Tips On Keeping Fabric Clean

By: Joanne Jones
Submitted: 2008-12-17 19:03:01
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Whether you are doing embroidery, sewing or cross stitching, you want the finished result to look the best that it can.  One key to having beautiful needlework is to keep the fabric clean.  Here are some simple tips to prevent the fabric from getting dirty and how to clean if it should ever become dirty.

The easiest way to clean fabric is to keep it clean to begin with.  Most importantly, make sure that your hands are clean, as they are the number one reason why needlework becomes dirty. Always wash your hands before picking up your needlework.  The second reason needlework becomes dirty is that your supplies are dirty.  Always keep your needles and scissors clean.  Also, never place your needlework threads or fabric on a surface that is dirty.

Frequently remove lint from fabric.  If you don't have a lint brush handy, then use scotch tape or masking tape.  Cut a small piece of the tape, place the sticky part on your cross stitching and then lift the tape away.  This works great whether you are trying to remove pet fur or any loose threads.  If you have pets, I recommend doing this frequently, so as to prevent the fur from being accidentally "stitched" into your cross stitching or embroidery.

If your needlework does become dirty, pour some cold water and clear liquid dishwashing soap, such as Ivory, in a flat pan.  Place your needlework in the soapy mixture and let it soak until the dirt comes off.  Drain off the soapy mixture and rinse your needlework in cold water, without scrubbing or wrinkling the needlework.  Place it flat on a towel and gently pat the needlework to remove excess moisture.  Finally, lay the needlework out flat to allow it to finish drying completely.  You have just saved the day and your needlework!

One item that can ruin your project is if the colours of the thread bleed or run into the fabric.  It is important to prevent colours from running, so that your beautiful needlework will not be ruined – and it's easy to do!  To set the colour of your thread, soak the thread for 1-2 hours in a solution made up of one part vinegar and one part cold water.  Rinse the thread and lay flat or hang to dry.  Now you can be assured that your thread colours will stay beautiful.

Of course, if the glass in the frame you are using is dirty, than your finished piece will also get dirty.  So, what is the best way to clean the glass in the frame?  If you can, take the glass out of the frame.  If you like, you can clean the glass in a sink of warm, soapy water or you can use glass cleaner.  Once your piece has been framed, it is important to keep the outside of the glass clean.  In this case, where you don't want to remove the glass from the frame, you will need to first spray the glass cleaner on a cloth and then wipe the cloth on the glass.  If you spray the glass directly, it could run underneath the glass and onto the fabric or the mat boards underneath and stain them.

I hope you have found these tips useful. Please visit Beautiful Creations for more tips and tricks on cross stitching. While you are there, check out our Projects Page for free project ideas!

Article source: Expert Articles

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