Hand wash or Dry clean?

Chellypie

Which do you recommend, hand washing your finished product or dry cleaning?

I haven't tried washing my projects. I just frame it immediately after finishing it since I am just stitching small ones. But I am currently working on my wedding portrait, so I am worried that I might ruined it if I wrongly wash it.

Still new to cross stitching, and not so familiar with the do's and don'ts. I am just so glad I came across to this site where I can ask for help. :)

xxstitcher

Hand wash always, never had a problem and always turns out great. Just in a bowl or the sink with some dish detergent, soak in warm water for 10mins, then rinse under cold until no bubbles left. Gently ring out as much water as possible, then iron the reverse side through a bath towel, works great everytime.

mardy

I hand wash with orvus, which is a mild horse shampoo.  Never had any trouble with colors running

htsear13

Following this thread

medillon61

There is a huge thread on this somewhere in here - Are you working a cross stitch piece?  
Here is a link that gives information on how to do this.  I have never washed my pieces and hope others that have help you in your decision of what to do :)


stitchingthenightaway.com/95/washing-your-finished-cross-stitch-piece/   

waterlillie

I've always hand washed my work before framing and never had a problem. I've always used regular cotton floss & Aida or evenweave that is washable.

seditas

Me informaron que una labor que tiene que ser enmarcada siempre hay que lavarla aunque no este sucia porque tela lleva apresto y con el tiempo se vuelve amarilla.
A mi ninguna  labor  se me ha puesto fea siguiendo este consejo.

Spooky-Nurse

I hand wash, using a gentle detergent, for example something for woollens. I then dry them flat and give them a light press with an iron, on the fabric only, not the actual stitches.

Chellypie

Thank you for the tips.. Really appreciate it. :$

Katelouise90

Found this really useful thank you!

xstitcher5

I have heard of people putting their cross-stitch in the laundry, gentle cycle and using cold water. Some cross-stitchers put their aida cloth in a lingerie bag so the thread wouldn't get beaten up. I haven't had the guts to try this; I've always hand washed my work in the kitchen sink with Woolite after I scrubbed, bleached, and rinsed it thoroughly with water. The amount of dirt that gets lifted off the piece is amazing.

Rainbows

It would depend on what type of threads you have used.  If they are colourfast, then a gentle wash with a mild soap like Woolite or a baby soap should be fine. Be sure to rinse it well and then block it while it is damp. If you have hand dyed threads, you may not be able to wash it or the colour will run.

I'm not sure I would trust a dry cleaner to touch my stitching! :)

Good luck!

jetzgirl

Thank you for your input, this helped me as well :-)