Caring for Embroidered and Embellished Pieces

Caring for Embroidered and Embellished Pieces

Embroidery, beading, sequins, and lace all require slightly different care. Get it wrong once and you've got a piece that's permanently sad.

Reading the label is non-negotiable

"Dry clean only" on a beaded or sequined piece is usually serious. The adhesive that holds beadwork can melt at standard wash temperatures.

Embroidery

• Wash inside-out, in a mesh laundry bag, on cold delicate cycle.
• Iron from the back, with a thin pressing cloth. Direct heat flattens raised stitches permanently.
• Stain treatment: blot from the back with cool water. Don't soak the embroidery itself.

Sequins and beading

• Hand wash in cold water, neutral pH detergent, no agitation.
• Lay flat on a towel to dry. Hanging stretches the fabric under the weight of the beading.
• Never tumble dry. The heat softens adhesives and the agitation shatters sequins.

Lace

• Hand wash or mesh-bag delicate cycle. Never wring.
• Press out water by rolling in a towel.
• Reshape while damp and lay flat.
• Do not iron lace directly. Steam it instead, from a few inches away.

Storage

• Hang heavy beaded pieces on padded hangers (the weight stretches shoulder seams over time).
• Lighter pieces fold flat between sheets of acid-free tissue paper.
• Cedar or lavender sachets, never mothballs (they yellow fabric).

When to surrender

If a piece costs more than $200 or has sentimental value, take it to a specialist. Generic dry cleaners often handle embellished pieces poorly.