3. Can you tell me what is best way to clean finished product? Is it dry clean or hand wash? Or not clean at all?

You should always wash your finished piece because even if it doesn’t look dirty, it will have some dirt on it and oils left by your hands will attract more. You should also never iron your needlework before it’s been cleans since, like a dryer, it will make dirt and oils permanent.

I suggest washing with a gentle soap like ivory or baby shampoo, though I feel best choice is Orvus quilt soap. It’s non-abrasive and free of harsh chemicals, which makes it perfect for needlework. I don’t suggest Woolite since it contains bleach. Use cool water and let your piece soak for 5-10 minutes, and then gently suds piece. Rinse it by dipping it in cool clean water. If any of colors begin to bleed, continue rinsing until water remains clear. When it’s completely rinsed lay piece flat on a towel and gently roll it up. This will blot up extra moisture. NEVER wring or twist your needlework!!

The next step is ironing. First, place your needlework face down on a dry towel and place another thinner towel or press fabric on other side. Putting a towel underneath helps keep stitches from getting flattened. Be sure to use a dry iron that’s set on appropriate fabric setting. Let piece fully cool before moving.

After this first washing, floss and fabric should be color fast and you shouldn’t have any other problems washing it.

I hope these hits help make your needlework projects even better!

Blood: The best way to remove your blood is your saliva. It may take a lot to dissolve it, so it might not be best thing to do while waiting in doctor’s office. You’ll want to saturate stain with saliva and keep adding more until blood is gone. When it’s gone, wash piece, but in cold water only. The saliva trick only works with your blood though, not anyone else’s. In this case, best thing to do is to use hydrogen peroxide. Dab it carefully on blood drop and be ready to rinse. Remember to test it first, especially on colored fabrics. Another answer is to use mix a solution of 85% table salt and water, then rinse.

Pencil Marks: Use a solution of 3 parts rubbing alcohol, one part water, and 1.2 tsp. of dish detergent.

Rust: Mix 1 tsp. of oxalic acid (available at most pharmacies) in one cup hot water and dab solution on stain. Wash and rinse well.

Food Stains: Be careful with anything with bleach in it if you’re using 100% linen, very hot water is ok though.

Red Wine: Soak up what you can with a paper napkin and then dump a pile of table salt onto stain. Rub it around into stain, and wash cloth as soon as possible.

When you’re project is completed it is important to wash it again before framing, or whatever you plan to do with it. I don’t recommend washing your piece in washing machine, even on gentle cycle. The way I have heard suggested most is to use a product called Orvus. Just put a little bit in with cold water and let it soak for a bit. Then rinse it until all soap is gone. If colors happen to run, you should use water as close to boiling point as possible. This is temperature they cure colors at, so it makes sense to remove dye in same way. It also prevents dye from resettling

Don’t wring fabric as it can distort threads and fabric weave. You can roll it in a towel to absorb excess water and it doesn’t leave as many wrinkles.