Embroidered items of clothing can really look amazing. The textures and colours you get as a result of the embroidery process can be pretty stunning, and most people will want the item to last for as long as possible.
Unfortunately, embroidery can often be quite delicate, which means you'll need to look after it. From washing it inside out to air drying, this is how you can care for your embroidered clothing.
Wash inside out
Even the highest quality embroidered items from places like Screen Textiles will need certain preventative washing measures. One of these measures is to make sure that you turn the item inside out, if possible, before washing it.
This way, while the reverse, invisible side of the design might fade a little bit, the side of the design that people see will be protected by the rest of the garment or item. That being said, it's important to check if the reverse side of the design has any bits of thread that could snag or catch on the washing machine, as this could ruin the item as well.
Don't wash with damaging items
Even if there aren't any clearly visible loose threads, embroidered designs are still prone to getting caught on sharp objects. Because of this, you need to be extra careful that you don't wash it with any potentially damaging items, such as clothes with zips or small hooks. This can be easy to overlook when you're throwing everything into the washing machine, but if you want your embroidered items to last, it's important to keep it in mind.
Air dry
While washing machines can lead to clothing wearing out much quicker, driers can have a similar effect. As a result, if you really want to care for your embroidered clothing, it's best to air dry the items rather than tumble dry them.
It's also important that you make sure the item is totally dry before you put it away into storage. Even if it's the tiniest bit damp, it could end up ruining the fabric or growing mould while it's tucked away in your cupboard.
Hand wash
If you really care about the item and want it to last, for example, if it's a piece with sentimental value, then it might be best to hand wash it. Even machine washing on the most delicate of settings can be a pretty vigorous process, and over time, it will lead to your clothes wearing out. By gently washing your embroidered clothing in cool or lukewarm water, you can help to increase the longevity of the item, getting as much life out of the design as possible.
These tips can be applied to most items of clothing, but it's also important to check with the manufacturer-provided care label. If you got the item from a small shop or independent seller, then you can always reach out and ask for any advice on product care. They'll probably have some great ideas and tips, and will be happy that you care so much about the item.
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