Does a cross stitched finished item have to be washed & blocked?

Question

I see that many people do this & I never have. I just finish the item & then frame it.

Answer 1

The best thing to do is rinse the finished project in cool water... just let the water run over the backside and wet the entire piece. DO NOT WRING, SCRUB, TWIST, ETC. Have a clean white bath towel handy and lay the design in the towel and roll the towel and design up to soak up excess water. Unroll the design and lay it face down (wrong side up) on another clean, dry towel. With a hot iron gently press the fabric and "dry" it... it works like starching but without the chemicals. When you are done, the design will have some stiffness to it and the right side of the design will "jump" out at you. I have stitched for years and found this the best way to prep your work. I usually take a finished project in to be stretched and framed -- costs a little more but worth it... good luck!

Answer 2

Don't think it's necessary to wash it unless dirt from your hands, etc., has marred it.

Blocking is usually done if it's changed shape a bit with all the manipulation and handling of doing the cross-stitch. Wetting it, then pulling or arranging it till it's totally rectangular (the weave of the cross-stitch cloth, that is), then allowing it to dry in that position (usually held taut in some way), will make the whole thing totally flat and the weave no longer crooked if it was.

Certainly don't *have* to do either though if it looks fine to you.


Diane B.

Answer 3

Usually, yes, because even if it doesn't look "dirty" it has oils from your hands and dust on it anyway. To get it done professionally means everything will be perfectly straight and stretched so it looks its best, and professional framing will make sure they use the proper spacers to keep the cloth away from the glass, and they use acid-free materials.
By the way, for cleaning and pressing, I usually take mine to the drycleaners - ask if they do this. It only costs a few dollars.

Answer 4

Washing it will remove the dirt and oils that have accumulated from your hands and the environment in general. Although you can't see it, it's still there. It will last longer if you wash it. As long as it's not mishapen it does not need to be blocked.

Answer 5

washing it makes the craft more clean, coz in the process, your hands touched the craft all the time and you can not be sure that your hands is that clean.

for better result wash it, dont scrub coz it will damage the threads.