Caring for Your Embroidery

You've spent hours, maybe weeks, on a piece of embroidery. Proper care ensures your work stays beautiful for decades, whether it's displayed on a wall or stored in a drawer.

Washing

Hand-wash embroidery in lukewarm water with a mild, pH-neutral detergent (no enzymes or bleach). Never wring or twist the fabric.

1. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of detergent
2. Submerge the embroidery and gently agitate
3. Rinse in clean lukewarm water until no detergent remains
4. Roll in a clean white towel to remove excess water
5. Lay flat on a dry towel to air dry

• ●*Important**: Before washing, check that your threads are colourfast. Test by pressing a damp white cloth against each colour. If any colour bleeds, do not wash. Dry clean instead.

Pressing

Press embroidery face-down on a thick, soft towel (this prevents the stitches from being flattened):

1. Lay a thick towel on your ironing board
2. Place the embroidery face-down on the towel
3. Cover with a pressing cloth (muslin or cotton)
4. Press with a warm iron, never hot, and never steam directly on the embroidery
5. For raised stitches (French knots, bullion knots, stumpwork), avoid pressing the raised areas entirely

Framing

Professional framing gives the best results. If framing yourself:

• ●Lacing is preferred over adhesive. Stretch the fabric over acid-free mount board and lace it on the back with strong thread.
• ●Use acid-free materials throughout: mount board, backing, and any spacers
• ●UV-protective glass helps prevent thread colours from fading
• ●Leave a gap between the glass and the embroidery so stitches aren't crushed

Storage

For embroidery that isn't on display:

• ●Store flat whenever possible, wrapped in acid-free tissue paper
• ●If rolling is necessary, roll face-out around a tube padded with tissue paper
• ●Avoid folding, as fold lines may become permanent
• ●Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light
• ●Add lavender sachets to deter moths (especially important for wool embroidery)
• ●Check stored pieces periodically for any signs of damage or pests

Special Considerations

• ●*Goldwork**: Metal threads can tarnish. Store goldwork wrapped in acid-free tissue in an airtight container. Never let goldwork touch rubber bands, adhesive tape, or other reactive materials.

• ●*Silk**: Silk threads are light-sensitive. Always display silk embroidery away from direct sunlight, and use UV-protective glass if framing.

• ●*Wool (Crewelwork)**: Moth protection is essential. Store with lavender or cedar, and inspect regularly.