When I started to embroider, I bought the most popular embroidery kit out there, and it was also the cheapest. But, before long, I got to know why! It was so because the thread frayed frequently and later bled. After all the time you spend on a single work, it is a bummer. Nowadays, I ensure that I buy only the best thread I can get and also keep some other pointers to ensure that the colors of the thread remain vibrant and beautiful.
The most frequent problem is when embroidery thread color bleeds in the first wash after the project is complete. That sucks.
As I said, buying high-quality, name-brand threads (e.g., Anchor) will (usually, unless it is a fake) mean that they are already colorfast. These are durable floss that resist fraying and pilling. And rayon thread, though it looks beautiful and shiny will break and fray. They may also color bleed. Stranded cotton embroidery floss is what we usually use and they fray if they are not handled properly.
Most kits come with floss that’s ready to use, and we will be tempted to use them as is. But that is not so wise. Do a color test.
Wet the thread and press it between white paper towels to see if any color transfers. If it does, the thread is not colorfast, and you will have to undergo some pre-treatment.
Handwash Threads Before Use
I got this advice from an expert, though I am usually too lazy to follow through with it. But if you have a large project and you think that your threads are at the risk of dye bleeding.
Let them dry thoroughly afterward. Then separate and store.
Yes, it sounds like a lot of trouble. But it’s particularly useful for uncertain thread colorfastness of embroidery floss. Just think of it as prewashing the fabric. There is an option not to do it, but if you do it, the result is better.
This is especially necessary for certain deep colors like burgundy reds and similar shades – they are known for bleeding.
Related posts: Simple neck embroidery designs
Wash the thread in mild, clear dish soap to test for color bleeding.
Use color fixers
Adding vinegar to the wash water can help set the dye, ensuring the colors stay vibrant and don’t bleed. This method is said to be particularly useful for silk or wool threads. Another professional option is to use a commercial product like Retayne in the water, which can help keep the dye within the thread.
When washing a lot of threads, you can put them inside a delicate laundry bag with sewn pockets for individual threads. This will prevent tangling and color bleed.
Use color Catchers
Color catchers are things you put in the wash to remove unwanted dye from threads and fabrics. These are usually used when you’re mixing colors in a wash. They trap and absorb dyes released during washing.
These can be used if you forget to pre-treat and you are afraid that your finished project may bleed in the water.
Embroidery floss usually consists of six strands, and depending on the fabric’s weave and the desired thickness of the stitches, you might use all six strands or separate them into thinner groups. The choice of how many strands of threads you use in embroidery depends on the look you are aiming for and the embroidery fabric you are going to use. Many people keep the thread separated and keep them ready. And this is recommended.
This way, when you feel like stitching, you can just take it and start stitching and not deal with thread tangles and all (those tangling and knotting when pulling strands directly from the floss is a creativity killer).
Keep those separated strands organized (by color and strand count) . This way it is easier to find what you need quickly. You can use thread storage solutions like floss organizers, bobbin cards, or small bags.
And when you start working, take around 18 to 20 inches of thread on your needle.
More than that, and it will start fraying as you repeatedly insert it into the fabric, especially with tight weave fabrics. Do not pull the stitches too much – the tension should be even. Too much tension also will strain the thread. And do not yank it out – this will also fray the thread.
All these are more applicable to the shiny Rayon embroidery thread; they are more prone to fraying. Another delicate thread is metallic embroidery thread. This thread has some sort of coating on top, which can come off if you pull it hard.
After the work is done, do not press or iron on top of the embroidery thread. Press from the back of the work. And do not dry the clothing with the embroidery in direct sunlight.
These are the tips that will ensure you vibrant, lasting colors in all your embroidery projects.
