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Cross Stitch/cleaning an heirloom piece

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Expert: Angela - 9/27/2008


Question

Whole piece
I have a 21 year old cross stitch project I got from my mom and it has light brown spots, like age spots, on some of the open areas of the fabric.  I would like to have it cleaned and remounted but I do not have a clue as to who I go to for this.  Everything I have read on the internet says I should have it professionally cleaned, but who does this? It is a large piece, approx. 20 X 24. I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Any ideas.  Thanks
Rebecca V.


Answer
Hello, Rebecca :)

You can try cleaning this piece yourself by doing the following:

1. In a clean sink, fill it about 1/3 to ½ of the way with cool water; add a small amount of dishwashing liquid.

2. Place project into the water, and gently swish it around to loosen any soiling.  Allow to sit for about 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, gently swish around again.  If soiling remains, use a clean, brand new tooth brush and gently scrub the soiled areas clean.

3. Rinse the project under cool water until water runs clear.

4. Place project onto a clean, dry towel, and roll project into the towel.  Gently squeeze project to remove any excess water.

5. With an iron preset to 3 (cotton), with steam, place project onto ironing board, and iron on the wrong side to remove the wrinkles.

6. Either lay flat, or hang to dry.

You may need to redo the above again if there's still some soiling, and perhaps extend the sitting time to about 20 minutes.  As long as the water is cool, it won't harm the threads and make them run.  If you use hot water, the dyes in the threads will run.

I hope that helps.  Good luck! :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)

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Angela

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I have 22+ years of cross stitching experience, which includes stitching on Aida, evenweave linen, vinyl canvas, and have stitched a design on a cotton t-shirt using waste canvas. I have also worked with beads and blending filament in quite a few projects. I have made many projects which include cross stitched mugs, a keychain, pictures, magnets, and the cotton t-shirt. I can answer questions pertaining to preparing and cleaning fabric, preparing clothing for stitching, how many threads to be used on which Aida cloth, and will try to help you to the best of my ability with other questions you may have. I am prompt in my responses and usually answer within 24 hours from when you ask your question. I look forward to helping you. :)

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