Embroidered clothing, whether hand or machine-made, is a beautiful addition to any wardrobe. But like all treasures, they require special care. If you’re like me, with two little ones, these pieces frequently need washing. Wondering how to keep your embroidered pieces vibrant and intact? Let Luna guide you!
Deciding Between Hand Wash and Machine Wash
Before tossing your garment into the washer, consider the following steps:
- Always consult the manufacturer’s label. Adhering to its instructions ensures garment longevity.
- For any garment that wasn’t washer-safe before embroidery, it remains so even after your artistic touch.
- Review the care guidelines for your chosen embroidery floss or threads. Some threads, like cotton, may shrink more than rayon or polyester, leading to design puckering. While metallic and certain rayon threads might not handle high temperatures well.
- Be cautious of threads that bleed at high temperatures or with specific detergents. If your threads bleed, especially the bright reds or pinks, rinse your garment immediately. It’s precisely why I made the switch from rayon to polyester threads for my machine embroidery!
Differences in Care: Machine vs. Hand Embroidery
Machine-embroidered garments generally tolerate machine washing in cold water followed by a low-heat tumble dry. However, hand-embroidered pieces need a more delicate touch, as the threads on the back aren’t as secure and might unravel with aggressive washing. I recommend hand washing and air drying for these beauties. For those looking for a hassle-free option, consider dry cleaning – it reduces design puckering and color bleeding risks.
Hand Washing Your Embroidered Treasures
Confused about hand washing? Let’s break it down:
- Prepare your wash basin with cold water and a dash of gentle soap, like Woolite.
- Submerge your clothes, gently moving them around. If the water becomes too dirty, replace it. And, if you spot color from the embroidery thread in the water, rinse immediately to prevent dyeing your fabric.
- Rinse the piece to remove soap and any leftover water-soluble stabilizer, ensuring the feel of the garment remains soft.
- To dry, gently roll the item in a towel (avoid wringing) and then air dry to maintain the embroidery’s shape and size.
Machine Washing Embroidered Garments
For the brave souls willing to machine wash their embroidered items, here’s my method:
- Opt for a gentle wash cycle in cold water, using a mild detergent. Avoid chlorine bleach; instead, go for color-safe, non-chlorine alternatives. If color bleeding is a concern, an extra rinse cycle might help.
- Once done, promptly remove and, if suitable, tumble dry on low. If unsure, always air dry to protect the delicate threads and embroidery design.
Addressing Stains and Wrinkles
Stains can be tricky on embroidered garments. For external stains, gently blot with a chlorine-free and bleach-free spot remover. Be gentle, as rubbing might damage the threads. After washing, if wrinkles are your concern, iron the embroidered areas from the reverse side using a pressing cloth and a medium-heat iron.
At a Glance: Embroidered Clothing Care Tips
| Aspect | Hand Embroidery | Machine Embroidery |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Hand Wash | Machine Wash (Cold Water) |
| Drying | Air Dry | Tumble Dry (Low Heat) |
| Thread Consideration | May Unravel if Not Secured | Polyester Preferred to Prevent Bleeding |