I am about to finish a piece of cross stitch worked on 14 count aida cloth. All the on line instructions I can find are either from the US or UK, and the products they mention isn't available here.

Does anyone recommend any particular washing agent? Or Conversely, what to avoid.

Thanks .

calista - 2021-06-21 15:29:00

When I wash my finished embroidery piece I use my regular laundry detergent and wash by hand. Rinse well and roll in a towel to squeeze our excess water. I dry it flat on a dry towel, iron and starch it while slightly damp and then leave again until thoroughly dry. Then I can lace it onto a board for framing or use it for whatever else I had planned for it.

kiwimade64 - 2021-06-21 16:45:00

Same as kiwimade, but I have never starched mine as aida stiffens up when ironed.

barbiedoll - 2021-06-21 16:48:00

Be careful with the washing.....I usually test a piece of the thread colours that are likely to run, reds and blues...Cut some snippets and put them in a saucer of warm water and leave for a while. If there is any colour coming out do not wash. You can get dry-cleaned or steam or wash the surface by gently dabbing the surface, when it is laid out on a towel with the bubbles only.

What are the products that are recommended we might be able to recommend some alternatives. Or you could ask at your local shop that sells these items.

shanreagh - 2021-06-21 19:13:00

I use Lux soap flakes and do as suggested by kiwimade - I dissolve the soap flakes first then hand wash in cold water just by giving it a gentle swish. I don’t starch it either but I only iron on the back onto a folded towel

sarahb5 - 2021-06-21 21:22:00

Anchor and dmc do not run.
But the cheaper no brand ones do

lilyfield - 2021-06-21 21:36:00

I only starch as I use linen or cotton for my embroidery and the fabric wrinkles badly and the ring from my hoop is sometimes hard to get out. Yes, I know, I should remove my hoop each time I put it down.

Lilyfield is right, DMC and Anchor don't run. Other cheaper brands do. I think it pays to buy the best you can afford at the time even if you are just a beginner.

Edited by kiwimade64 at 7:38 am, Tue 22 Jun

kiwimade64 - 2021-06-22 07:37:00

I have had deep reds run , so agree a test piece is worthwhile .
I try not to wash any work , but if I had to I would just use a very , very small of sunlight dishwash liquid

jbsouthland - 2021-06-22 12:19:00

lilyfield wrote:

Anchor and dmc do not run.
But the cheaper no brand ones do

Mmmmmm. I check anyway.

shanreagh - 2021-06-22 17:11:00

When you wash it, put in one sheet of Colour Catcher. It will absorb any colour that bleeds. Available in supermarkets in the laundry section. By Sard and they are in a red box. They DO work.

pugswal - 2021-06-22 19:07:00

Thanks everyone.

All cottons are DMC, but the Colour Catcher sounds like a good safety net just in case. I have done quite a bit of cross stitch before but it is years since I have designed and stitched anything this ambitious and as it is a special birthday present I want it to be as close to perfect as I can make it, although I have to say it is made with more love than skill. It's a 50th birthday present for a friend who has 2 rescue cats. The wording - pinched off the net, says, "You can't buy love but you can rescue it".

The frame has backstitched hearts down each side and back stitched outlines of cats heads top and bottom, Below the text are a ginger and a grey tabby like hers. In addition there are some outlines of tiny cats in different places where where is space. I found them in a design book I already owned and had them photocopied mirror image at Warehouse Stationery so I could have them facing both ways. The word LOVE is in uppercase and there is a paw print in the "O".

I'm going to use dowling with beads at the ends top and bottom to hang it and today I found some pawprint fabric at Spotlight that will stitch on the back to hide the messy bits.

Her birthday is in August, so barring accidents, it should be ready on time. Whew!

calista - 2021-06-23 18:25:00

oh wow, calista, that sounds purrrfect :P A lot of work I'm sure will be loved by your friend. There is also something really satisying in designing and working your own piece.

kiwimade64 - 2021-06-24 07:37:00

Kiwimade- Yes it has been satisfying. It has also challenged my abilities. I just wish I could be in Australia to see my friend's face when she opens it.

calista - 2021-06-24 19:11:00

ask her to Skype or Zoom you when she opens it :D

kiwimade64 - 2021-06-25 07:47:00

I have had DMC run, but that was with hot water, so I use cold water and gentle soap, no rubbing and placed flat on a towel and rolled up and squeezed, then laid flat to dry, if I have time I pin it into shape.

voyager4 - 2021-06-25 10:06:00

Lux soap flakes. Method I use: wet fabric, place, spread out, on bench, sprinkle soap flakes and gently rub in until they are dissolved. Always work on the top side to minimize dislodging thread ends. Rinse several times in warm water until water is clear. Lay a double thickness towel on bench, place stitched piece on it and roll up, gently squeezing out excess water. Remove from towel and peg up at the corners. Colors won't run when there is minimal water in the stitching. Iron face down on thick towel when still a little damp.

kiwigoose1 - 2021-09-04 20:47:00