Thursday, September 04, 2014

How To Stain Removal: Dye

Time and time again I've seen people post that the dye from their threads has run, ruining a project. I've written this post in the comment section of numerous blogs. It occured to me that I should just write the post once and refer people to it! (Smart girl.)

I developed this specialized knowledge when, after stitching Heart in Hand Wee Baby, I washed it. I had forgotten I had stitched with overdyeds (claret!). D'oh!

I was told that really cold water would (eventually) remove the dye from the places it shouldn't be. Unfortunately, it was summer in Los Angeles and our apartment was not air conditioned. Sticking a piece in cold water was going to be difficult. My first thought was to add ice to the water. So I put the stitchery into a brand-new dishpan with iced water. Left out on the counter, the water was warm in no time. So I put it in the refrigerator.

I changed the water twice a day. And after about a week, the dye was gone! It was a miracle. Actually it was science. I can't explain the science to you, but that doesn't mean it's not science.

Use this knowledge as appropriate.

10 comments:

Melody said...

That's good to know. I had no idea iced water would remove it!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

THAT is usful science that I'm going to squirrel away in my brain :) Thanks for sharing your results!

Beth said...

Did you end up immersing the entire piece in the cold water or just the part that was stained?

Sandy In Montana said...

Thanks Anna, wish I'd known this a couple of years back. Am going to file this one away in my stitching fixes folder.

Take Care & Happy Stitchin'
Hugs, Sandy

Unknown said...

The whole thing, Beth.

Blu said...

This is valuable information and I'm incredibly grateful that you're sharing it!

Definitely bookmarking this post!

Linda said...

Thanks for the info Nikki. I took several pieces of 14ct white aida out so some kits and they all have a big yellowish blob running thru them. They weren't in the sun. Any suggestions.

Linda

Margaret said...

Very good to know. I hope I remember!!

Unknown said...

THANK YOU!!!! You've just saved a piece that's been floating around my house for years now.

Jennifer said...

Huh - good to know!!!