How to Remove Creases From Cross-Stitch Fabric

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Things You'll Need

  • Water

  • Dish-washing liquid

  • Cross-stitch fabric

  • 1 or 2 towels

  • Iron

  • Ironing board

  • Spray bottle with water

Don't let the hoop win; get the creases out of your cross-stitched work before displaying it.

The best time to get major creases out of cross-stitch fabric is before you start working. Once you start cross-stitching, there is no guarantee creases won't happen; needlework hoops can leave creases if they're left in the same place for too long. After you've worked for hours on a cross-stitched piece, the last thing you want is unsightly creases crisscrossing the cloth. With just a bit of time, you can take the creases out of your cloth without damaging any of your stitches. Try a dry iron first; misting the cloth should be a last resort.

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Washing the Fabric Before Cross-Stitching

Step 1

Fill a sink or bowl with cool water. Place dish-washing liquid in the sink and swirl it around.

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Step 2

Swish the fabric in the water to get it wet and soapy; then let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Rinse the cloth completely with clean cool water.

Step 4

Lay a towel on the floor or table and place the fabric on top.

Step 5

Roll the towel with the cloth inside. Repeat with another towel if necessary to get all the water out. Do not wring the cloth out. Now it's time to iron the fabric.

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Ironing the Fabric Before and After Stitching

Step 1

Set your iron to a very low setting.

Step 2

Lay a folded towel on the ironing board. Lay the fabric or cross-stitched piece on top of the towel, with the back facing up.

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Step 3

Put the iron on the fabric, pressing firmly on the creases. Do not run the iron back and forth, as that can loosen your stitches.

Misting the Fabric: A Last Resort

Step 1

Fill a spray bottle with water.

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Step 2

Holding the fabric up, spray water on the crease. Do not soak the fabric; simply get it damp.

Step 3

Lay the fabric on a towel on the ironing board, as above. Press with the warm iron until the crease comes out.

Tip

If the fabric comes out of the package with creases, it is always best to get them out before cross-stitching. If you have creases after cross-stitching, try the dry warm iron first. If that still doesn't work, try the misting method.

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