Cross-Stitching

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Sullivan Floss
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 10:45 PM
Posted by uppacrick
1. To those of you who have used Sullivan floss, is it really as color-fast as they say it is? I use DMC and Madeira and have
ruined 2 finished projects because the color bled when I rinsed it. And if not, can you recommend a brand that is?

2. No matter how hard I try to avoid it, I always seem to have dingy fabric by the end of a project. Any advice?

3. Is there anyway to keep floss from bleeding when you rinse a piece, or to fix it after it has?

Thanks.

  • Reply from Elizabeth
    Saturday, October 30, 2010 5:31 PM
    I am not familiar with Sullivan Floss and I can say I have not had a problem using DMC with it running when washing. It is suggested that colors like red, that you put the whole skein in a dish of warm water and then let it dry.

    As far as keeping the fabric clean, are you using a hoop and do you take it out when you are finished stitching and store the piece in a clean towel? Washing hands first is important. I use the Q-Snap frames and haven't had a problem, except when I accidentally put the copy of the pattern in my bag facing the cross stitch piece. The black did rub off on the fabric, fortunately it was a darker piece of fabric.

    Don't know if any way to fix it after it has bleed, I think I remember something about rinsing in salt water, but don't know that for sure.

    Good luck and hope this helps. Elizabeth Go to top

  • Reply from Sherri
    Thursday, November 4, 2010 9:26 PM
    I haven't ever used Sullivan's, and have never had a problem with DMC. If you see a piece starting to bleed, KEEP RINSING!!! Keep the piece in water for 24-48 hours and keep changing the water until it runs clear- the color should come out. Don't let it dry until you're sure the bleeding has stopped- as it dries, the color will "grab" onto the fabric and will be impossible to remove. As for keeping your piece clean- just keep your hands clean. :) Wash before and during your stitching- every half hour or so since you've been noticing dirt even while trying to keep your piece clean. Make sure your piece is stored in a clean project bag etc, too- dirt can come from anything your work touches!! Always take your hoop or Q snap off after every stitching session- that's the #1 culprit of dirty needlework.... Happy stitching!! Go to top
  • Reply from sharon
    Tuesday, November 9, 2010 3:34 PM
    I have always used DMC floss and just like you always get my pieces dirty. I have never had one ruined by washing and I have made dozens. I use cold water and dishwashing detergent and a tooth brush. Then I go from it being wet to the ironing board. I put a white towel on the ironing board and the work from the back of the stitch because it is wet until it is mostly dry and then I turn it over to iron the front. I am very careful to not get burns nor pull at the stitches. I have even done it this way for my thomas Kinkaid's with tons of french knots and no run.
    Hope this helps
    Go to top