Hand-embroidered clothes are exquisite creations that require special care to maintain their beauty and longevity. In this article, MadebyGaia will delve into the detailed steps of caring for your hand-embroidered garments to ensure they remain vibrant and well-preserved.
How to take care of hand-embroidered clothes?
Taking care of hand-embroidered clothes involves a combination of gentle washing, proper drying, and careful storage. Follow these general guidelines to extend the life of your cherished pieces:
- Separate from other clothes: Wash hand-embroidered clothes separately to prevent friction and potential damage from zippers or buttons on other garments.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Use mild detergents to preserve the colors and delicate threads. Harsh chemicals can lead to fading and weaken the fabric.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Keep hand-embroidered clothes in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture, which can lead to mold or mildew.

How to wash hand-embroidered clothes by hand
Hand-embroidered garments are always recommended for hand washing to ensure maximum protection for delicate embroidery patterns and stitches. Handwashing not only helps maintain vibrant colors but also enhances the longevity of the product, ensuring that every embroidered detail is well-preserved. Follow these steps:
- Prepare a basin:
Prepare a basin by filling it with lukewarm water, then add a small quantity of mild detergent to create a gentle, soapy solution. Swirl the water to ensure the detergent is evenly distributed and forms a suitable cleaning mixture for hand-embroidered clothes.
- Soak the garment:
Fully immerse the hand-embroidered clothes in the soapy water, gently agitating them to ensure even saturation. Allow the garments to soak for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing the soapy solution to effectively loosen any accumulated dirt or impurities.
- Gentle rubbing:
Delicately use your fingers to gently rub the embroidered areas, focusing on any stained or dirty spots. Exercise caution and refrain from applying excessive pressure to avoid potential damage to the delicate embroidery.

Use your fingers delicately to gently rub the embroidered areas.
- Rinse thoroughly:
Drain the basin of the soapy water and replenish it with clean water. Rinse the garments thoroughly until all detergent is removed.
- Remove excess water:
Gently press the water out of the hand-embroidered clothes, avoiding any wringing or twisting. Lay the garment on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to absorb any excess water.
Ensure gentle care when washing hand-embroidered garments to preserve these intricate patterns. Explore more from our hand-embroidered clothing collection if you have a passion for meticulous designs.
How to wash hand embroidery by machine
While hand washing is preferable, some hand-embroidered clothes may be machine-washable. Follow these steps:
- Use a mesh bag:
To safeguard your hand-embroidered clothes during the wash cycle, consider using a mesh laundry bag. This protective measure helps prevent any snagging or potential damage to delicate stitches.

Use mesh laundry bag to protect hand embroidered clothes.
- Choose a gentle cycle:
Opt for a gentle approach by selecting a gentle or delicate cycle. Choose cold water to prevent color fading and deterioration. It's advisable to avoid bleach or harsh detergents, as they may adversely affect the hand-embroidered details.

Choose a gentle wash cycle when machine washing.
- Air dry:
After the wash cycle, remove the garments promptly and lay them flat to air dry. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can damage delicate threads.
How to iron hand-embroidered clothes
Hand ironing is the optimal choice for preserving the intricate details of hand-embroidered clothes. This method offers controlled heat, ensuring the longevity of delicate threads, avoiding embellishment damage, and providing gentle pressure to maintain the fabric's integrity. These are essential ways to enhance the longevity of your hand-embroidered products:
- Low heat setting:
Adjust your iron to a low heat setting, as high heat has the potential to distort delicate threads and cause damage to the fabric. Using a lower heat setting ensures a gentle approach, preserving the integrity of both the embroidery and the fabric.
- Use a pressing cloth:
Before ironing, lay a clean cotton pressing cloth over the embroidered sections. This protective barrier helps shield the delicate threads from direct contact with the iron, preventing any potential damage during the pressing process.
- Iron on the reverse side:
Opt for ironing the reverse side of hand-embroidered clothes whenever possible. This precautionary measure minimizes direct contact between the iron and the delicate embroidered surface, reducing the risk of any unintended damage during the ironing process.
- Avoid steam:
Avoid using steam during the ironing process, as it has the potential to dampen the fabric, which may adversely affect the delicate embroidery. Opting for a dry ironing method ensures the preservation of both the fabric and the intricately stitched designs.
By following these meticulous steps, you can ensure that your hand-embroidered clothes remain in pristine condition, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for years to come. If you also love hand-embroidered products, you can explore more of our designs here: https://madebygaia.vn/collections/hand-embroidered-clothing
FAQ
Does hand embroidery shrink in the wash?
The extent to which hand embroidery might shrink in the wash depends on several factors:
- Fabric type: Different fabrics shrink differently. Natural fibers like cotton and linen may shrink more than synthetic fabrics.
- Embroidery technique: The density and tightness of the embroidery stitches can influence how the fabric reacts to washing. Dense embroidery may cause the fabric to contract more.
- Pre-shrinking: If the fabric used for embroidery wasn't pre-shrunk before the embroidery process, there could be more shrinkage.
- Washing conditions: The temperature of the water, the use of a dryer, and the washing method (hand wash vs. machine wash) all contribute to the potential for shrinkage.
- To minimize shrinkage, it's advisable to follow care instructions specific to the fabric used and consider hand washing with cold water or using a gentle cycle in the machine. Additionally, avoiding high heat in the dryer can help preserve the fabric and embroidery.
Should you wash hand embroidered clothes inside out?
Yes, washing hand-embroidered clothes inside out is a recommended practice. Turning the garment inside out before washing helps protect the delicate embroidery from friction and abrasion during the washing cycle. This precaution can prevent the embroidered threads from getting caught on other items or surfaces in the washing machine.
Additionally, washing clothes inside out can help preserve the vibrancy of the fabric's colors, especially if the outer fabric is prone to fading. It's a simple yet effective measure to maintain the quality and appearance of hand-embroidered garments.