Pre-Washing and Pressing

I know you are eager to start embroidering, but proper preparation will give you better results. If you are embroidering on cotton, pre-wash to pre-shrink. Even garments labeled "pre-shrunk" will probably shrink a bit more. You can hand wash in a sink if you do not want to do a whole load of laundry, but be sure to use very warm water. If you do not pre-wash, the design may come out of the dryer all ripply. If the fabric is cotton or rayon, pre-washing is essential.

Press the fabric before embroidering. If you embroider over a wrinkle, it will never press out later. Be sure you do not stretch the fabric while pressing (lift and press with the iron). Pre-shrink cutaway and tear-away stabilizers by steaming with a hot iron. (You already have the iron out to press the fabric.)

After embroidering, press the fabric from the back on a padded ironing board to remove hoop marks and to smooth out the fabric. A light use of spray sizing will give the item that "never been washed" look.

Next issue: water-soluble stabilizers

from Mary Jane Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

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