Cross stitch how to clean?

Question

I have just finished a cross stitch after 2 yrs. Over that time it has got dirty, can anyone advise how to clean and stretch into shape. Thank you

Answer 1

Never ever use woolite or most any detergent made for cleaning delicates. It contains a small amount of bleach that can damage your colors. Use plain Liquid Ivory dish soap, and a small bit of it at that, in cool water. I have a plastic basin I use ONLY for washing cross stitch pieces. That way I know it won't be contaminated with grease or other dirt. You can also use Orvus soap or a quilt soap. Ask at your local needlework shop.

Here are some very good sites for instructions:

http://www.cyberstitchers.com/Resources/FinishingTechniques/Washing.asp (this one has pictures)

http://www.stitchingthenightaway.com/articles/washing_finished_cross_stitch.htm

This is an OUTSTANDING site that will help you with stain removal as well:
http://www.yarntree.com/081washing.htm

Answer 2

If it's a regular cross stitch using embroidery floss those colors are safe to wash. Wash it in something like Woolite wash in lukewarm water. Place it on a large towel and put another towel over it and press to remove the water. Keep blotting until it's as dry as you can get it. Then lay it on a dry towel and gently pull the right and left sides then the top and bottom if it isn't quite straight pull lightly on diagonal corners to straighten it. Smooth it out with your hands so the edges are as flat as possible. Place another towel on the top and leave it to dry.

Answer 3

hand wash is the best soak it in mild liquid in warm not hot water for few hours,for the shape dry it flat and frame it asap.i do these and hate it when the white gets dirty.i use the rings for mine if you have not got one for future cross stitches get one saves mucky hands on the aida,get them from hobbycraft,argos or craft shops.xx

Answer 4

A bowl of soapy water not to hot hand temperature, use washing powder, let it sock for a hour and rinse in cold water and dry flat. if your going to get it frame at a shop they will stretch it for you.

Answer 5

probably would benefit from some specialist advice, not throw it in the washing machine! Having it fframed will stop it from happening again

Answer 6

i always only use liquid ivory dishsoap. i do a lot of crossstitch. i see another answer for this i agree with her methods and practise it myself when washing mine