Expert: Kris - 12/22/2010

Question
I have several finished pieces on 14 count Aida from a kit.  There are creases in several spots and I am having trouble getting the creases out.  Also, after ironing I seem to have some discolored areas that weren't there before.  What is the proper way to iron the piece after finishing in order to prepare for framing?  Thanks.

Answer
Barbara,

Sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to you. This is such a crazy time of year, that I have not been on the computer much!

Not sure if you are washing your pieces before you iron. If not , you might need to. The oils on your hands get on the fabric and the ironing may be discoloring those. I wash mine in cool water with Ivory liquid by hand. I never wring the piece. I allow the piece to drip and then roll the piece in two towels to get most of the water and allow to air dry. Be careful of thread color running. The reds are the worst at this. You can get a dye magnet in the laundry aisle, if you have a problem with a color running.

After my piece is dry (before I attach any embellishments - buttons or beads), I place the piece face down on a white towel and then place a thinner (hand towel or dish rag weight) towel on the piece and then iron on a cotton setting. If there are stubborn wrinkles I will spritz the piece with a water from a spray bottle. Sometimes it takes a little more muscle then others.

Finally make sure that the framer is going to hand stretch your piece. Do not allow them to spray mount the pieces. The adhesive may not be safe for the fabric. Hand stretching may cost a little more, but the results are amazing.

Again, sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I wish you all the luck with your stitching! I hope I was helpful!

Happy Stitching!
Kris