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

Blocking involves dampening the finished embroidery and pinning it into the correct shape on a foam board while it dries, correcting any distortion caused during stitching.

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

Hand washing in cool water with a mild soap or specialist needlework wash is the safest method for cleaning embroidery, minimizing risk of color bleeding or fiber damage.

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

Rolling embroidery around an acid-free tube and wrapping it in acid-free tissue prevents creasing, crushing stitches, and acid degradation of fibers over long-term storage.

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

A pressing cloth placed between the iron and embroidery prevents the direct heat from flattening raised stitches or scorching delicate threads.

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

Pressing embroidery face-down on a thick towel allows the stitches to sink into the towel pile, preventing flattening while allowing the fabric to be smoothed from the back.

Embroidery Practice Test

Embroidery Practice Test

Embroidery Embroidery Finishing and Care