Any advice on embroidering bed linens

[craftyone]

Hi,

I've done a lot of embroidery before, but I'm looking at trying something new - embroidering a plain white duvet cover with a large swirling flower pattern.

I was wondering if anyone had tried anything similar and had any tips for getting a good finish and making it hardwearing.

I was thinking of buying the best quality linen I can afford, and washing it a few times first. Then I was going to draw the pattern on with one of those pens that dissolve on contact with water. Then I was just going to use normal DMC or anchor embroidery silks. Do you think this is a suitable plan? Should I soak the threads or anything first? Or use a different type? I am planning to do chain stitch just because I thought that would stand up best to repeated washing.

Any tips gratefully received! Thanks so much xx

[sparkysdad]

Hi,

I've done a lot of embroidery before, but I'm looking at trying something new - embroidering a plain white duvet cover with a large swirling flower pattern.

I was wondering if anyone had tried anything similar and had any tips for getting a good finish and making it hardwearing.

I was thinking of buying the best quality linen I can afford, and washing it a few times first. Then I was going to draw the pattern on with one of those pens that dissolve on contact with water. Then I was just going to use normal DMC or anchor embroidery silks. Do you think this is a suitable plan? Should I soak the threads or anything first? Or use a different type? I am planning to do chain stitch just because I thought that would stand up best to repeated washing.

Any tips gratefully received! Thanks so much xx

I would be tempted not to wash the linen first, as it has starches and stuff in it for packing and manufacture which might make it easier to embroider ?? Although my granny used to tart up old pillow cases with embroidery and lace without any problems, she used standard embroidery threads.. we still have some that are now 40 yrs old and still going strong.

[wendy]

Sorry to disagree with you sparkysdad, but I would wash it first, just in case there is slight shrinkage. Some fabrics will shrink in the second or third wash too (usually cotton).

Check the washing instructions for the embroidery threads you use.

Make sure you use an embroidery hoop, but you probably already know that.

Other than that, it sounds a great project - enjoy!!!

[tipsylipsy]

I would have to agree with Wendy too. The linen will shrink and will pull against the cotton thread. I would recommend washing it and putting it through the tumble dryer, if you have one, twice before starting to embroider.

hth

[sparkysdad]

Sorry to disagree with you sparkysdad, but I would wash it first, just in case there is slight shrinkage. Some fabrics will shrink in the second or third wash too (usually cotton).

Check the washing instructions for the embroidery threads you use.

Make sure you use an embroidery hoop, but you probably already know that.

Other than that, it sounds a great project - enjoy!!!

If it was going to be "cheap and Cheerful" I would definitely wash it too, but O/p said "best quality" so I would not anticipate any issue with shrinkage on a standard wash cycle :confused:

[sharon]

Having worked with fabrics professionally I would say definately wash the fabric first before you start sewing.

It may be best quality but it may still shrink especially if you're going to use linen rather than polycotton.

Presumably once you've finished sewing it's going to be used & therefore washed repeatedly - so an extra few washes before you start isn't going to harm it. If you tumble dry then do it on a low cycle rather than high - this is where a lot of shrinkage occurs. If you can dry without using the tumble dryer that would be best. Part dry it on the line or clothes horse, then iron whilst still damp & hang it up again till fully dry.

Good luck

Sharon :)

[wendy]

If it was going to be "cheap and Cheerful" I would definitely wash it too, but O/p said "best quality" so I would not anticipate any issue with shrinkage on a standard wash cycle :confused:

You'd be surprised - even best quality natural fibres can shrink. They are less likely to, because of pre-shrinking techniques in the manufacturing process, but even pre-shrunk natural fabrics can suffer some further shrinking when washed and dried.

[Scorch]

I second the above about washing it first - do. And regards the threads, too - they may not be colourfast, and may also shrink.

When you're embroidering anything that'll be used and washed, it's a good idea to knot at the back every so often, too, to help it withstand getting pulled about and stay even, and have it not all come unpicked if one strand should break. And use small stitches, or they'll catch on stuff.

[craftyone]

Thanks everyone! I think I will wash it first, since it's going to be washed so often anyway it won't make much difference. But from what Sparkysdad was saying - about how it might be easier to work with when it's fresh out of the pack - shall I give it a really good iron before I start? That would make it nice and flat.

Knotting at the back every so often is a really good suggestion, thank you. Small stitches seem sensible as well. And it's really nice to hear of well laundered embroidered linens that have stood the test of time!

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

[wendy]

Thanks everyone! I think I will wash it first, since it's going to be washed so often anyway it won't make much difference. But from what Sparkysdad was saying - about how it might be easier to work with when it's fresh out of the pack - shall I give it a really good iron before I start? That would make it nice and flat.

Knotting at the back every so often is a really good suggestion, thank you. Small stitches seem sensible as well. And it's really nice to hear of well laundered embroidered linens that have stood the test of time!

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Yes, do give it a really good iron before you start - and make sure it's taut and flat in an embroidery hoop or similar, which will make it easier to stitch and give you a better finish.

I was taught never to knot stitching - however, it is advice I have ignored all my life!!! For this project, I would knot and stitch on the spot for extra security at the beginnings and ends of threads.

Embroidery has been around for centuries, and there's no reason why yours can't be hardwearing and serviceable.

[melindacoss]

The other thing you might want to consider is cross stitch worked over waste canvas, if you have never worked with it before its basically canvas in whatever count you buy and you tack it on your fabric so it provides you with a grid to work over. When you have finished you damp down the canvas and pull the threads out from underneath the stitches, leaving your beautifully even cross stitch on the fabric. Its lovely for small motif patterns and monograms.

Many years ago I wrote a couple of books where I used it extensively on white cotton trimmed with lace - if you are interested you might find them in the library, i.e. 'The Cross Stitch House' - I think I used it in 'The Cross Stitch Garden' also. If you want some waste canvas I have a huge roll of it somewhere and would be happy to send you a bit to play with.

If you are using stranded cotton avoid dark blues and reds as they sometimes leach colour.....and yes, do wash the fabric first.
Melinda