I used DMC floss years ago and remember some problems with bleeding on dish towels, I don't remember what I did with them. Last year I wanted to embroider some Christmas dish towels and instead of using my old DMC stash, I switched to Finca (Prencia) Perle #8 for some bluework. I used the water eraseable blue marker. When I rinsed the towel under water the dark blue did not bleed. I like this floss much better than DMC, as it does not fray like DMC. I have also have the same thread in #12, which is a finer thread than the #8. I have also "discovered" a Pilot FriXion ball marker that is removed with heat. I tried a sample and when I ironed the sample, the mark was gone. I also tried the marker with a crayon color and the mark still disappeared. I know that does not help your problem when you have put a lot of time and effort into a project. I will certainly watch for any answers that may resolve your problem.

How frustrating for you. All that work and to have this happen. Oxiclean has done wonders with apparel for me. It should work with embroidery floss, too. Put it soak and go away. It needs time to work.

Thank you all for the information and I will try them and let you know which worked best for me..Thanks again!!

When I had this same problem a number of years ago, I contacted DMC. They told me to wash it repeatedly in clear cold water until it finally washed out. It worked for me then, good luck to you.

Here is a link to the mess I created last year when I spritzed water on my Valentines Table Runner... red dye everywhere: http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ce-t98883.html

Here is my remedy and the results: http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t102708.html

I hope this works for you too! I am a firm believer in the Shout Color Catcher sheets!!! They work magic!! And I have proof!!

Yes I bought a set of sunbonnets from a gal on ebay and they bled. I about fainted! The top was already finished. I hand washed it and got all of the dye out and then misted it with white vinegar and water. Vinegar sets dye... I had tones on non set blocks still so I just misted them as well. I haven't tested them because I am too busy. But, I expect them to be fine now.

Another fabric to watch out for is batiks. I Always prewash that and set the dye with vinegar.

One of my quilting ladies had a beautiful dresser scarf that bled and she used a color catcher and all the bad color came out. It turned out beautiful.

Okay.... deep breaths....I am ready to try the Color Catchers and have the yogurt on standby if the Catchers don't work...When I get to the store I'm buying some Carbonite..I have already soaked all my red embroidery floss in vinegar so this NEVER happens again...I Hope! I was ready to do some tea towels on my embroidery machine with a red work pattern..should I worry about embroidery thread too? I want to thank each and every one of you for taking your time to help..Bless each of you!!!

Newbie here. Very interesting discussion as I have had a hankering to do some redwork. I have gazillions of embroidery floss. Now I know to NOT use it!! Thanks.

You could try putting a couple of drops of bleach in the lid of the Clorox bottle. Then add a few drops of water. Apply this around the outside of the stained area (not too close!) very carefully with a Q tip. Then wash as usual. This works for small spots assuming you don't mind a bit of fading. I have only used it on white tablecloths. It also gets out food stains.
I usually soak all red floss in a mix of vinegar and water before using. Seems to work to set the color.
Good luck.