Cleaning completed projects
I know that I will have to wash my projects before framing, but I saw a post of someone does not. How do you keep it clean when working on it, Especially the white? Also what is the best method for washing?
Posted by: elerose on 05/28/15

WARNING: YOU MUST WASH HANDS BEFORE RETURNING TO CROSS STITCH

Keep it clean by washing your hands frequently. Also, don't spill your coffee or soda on your project.

I wash my stuff by soaking in Dawn dish soap. Wring gently. Then iron the wrinkles out. I don't know why Dawn is specifically recommended but that is what I use in the kitchen anyways. Many recommend using a pressing cloth. I never do. Usually only iron on the backside.



by: NANCYE G on 05/28/15
elerose, I am with Nancye on this one. Always wash your hands. As far as keeping work clean, especially white...When I was first taught, I was told to use a hoop and "fold in" excess material toward the hoop itself so the "underside" of the fabric is showing upwards. I use very long quilters button head flat pins to hold the fabric. (I know there are ladies here who do not like pins!!) I also gently lay that piece of fabric over the edge of the hoop with my thumb so that I am not constantly touching the material. Also...I remember reading from some of our "veteran" stitchers here that they prefer using a scroll frame to cross stitch. They attach the fabric so that as they change the position of the fabric....instead of rolling the right side where they have been stitching downwards....they roll the stitched side toward them and let the underside of the fabric be what is showing on each side of the stretcher bars. Does this make sense??!!

P.S. These days I use the plastic Q-Snap on frames when possible. I have found that Aida cloth accepts these frames easier than small count linens. You have to be careful with these as far as snapping the frame edges over fabric that is a little more "delicate". No matter if I use a hoop, Q-snap frame, when I finish a session of stitching I completely loosen the fabric so as to prevent permanent marks on the fabric.
by: jerseycrafter on 05/28/15
It does make sense. I will have to try all of that on my next piece. This one will definitely need to washed.
by: elerose on 05/28/15
I use Ivory dish soap. I then iron it dry with a steam iron. I have had good results with this.
by: Cory on 05/28/15
What do you do with "dryclean only" fabric? I have nightmares of turning a drycleaner loose on a beaded project! :)
by: VCESS on 05/28/15
Nancy once gave me the suggestion of washing the "dry clean only" fabric before stitching. If it comes out ok, go ahead and stitch. If not, don't use it.
by: Cory on 05/28/15
Hi elerose :)
I never wash my completed projects. I always wash my hands between breaks when stitching and when I am done stitching for the day I place my fabric inside a towel or sheet to keep it away from dirt and dust. My projects never need washing using this method. I absolutely love using the Q snap frames, they keep your hands off the fabric. I do iron my finished projects :)
by: jau11 on 05/28/15
I always wash my completed projects in my washing machine. I set it on gentle and use Purex liquid detergent and fabric softener. I then hang my projects on a plastic pants hanger to air dry before I frame it. Been doing it this way for over 25 years and has always worked for me.

On very large projects I fold the excess back on each side and pin with my large quilt pins. I use a plastic and metal tension hoop when I stitch. Since my projects are very large I sometimes wash them when I am done with each section of rows because they get a little dusty.
by: syagel on 05/28/15
I have been using a hoop for many years and am comfortable with it, so I feel no need to change to anything else. Like the others, I roll the back side of my fabric up to hold my usually large project around my hoop and always hold the back side of the fabric with my hands. I wash my hands frequently too just like the other stitchers here since oils can build on your skin even while stitching. For very large projects, I buy the short plastic laundry clips in the laundry aisle sold at Walmart and they are small, strong, and work perfectly to clip my fabric and hold it in place. Like many of the others here, I always wash my completed project with the traditional version (no degreaser, bleach, or antibacterial, etc) Dawn Detergent in cool or tepid water, roll my rinsed project in a towel, and press the back side smooth when finished.
by: lbcatlovr001 on 05/28/15
Cory, good advice, but I'm such a coward! It's fairly expensive hand-dyed stuff....You see my dilemma....
by: VCESS on 05/30/15