Laundry day can be a bit nerve-wracking when it involves your favorite embroidered clothing. That stunning logo on your custom embroidered jacket or the delicate design on your embroidered t-shirts ? You want them to last and look their best.

Proper care lets you keep your embroidered shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets looking fresh and vibrant wash after wash. But washing these pieces without damaging them can seem tricky. Don’t worry — it's easier than you think.

What is Embroidery?

Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread. It involves stitching patterns, logos, or designs onto clothing, giving it a unique and high-quality look.

When you visit a custom embroidery shop, you’re not just buying a printed design. You’re investing in detailed needlework that involves multiple stitches, intricate patterns, and often a mix of colors. This method adds texture and dimension to fabric, making embroidered shirts, jackets, and other apparel stand out.

Why is Embroidery So Delicate?

Embroidery involves a combination of stitching density, fabric type, and backing material that makes each piece unique. This complexity makes embroidery very delicate.

Unlike printed designs that sit on the surface, embroidery is woven into the fabric. High-quality embroidered clothing, like custom embroidered sweatshirts , involves stitching prone to snagging, curling, or color bleeding if not washed correctly. The type of thread used, such as rayon or polyester, also affects how the embroidery reacts to washing and drying.

How to Wash Embroidered Clothes

Knowing how to wash embroidered clothing will help streamline the process and make it less stressful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you care for your embroidered items without causing damage.

Check the Care Label

Before tossing into the washer, check the care label. Most clothing has specific washing instructions based on the fabric and stitching used. The label will tell you if the item can be machine washed or if it requires hand washing. It may also give temperature recommendations.

Following these guidelines is the easiest way to protect your embroidered clothing from damage. Ignoring them can lead to color bleeding, shrinkage, or frayed embroidery.

Understand Fabric and Thread Type

Different fabrics and threads need different care. For example, cotton embroidered shirts are generally durable and can handle a gentle machine wash. However, items like custom embroidered jackets made of wool or items made from silk might need extra care.

Rayon thread, often used in hand embroidered clothing for its shine, can be delicate and may shrink if washed in hot water. Polyester threads are more durable and resistant to color fading. Knowing the fabric and thread type helps you decide the best washing method. It’s always safer to treat these materials gently, even if they seem tough.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Strong detergents can cause embroidery to fade or fray. Opt for a mild liquid detergent. These are less abrasive and leave minimal residue on the fabric.

Avoid bleach and fabric brighteners, especially for embroidered items with vivid colors. These harsh chemicals can weaken the threads and cause color bleeding. If you're dealing with a stain that needs extra attention, choose a detergent labeled safe for delicate fabrics.

Spot Cleaning for Minor Stains

Have you noticed a small stain on your embroidered t-shirt? Don't rush to scrub it. Aggressive scrubbing can damage the delicate threads. Instead, use a gentle spot-cleaning method.

Dampen a soft cloth with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Gently dab at the stain. If it's a tough stain like oil or ink, let the cloth sit on the stain for a few minutes to loosen it. Avoid rubbing, as this can stretch the fabric and ruin the embroidery.

Delicate Wash Cycle with Cold Water

Machine washing embroidered clothing can be safe if done correctly. Always use a delicate wash cycle and cold water. Cold water prevents the fabric from shrinking and helps maintain the embroidery's color.

Turn the garment inside out to protect the embroidery from direct friction with other items in the wash. Avoid washing embroidered items with clothes that have metal zippers, buttons, or hooks, as these can snag the stitching. It's also a good idea to wash embroidered clothes separately, especially during the first wash, to avoid color transfer.

Dry Embroidered Clothes

Air drying is the best option for hand embroidered clothing. After washing, lay your items flat on a clean towel. Avoid hanging them, as the weight of the water can stretch the fabric and distort the embroidery.

You can gently press a towel on top to absorb excess water. Steer clear of the dryer, especially on high heat, as it can cause the embroidery to pucker or shrink. If you must use a dryer, opt for the lowest heat setting and remove the item while it's still slightly damp.

Iron and Store Embroidered Clothes

Ironing can bring your embroidered clothing back to a crisp look, but you need to be careful. Always iron embroidered items inside out. Place a cloth or a clean towel between the iron and the fabric to avoid direct contact.

Set your iron to a low heat setting with no steam. High heat can melt synthetic threads and adhesives used in embroidery. When storing embroidered clothing, avoid folding it in a way that puts pressure on the embroidery. Store it flat or on padded hangers to keep the design intact.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When You Wash Embroidered Clothing

Caring for embroidered clothes may seem straightforward, but a few common missteps can easily lead to damage. Here are some mistakes to avoid to keep your embroidered apparel looking its best:

1. Using Hot Water: Hot water can cause embroidery threads to shrink, distort, or fade. Always use cold or lukewarm water to preserve both the fabric and the embroidery.
2. Over-Scrubbing Stains: Gently dab or blot stains with a mild detergent and water. For stubborn stains, spot-cleaning solutions can help without damaging the intricate stitching.
3. Leaving Garments Soaking for Too Long: Prolonged soaking can weaken the threads and cause them to lose their shape. A quick soak followed by gentle rinsing is usually sufficient.
4. Machine Washing with Heavy Items: Tossing embroidered clothes into the wash with heavy items like jeans, towels, or clothes with zippers can result in snagging and pulling.
5. Wringing Out Water: Wringing embroidered clothes to remove excess water can distort the embroidery, causing it to lose its original shape. Instead, press the garment gently between clean towels to absorb moisture.

How to Protect Embroidery on Clothes

Taking steps to protect embroidery will help it last longer. Avoid wearing embroidered items when performing tasks that could snag the threads.

Consider placing the garment in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection when washing. If your custom embroidered jacket has a design with beads or sequins, it's best to hand wash it to avoid damage.

Avoid exposing embroidery to direct sunlight for long periods. Sunlight can fade the colors and weaken the threads over time.

When packing for travel, turn the garment inside out and place a layer of tissue paper over the embroidery to prevent snagging and rubbing.

Keep Your Embroidery Looking Sharp

Your embroidered clothing deserves the best care to keep it looking its best. These simple tips can extend the life of your embroidered shirts, jackets, and sweatshirts. The next time you need a stunning piece of embroidered apparel, remember that the proper care can make it last.

When you’re ready to add some new custom embroidery pieces to your wardrobe, visit Stitch America, your go-to custom embroidery shop, for quality embroidered clothes that stand out. Shop now and make your wardrobe truly unique.