Tips for washing cross stitch designs

Is washing cross stitch projects essential? No. Not if you have ensured that you washed your hands EVERY time you picked up your work. Not if you avoided wearing hand cream when stitching. Not if you did not use a hoop, or bound the inner ring if you did use one. Not if you stitched in a dust free atmosphere.....

But in the real world, the chances are that your cross stitch or blackwork project may not be as fresh as it could be by the time you have finished stitching it. Washing cross stitch projects is not difficult and will ensure that you don't suddenly find marks on it after its framed!

When not to wash!

Be aware, however, that some threads are not suitable for washing. Silks and hand painted threads such as Caron Waterlilies come to mind immediately. It may be wise not to wash some embellishments (maybe you can attach them after the piece is laundered). Needlepoint work on canvas should also not be washed.

Another thing to keep in mind is the dye used to produce the coloured threads. Red dyes are renowned for not being colourfast. With the use of some chemicals that were previously used to set colours now prohibited due to environmental issues it is sensible to be aware that colours could run. However, I have to say that personally I have never had a problem with colours running. If you use quality threads and fabric the chance of an accident is reduced.

So what is involved in washing cross stitch?

I always advocate cold or lukewarm water and no harsh detergents (as they may contain bleach). Here in the UK I always use Fairy liquid, designed for washing dishes, to clean my needlework. In the USA a product called Orvus, originally a horse shampoo, is highly recommended.

Start by dipping your work into a bowl of cold water. Then fill a second bowl or basin with water and add a little Fairy liquid. Swish around with your hand to disperse the soap and create bubbles. Dip the wet cross stitch into the bowl and sluice it up and down a few times. Do not scrub it as you may damage the work and possibly loosen any fastened off ends of thread. If the work is visibly dirty, you can leave it to soak in the bowl for up to an hour. Just give it a swirl every now and then. If you have a mark on the work that needs extra attention you could try my little trick. I use an old badger hair shaving brush to gently, GENTLY mind, rub over the area. Work the soap suds into the mark and then sluice the work up and down again.

When you are happy that the piece is clean, rinse it at least 3 to 4 times to ensure all the soap is gone. Squeeze the work gently and lay it, face down, onto a thick, fluffy white towel. Roll the towel up around the stitched piece like a swiss roll. Then comes the fun part!

Happy dance time!

I lay the rolled up towel on the floor, take off my shoes and socks and tread on it. Just walk up and down the length of the towel a few times to press the water into the towel. I call this my happy dance.

Unroll the towel and place a clean dry one onto your ironing board. Lay the work face down onto this dry towel and gently ease into shape. Taking a warm iron, press the work from the back to help it to dry. Do not use steam and make sure to keep the iron moving at all times. Take it from me, if you don't you can risk scorching the work!

When the piece is ironed smooth lay it flat to air dry thoroughly.

Hopefully this article has taken the worry out of washing cross stitch, hardanger and blackwork pieces for you.

The next step, if you are going to frame your work, is to stretch it.