Expert: Angela - 8/5/2003

Question
The white DMC thread on my cross-stitch picture has a tan tint to it. I am not sure if oils from my hands, or the fact that it sat out for 7 months while I worked on it, caused the thread to change color.  How can I clean the cross-stitch so the white thread is white again? The aida cloth is an english rose color.
There are also tan marks from the wooden hoop that I used around the edges. I would like to clean that area as well.  
Thanks in advance for your help,
Marcella

Answer
Hello, Marcella. :)

To try and remove the stains from the floss, and the thread, put some tepid (barely warm) water into a clean sink, and add a very mild detergent to it (you can use dishwashing liquid).  Place the stitched piece into the water and allow to sit for 5 minutes.  To try and remove the soiling, try using a soft bristled brush and gently brush the soiling from the thread and fabric.  Once you have cleaned the soiled areas, rinse the project under cold water, lay the project flat onto a towel, and roll it into the towel, gently squeezing to remove excess water as you're rolling.  Lay flat, wrong side facing, on an ironing board, and with the iron set at a low temperature, iron the wrinkles out.  DO NOT iron specialty threads (ie, blending filaments, or braids, etc.), or beads.  If there are any beads in your project, try and gently tug the wrinkles flat.  Lay flat to air dry.

I hope this has helped you. :)  Good luck and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,
Angela :)