AboutHenry Babcock Expertise I learned needlepoint from my grandmother over 30 years ago. I can answer most questions on the subject. I know about producing needlepoint as well as cleaning, repairing and restoring.
Question QUESTION: I am coming close to completing a 20 yr old project of a Deux Amis tartan
ribbon Christmas stocking in 22 count. Unfortunately the sizing is starting to
yellow and the background of the stocking is white Marlitt. Is there any way
of removing this stain(which seems to be getting worse) without having it
affect the white. Will the whole of the canvas eventually turn this brownish-
yellow such that at least it'll all be the same? Bit of a heartbreaker
considering I've been working on it so long. Thanks, Elaine
ANSWER: Elaine,
I'm sorry to hear about the yellowing. I'm not sure whether you mean it's just the canvas that's affected or the threads are taking on the stain as well. Needlepoint sizing is like starch; it will yellow with age. The yellowing should come out with a cleaning of the piece after it is finished, as the sizing will be washed away.
Hope this helps,
Henry Babcock
AllExperts Needlepoint Expert
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Henry thanks so much for your reply. Threads are unaffected, but as I'm using pale cream the difference between where there's discoloration of the canvas and where there is none is slightly noticable. Great news that it will wash out, but what are the chances that the yellow sizing will stain the Marlitt (Anchor rayon/viscose) thread when I wash. What would be the best way to wash? Kind regards, Elaine (London)
Answer Elaine,
The yellowed sizing should clean out fine without affecting the white threads. Since you are using rayon threads, you will need to have the piece dry cleaned. Try to find a reliable dry cleaner where the cleaning is done on the premises, and ask if they will clean your piece immediately after changing the cleaning solvent (this will help keep dirt from other cleanings off your piece).
