Looking after embroidered clothes between wears

On the day

A few simple precautions protect the work while you wear it:

• Put perfume and hairspray on before you dress, and let them dry. Alcohol and oils can mark thread and fabric.
• Watch rings, bracelets and watch clasps around worked cuffs; a snag pulls a loop that is hard to hide.
• Choose a smooth bag, or carry it on the side without raised work. Rough straps wear embroidery quickly.
• Be careful with seatbelts across a worked neckline; tuck a fold of dupatta underneath.

After wearing

Not every wear needs a wash, and fewer washes keep embroidery fresh for longer. Hang the piece on a padded or broad hanger in an airy room overnight so it can breathe. Check the worked areas for marks while they are fresh.

For a small spot, dab gently from the back of the fabric with a clean, damp cloth rather than rubbing the front, which roughens thread. If the mark is oily or the piece is delicate, take it to a dry cleaner and point out the embroidery. Our stain removal guide covers plain cotton areas.

Pressing embroidery

Never iron directly on raised work: it flattens the stitches and can leave a shine. Instead, lay a thick towel on the ironing board, place the worked area face down on it, and press from the reverse with a pressing cloth. The towel cushions the embroidery so it keeps its shape. Steam held just above the fabric releases creases around the work without touching it.

Use a temperature suited to the fabric rather than the thread, and test on a seam allowance first. Our ironing and steaming guide has fabric-by-fabric settings.

Packing for travel

Travelling to Eid or a wedding with embroidered outfits needs a little planning. Turn worked pieces inside out, or fold them with the embroidery inwards, and lay tissue paper over the work so it does not rub against zips or other clothes. Roll plainer pieces and fold the embroidered ones on top, near the opening of the case.

On arrival, hang them in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes to ease creases, rather than ironing straight away. If you are staying somewhere without a proper iron, a travel steamer held a little away from the fabric is gentler on embroidery than a hotel iron of unknown temperature. Keep a small pouch with a needle, a few safety pins and a lint roller for quick fixes.

Between seasons

Before putting occasion pieces away, make sure they are clean, since stains darken in storage and attract moths. Store them flat or loosely folded in breathable cotton bags, with tissue in the folds, and away from damp walls. Our guide to storing dupattas and embroidered suits goes into folds, moths and damp in detail.

Built for the care you will give it

When we stitch an embroidered outfit, you can tell us how you plan to look after it, for example machine washing at home. That helps us suggest a level and placement that will last. Say so in your notes on the stitching quote form. Our custom embroidery service explains how the work is planned, and customers in Ireland can read about ordering on the Ireland fancy work page.