Embroidery Embroidery Finishing and Care

Question 1

What is 'blocking' in embroidery finishing?

Accepted Answer

Dampening and reshaping embroidery to correct distortion before framing

Answer

Preventing stitch errors by masking off areas of the design

Answer

Applying fabric stiffener to make embroidery rigid

Answer

Separating thread strands to the correct count

Question 2

What is the best method for washing a finished embroidered piece made with cotton thread on cotton fabric?

Accepted Answer

Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap

Answer

Machine wash in hot water with regular detergent

Answer

Dry clean only

Answer

Spot clean with bleach solution

Question 3

How should completed embroidery be stored long-term to prevent damage?

Accepted Answer

Rolled around a acid-free tube and wrapped in acid-free tissue paper

Answer

Folded tightly in a plastic bag

Answer

Hung in direct sunlight to air out

Answer

Stored flat in a cedar chest

Question 4

What is the purpose of using a pressing cloth when ironing embroidery?

Accepted Answer

It protects stitches from direct iron heat that could flatten or melt them

Answer

It helps transfer designs onto the fabric

Answer

It absorbs excess moisture from the fabric

Answer

It prevents the iron from slipping on the fabric

Question 5

How should embroidery be ironed to avoid flattening the stitches?

Accepted Answer

Place face-down on a thick towel and press from the back with a damp cloth

Answer

Iron directly on the front at high heat

Answer

Iron on the front using a dry iron at maximum heat

Answer

Do not iron embroidery under any circumstances

Question 6

What causes embroidery thread to fade over time, and how can it be prevented?

Accepted Answer

Ultraviolet light causes fading; frame under UV-protective glass and avoid direct sunlight

Answer

Moisture causes fading; store in dry conditions only

Answer

Heat causes fading; store in cool locations only

Answer

Washing causes all fading; never wash embroidery