Cross stitch fabric too stiff

by Sonia
(Loganville,Ga, USA)

Is it OK to wash the fabric to soften it before starting a cross stitch project? It is very hard to get the Hoop on and work with it.

Comments for Cross stitch fabric too stiff

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Washing Aida, Hoops
by: Debbie Rice

If you just want the stiff to go away, you can just rinse a colorfast aida in cool water without any complicated washing directions or arguments about different solutions to use.

If you are more comfortable with an embroidery hoop (while I agree with Valerie that q-snaps and other non-creasing holding devices are better -- it's your project and you want to do what's comfortable and pleasant for you), ALWAYS take hoop off when you put your stitching away versus storing your work in progress in the hoop. Unless you stitch more than 8 hours straight in a day, this prevents the major almost-impossible-to-iron-out creases.

If project completely fits within hoop, don't even worry about the creases that will not be seen once your piece is framed or stitched into bellpull, pillow, etc.

Don't forget to occasionally clean your plastic hoops in case they pick up any oils or grunge from your hands/projects.

If using wooden hoops, beware of machine oil from manufacturing wood turning process.

Particularly with wood hoops but also useful for plastic hoops -- layer your project as bottom hoop, fabric, acid free tissue paper or plain white paper napkin, top hoop. Then rip whole in tissue paper to expose your stitching area. The paper just gives a little more protection.

I work for a needlework shop and the 80+ year old lady who stitches our large Mirabilia and Lavender and Lace angels as shop models -- she uses a small hoop and I have never seen a hoop mark on her work. She never leaves hoop on when putting work away.

The hoop horror stories are from a variety of hoops that have had machine oil staining a person's work, so rough projects got snagged, creases from hoops left on for months or years, and really bad creases from hoops left on needlework that wasn't kept clean so the creases have added grunge ...

Just take off hoop when putting project down.

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Washing Aida cloth
by: Valerie Kalyani

You can wash the Aida cloth to remove any sizing and soften it. But I would not use a hoop. I used to but now I only use scroll bars or Q-Snaps. Hoops are rough on needlework fabrics and often leave permanent creases in the cloth. If you use a hoop on a piece of linen, you will very disappointed when all the pressing in the world does not remove the creases.

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Steam It!
by: Anonymous

Run over the fabric with a steam iron a few times with a thin towel over the top! It should soften it up

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For Stamped Cross Stitch
by: Iris

When I get a new stamped cross stitch kit, I ring it out as if it were a wet piece of clothing. I open it and roll it and twist it every which way. It softens and doesn't mess with the stamp picture.

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Stamped Aisa Cloth
by: Anonymous

Your suggestion for dryer and wash cloth will not work for stamped. Can not get it wet.

I have a fabric, The Girl Holding the Cat, is very large. It's 120 x 164. It's huge, lol. It's a Joy Sunday kit.

What do I do to soften it to make it manageable to work with and contain the extra fabric?

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Stamped cross stitch too stiff
by: JoAnne

What about a stamped cross stitch? I can’t get it wet, or I lose the stamped design. It’s a huge design as well, 18x24. Suggestions that don’t involve water to soften the stiffness? I’ve been crinkling and rolling the fabric daily for over a week but still very stiff. Still can’t get a hoop on it.

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Fabric too stiff
by: Judy

I like the dryer softener cloth and wash cloth, but what if I have already started? Judy

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Cross stitch fabric
by: Anonymous

Where can I find cross-stitch fabric that is soft with no starch in it .

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Aida for Breadcloths
by: Janie

I am trying to locate an aida cloth that is soft and supple to use when stitching breadcloths. The fabrics are so super stiff - even after washing. Do you know of a supplier? Thank you!!

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Aida in the Dryer
by: Lizzystitch484

With super-stiff Aida, I will put it in the clothes dryer with a fabric softener sheet and a dampened washcloth or hand towel. Run the dryer on Medium or Low for 30 to 40 minutes. Smooth the Aida with your hands and let rest for about 5 minutes...and away you go to stitch. Tiny, if any, shrinkage, and softened and more pliable for hooping. Kind regards.

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Stiff Fabric
by: Stitchntime

This was so helpful!! Thank you!!

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Carol replies...
by: Carol

Thank you for taking the time to submit your question.

Are you using an Aida fabric for your project, Sonia?

Most manufacturers use a starch or "size" on Aida so that it is firm enough to stitch on easily. However, it has been known for less reputable brands to use extra starch to try to stiffen poorer quality Aida, and make it appear to be better than it is.

If you pre-wash the fabric in hot water this dissolves the starch and makes the fabric more pliable. However, I personally would not recommend doing this as it can make the cloth harder to work on as the "holes" tighten up making them less visible.

If you are struggling with getting the stiff fabric in the hoop you might like to consider two other options.

Firstly, you could start working with the fabric "in hand" instead of hooping straight away. As you work, the Aida will begin to soften and become more supple. Once it has lost the stiffness you could then transition to using your hoop.

Alternatively, you could use a scroll frame rather than a hoop. In this case you would wrap the excess Aida around the bars at top and bottom, leaving a nice firm area to stitch on in the center.

If you ask other cross stitchers you will likely find they each have their own suggestions for what to do with extra stiff Aida fabric. :-)

One last thing to keep in mind, is that for any sizable project it is going to take you time to complete it. If you are at all unsure of the quality of the fabric that was included in a kit, for example, then you might want to replace it before starting work. It would be a shame to discover issues once you have put hours and hours into a piece.

I hope this helps. I am sure others will come along and offer more suggestions, Sonia.

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