Embrodiery floss question
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,112
Embrodiery floss question
I am starting a new project and it tells me to pre-wash my floss before I emb. I have never done that before and wonder just how do you do it? Do I take it out of the skein and then lay it flat to dry or leave it all folded together. Wouldn't that make it hard to dry? I don't want to ruin all my work if it runs. Any help?
#4
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IN
Posts: 1,153
I've been emroidering and cross stitching since I was a child ( when dinosaurs still roamed the earth) and I have NEVER washed floss before using it. I can't imagine how or why you would do it but I can assure you that I won't be trying it.
#5
I have actually had some of the reds bleed a little, even while I was working on them. I think you could just soak them for a little while in cold water and rinse them until the water stays clear. And then let them air dry.
#6
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
I think they have suggested to wash in case they bleed. If they are already warning of a bleed, I would test a section of each colour. Take a wad of about 8 inches and put it in hot water. Take it out of the hot water and put it onto a white paper towel/kleenex. When it's dry, check the towel for stains. If it bleeds, I wouldn't use it. I have never washed my floss but I have switched to the pearl cotton thread on the little ball for embroidery. I still pre-test a section even though it says colourfast on it.
#7
When I made my Winter Wonderland I soaked each skein of variegated red Anchor floss in warm water first. Just lay the whole skein paper & all in the sink. Lay out on a RAG after because if there is any excess dye it will colour your towel..... ask me how I know!
#8
I have never heard of washing floss. Lots of cross stitch in my background. I would not take it out of the skein if I were going to. Just gently swish it in a sink of warm water with little soap and rinse. Lay the skeins on a towel to air dry. They are so small it shoudn't take long or ruin the floss. Maybe pull the paper off the end and tape it and a color snip to a paper so you have a reference before you wash it. I don't think it will hurt to wash it except that some colors may run. I have never had this happen. good luck.
peace
peace
#9
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357
I have always used DMC and it is colourfast. I do have a kit somewhere (a gift) that says prewash the floss provided but if I ever get around to doing it I won't use the floss and will just buy my usual DMC.
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