressing a little so that the towel absorbs water, and then unfold it.


If you are in the process of embroidering your own shirt and want to wash it, it is recommended to wash every detail of the product before assembling them together. You will be able to get rid of invisible dirt that the embroidery has accumulated during the work, and it will also allow the fabric to match evenly before sewing pieces together, which will help you not make a mistake with the size and assumptions.


Drying

It is best to dry embroidered items in a horizontal position. The embroidery should be laid out on a neutral natural fabric or towel and let to dry. If the embroidery, especially new works, is hung vertically, there is a risk that the colors may "run away".

Do not use a tumble dryer as it may damage the texture of the embroidery.

Also, you should not leave the embroidery for a long time under direct sunlight, so that the colors of the embroidery do not burn out.

Ironing

Let's start from the beginning - when to start ironing? If the embroidery is made of linen or similar natural fabrics, it is better to iron it while still semi-wet. Other fabrics should be dried first, but if during washing some creases have formed, they can also be removed by ironing the fabric semi-wet.


Embroidered patches are ironed only inside out. Let me share a trick that allows you to preserve the texture of the embroidery - put a soft towel facing the embroidery, flip it and then start ironing from the back side of the embroidery. Move the iron carefully from the center out or along the warp thread so that the fabric structure is not deformed.


Storage

It is best to store the embroidery vertically on hangers, then the embroidery threads will not bend as it does when folded.

Some embroidered products, such as towels and tablecloths, can be stored rolled up.

Do not forget about a moderately warm and dry room and insect repellents for clothes.

Embroidered art and pictures should be framed under glass with protection from sunlight. This way they won't fade, won't get dusty and will be in good condition for a very long time.



Let the embroidered clothes remain in perfect condition, remain an object of admiration and pride, and pass from generation to generation!




Comments

Email again:

Previous

My top favourite embroidery techniques

Next

Symbols in Ukrainian embroidery: animals

Share this article