Expert: Angela - 12/10/2006

Question
I crossed stitched a piece of cross stitch cloth and it has yellowed over time. It has pink and green flowers in the middle.  Is there any way to white the white material without fading the cross stitch?  Thank you

Answer
Hello Jane :)

The only thing that I can suggest is washing it in tepid water (barely warm) with a mild dishsoap.  In a clean sink, fill it with the water, add the dishsoap, and place the stitched piece in.  Allow to soak for about 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes is up, gently swirl it arond the water to loosen any soiling.  Rinse with cold water, roll into a towel, gently squeezing any moisture out of it, unroll, and then lay flat on an ironing board (wrong side up), and iron the wrinkles out of it.  Allow to hand dry or dry flat.

If the fabric is still yellow, unfortunately you won't be able to get it out, or I don't have any other solution to suggest to get it out. :(

I hope the above helps with the removal of the yellowing.  Do NOT use Woolite as apparently it isn't good for stitching.

Sincerely,

Angela :)