Caring for your embroidery
Good embroidery is built to last. A few simple habits will keep the threads bright, tight and looking studio-fresh for years.
Washing
- Turn it inside out before washing — this protects the stitches from rubbing.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Hot water can shrink fabric and loosen thread.
- Mild detergent only. Never use bleach on coloured threads.
- Wash with similar colours, and avoid overloading the machine.
- For delicate or heavily stitched pieces, hand-washing is safest.
Drying
- Air-dry whenever you can — it's the gentlest option.
- If you tumble-dry, keep it on low heat.
- Dry inside out and away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Don't wring or twist the embroidered area.
Ironing
- Never iron directly on the thread.
- Turn the garment inside out and iron from the back, or place a thin cloth over the design.
- Use a medium heat setting and avoid steam directly on the stitching.
Storage
- Fold so the embroidery isn't creased along a stitch line.
- Hang structured pieces like polos and jackets.
- Keep in a dry place — damp can dull thread over time.
Specific items
- Caps: hand-wash only. Machine washing can distort the shape and the stiff front panel.
- Towels and robes: wash inside out; skip fabric softener, which coats the fibres and dulls thread.
- Hoop-framed pieces: these are decorative — dust gently and keep out of direct sunlight.
- Patches: if iron-on, follow the heat instructions supplied; for permanent hold, we recommend stitching around the edge.
If a thread comes loose
Don't pull it. Snip it close to the fabric with small scissors, or get in touch and we'll advise. Never tug a loose stitch — it can unravel the surrounding area.
Questions?
Not sure how to care for a particular piece? Message us on WhatsApp or get in touch — we're happy to help.