Originally Posted by ForestHobbit
Make sure to weave your thread ends in well so they don't work loose when washed. One way to start is to weave the needle into the part you are starting with then do your stitching over the woven thread. Have never heard of anyone pre-washing rickrack before. We are still using dishtowels embroidered 20 years ago and no threads have come loose, altho they are large cotton dish towels not tea towels.
Wow! 20 years, that's great news. Are they cotton, or linen? What do they look like? I did read to weave the thread ends 3-4 stitches. My first thought was I should tie a knot, but I guess that weaving works.
Also, I just check the package on the rick rack, it all polyester (wont shrink) and guaranteed not to bleed. I'm not going to wash it. It's nice and flat and I don't want it to get tangled in the dryer. I tested a piece of the red (wet it and rubbed it on white cloth), it didn't bleed. Attached is my pattern. The large areas of red checkers are applique. Am I getting in over my head? Is embroidery difficult to learn?