A Complete Care Guide To Wash Embroidered Clothing
Embroidered clothing is a piece of art that adds a unique flair to your wardrobe.
At Sketch & Stitch, we understand the value of these personalised pieces and the importance of keeping them in pristine condition.
That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide that will walk you through the best practices for washing and caring for your embroidered garments, ensuring they remain as stunning as the day you got them. Whether you're new to embroidery or a seasoned collector, these tips will help you maintain the beauty and longevity of your personalised embroidered clothing.
Understanding Embroidered Clothing
Before we delve into the washing techniques, it’s crucial to understand what makes embroidered clothing so special.
Each embroidered item requires special attention to maintain its intricate details and vibrant colours.
At Sketch & Stitch, our personalised embroidery process involves stitching custom designs directly onto fabric using high-quality threads. This method creates a durable and long-lasting embellishment, but it also requires specific care to preserve the stitching and overall look of the product.
Using high-quality embroidery threads, and top-quality fabric for the clothing ensures the longevity and vibrancy of the designs. This is something we prioritise at Sketch and Stitch to ensure that your product can withstand wear and tear, so it can become a staple piece in your wardrobe!
Embroidered designs are often more delicate than the fabric they adorn. The threads on embroidery projects can be susceptible to fraying, fading, and damage if not handled properly. Securing embroidery stitches properly, such as knotting them, is essential to prevent them from falling out due to movement and friction.
Best Practices for Washing Embroidered Clothes
Hand Wash Fabric: The Gentlest Method
Hand washing is the most recommended method for cleaning embroidered clothing. However, if you choose to wash embroidery in a machine, be aware that it may not be ideal and could reduce the longevity of the embroidery's appearance. It allows you to control the washing process and minimise the risk of damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Turn the Garment Inside Out: This simple step protects the embroidery from direct friction and wear during washing.
- Prepare the Water and Detergent: Fill a sink or basin with cold water and add a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or strong detergents as they can weaken the threads and cause colours to fade. Be mindful of the embroidery thread, as it can be delicate and prone to damage if handled too roughly.
- Soak the Garment: Submerge the garment in the soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes. This helps to loosen any dirt or stains.
- Gently Wash: Gently squeeze the soapy water through the fabric, paying extra attention to the embroidered areas. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which can damage the stitching.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the garment with cold water until all the soap is removed. Ensure that no detergent residue is left, as it can cause the fabric to stiffen.
- Press Out Excess Water: Gently press the garment with a dry towel to remove excess water without wringing or twisting, which can distort the embroidery.
Machine Washing: When Time is of the Essence
While hand washing is ideal, we understand that it’s not always practical. If you need to machine wash your embroidered clothing, follow these steps to minimise the risk of damage:
- Turn the Garment Inside Out: Protect the embroidery by turning the garment inside out.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place the item in a mesh laundry bag to provide an extra layer of protection against the machine’s agitation.
- Select the Delicate Wash Cycle: Select the delicate wash cycle on your washing machine. This setting uses less agitation and helps to protect the embroidery.
- Cold Water and Mild Detergent: Wash with cold water and mild detergent to prevent colours from fading and threads from weakening. During the wash cycle, ensure that the machine is not overloaded to prevent excessive friction on the embroidered areas.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, chlorine bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the embroidery.
Dry Cleaning
If it doubt - dry clean it out! Leaving the cleaning up to the professionals is typically the safest way to ensure the longevity of your embroidered clothes - but we understand that dry cleaning isn't the most cost-effective option.
If choosing to wash the embroidered clothing yourself - ensure that you follow washing instructions given to your provider who will have the embroidery knowledge to best educate on best washing practices.
Drying Embroidered Clothing
Air Drying: The Safest Option
Air drying is the best method to preserve the integrity of your embroidered garments. Here’s how to do it:
- Lay Flat to Dry: Lay the garment flat on a clean towel or drying rack. This helps to maintain the shape and prevent stretching.
- Reshape if Necessary: Gently reshape the garment while it is still damp to ensure it retains its original form.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Dry the garment in a shaded area to prevent the colours from fading due to direct sunlight exposure.
Machine Drying: Proceed with Caution
If you must use a dryer, follow these guidelines to minimise the risk of damage:
- Low Heat Setting: Use the lowest heat setting possible to prevent shrinking and damage to the threads.
- Remove While Damp: Take the garment out of the dryer while it is still slightly damp. This prevents over-drying, which can cause the fabric to become brittle.
- Finish Drying Flat: Lay the garment flat to finish drying and reshape if necessary.
Additional Care Tips
Ironing Embroidered Clothing
Ironing embroidered clothing requires special care to avoid damaging the threads and fabric. Follow these steps for safe ironing:
- Turn Inside Out: Always iron embroidered garments inside out to protect the embroidery.
- Use a Low Heat Setting: Set your iron to a low heat setting suitable for delicate fabrics.
- Protect with a Towel: Place a thin towel or cloth between the iron and the fabric to prevent direct contact with the embroidery.
- Avoid Steam: Use a dry iron without steam, as moisture can cause the threads to swell and distort.
Storing Embroidered Clothing
Proper storage is essential to maintain the shape and quality of your embroidered garments. Here are some tips:
- Hang When Possible: Hang embroidered items in your wardrobe to prevent creases and maintain their shape.
- Fold Carefully: If folding is necessary, avoid creasing along the embroidered areas. Place tissue paper between folds to minimise pressure on the embroidery.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure your wardrobe is not overcrowded to prevent the embroidered piece from being crushed and the embroidery from being damaged.
Spot Cleaning
For small stains or spills, spot cleaning can be an effective way to address the issue without washing the entire garment. Here’s how to do it:
- Dab, Don’t Rub: Gently dab the stained area with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain and damage the embroidery.
- Rinse and Blot: Rinse the area with cold water and blot with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
- Air Dry: Allow the garment to air dry completely before wearing or storing.
Caring For Your Closet
Embroidered clothing is a beautiful and unique addition to any wardrobe, but it requires special care to maintain its beauty and longevity.
By following the washing, drying, and care tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your embroidered garments from Sketch & Stitch remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Whether you’re hand washing, machine washing, or spot cleaning, taking the time to follow these best practices will pay off in the long run.
At Sketch & Stitch, we’re committed to providing you with high-quality personalised embroidered clothing that you can cherish for years. Explore our range of customisable Adult clothing or personalised Kids' clothing today and discover the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe.
With our expert care tips and top-quality craftsmanship, you can enjoy your embroidered clothing with confidence, knowing it will stay fresh and vibrant wash after wash.