Should You Wash Cross Stitch Fabric Before Stitching?

For many cross stitchers, washing fabric before stitching may seem like an unnecessary step in the crafting process. After all, why would you need to clean something that’s new?

I’m guilty of this as well. Many times I will just cut the size fabric I need and proceed with stitching.

But washing your fabric before you start stitching can actually be more beneficial than you realize. 

There are many advantages to pre-washing your fabric, but here are my top five.

Wash cross stitch fabric before stitching to remove starch and other impurities, soften the fabric, relax the fibers, preshrink the fabric, and remove excess dyes.

1. Removes Manufacturing Impurities

Washing your fabric will help remove any dirt, dust, or oils that have accumulated on the fabric from the manufacturing process. 

These substances, if left on the fabric, can cause discoloration and fading to your finished project over time.

If you plan on dyeing your fabric, washing your fabric is important to remove these impurities and allow the fabric to soak up the dye better. The dye may not take evenly if your fabric has any residue on it.

2. Softens the Fabric

Have you ever wondered why some fabrics are so stiff?

Washing your fabric will also remove any sizing and starch that have been applied during manufacturing.

This will allow for the fabric to have a softer, more natural drape. Washing the fabric before you start stitching softens it and makes it easier and more pleasant to work with.

3. Preshrinks the Fabric

Washing your fabric will also help your stitching look more even by preshrinking the fabric. The fabric will shrink slightly due to the warm water, heat from ironing, and the sizing removal.

Keep this in mind for future projects.

Maybe a 28 count doesn’t give you enough coverage, but stitching beads on a 32 count is too cluttered.

Prewashing a 28 count piece of fabric will shrink slightly, giving you an optimal size of 30 count more or less.

4. Relaxes the Fibers

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stitched a project only to be stuck with those stubborn creases left in the fibers. Those folds are almost impossible to get out!

Prewashing your fabric will help save you from heartbreak later. It’s a lot easier to wash and iron your fabric flat while there are no stitches.

Having relaxed fibers will also help the fabric absorb dye.

5. Removes Excess Dyes

Many fabrics have excess dyes in them that can be released during and after the stitching process and cause your work to look discolored or muddled. Washing the fabric beforehand helps to remove these excess dyes and ensure that your project looks its best.

The last thing you want is your project to be ruined because the materials were not colorfast.

If some dye does come out, rinse the fabric in warm water until the water runs clear. Then switch to rinsing with cold water.

You can also try Rit’s ColorStay Dye Fixative. It traps in the dye so that very little will run out.

Read my tutorial to learn more about dyeing fabrics.

Final Thoughts

Washing your cross stitch fabric before you start stitching is an important step that should not be overlooked. It helps to ensure that your project looks its best and that your stitching comes out even and professional-looking. 

So the next time you’re kitting up to start a new cross stitch project, make sure to take the time to wash the fabric before you begin.

Your future self will thank you.

Done stitching? Check out my article on washing cross stitch.

Looking for a detergent that’s safe for your fabric? Read about why I like Dawn dish soap.

Happy Stitching!