Old Kit Quilt -- Need Suggestions for Cleaning

[Diane J.]

A work friend asked me to finish hand quilting an old kit quilt that her mother had cross stitched. The blue kit markings remain on the quilt top and it has quite a few brown stains on it -- she isn't a quilter and I don't want to ruin this lovely memory of her mom.

Can anyone help me -- would Tide to Go take out the stains?
Should I wash it in Synthrapol? I'm also nervous that the red embroidery thread may run . . .
Don't know whether to have the cleaners attempt to get the stains and kit markings out or to give it a go myself -- I'm afraid to wash it . . .

Any help will be very much appreciated!
With thanks!
Diane

[Barbara C.]

I'm a cross stitcher and I can almost promise you that the red thread will run because of it's age. Today's thread is more color fast. Try putting Shout, on a q-tip and do a small area. Or put the piece in cold water with a Shout color catcher sheet and a tiny bit of vinegar and see what happens. You can grab it out if the water starts turning blood red.

Barbara

[Diane J.]

I'm a cross stitcher and I can almost promise you that the red thread will run because of it's age. Today's thread is more color fast. Try putting Shout, on a q-tip and do a small area. Or put the piece in cold water with a Shout color catcher sheet and a tiny bit of vinegar and see what happens. You can grab it out if the water starts turning blood red.

Barbara

I appreciate your responding and your fabulous suggestion!
Hopefully if it runs I can pull the stitches out and redo them with prewashed DMC that I have. I don't think there's a lot of red on it -- at least I hope not!!! Thanks, Barbara!

[Barbara C.]

You are welcome, Diane! I'm a little perplexed where I came up with red thread. LOL I think I meant since the DMC thread is old...... Synthrapol may do the trick as well as Shout. Using the q-tip gives you control. Please post about how things go with this piece. A picture of the finished quilt would be great. I'm curious to see a cross stitched quilt. Might be a good, how to, for me.

Barbara

[Anne B.]

What I do know from my cross-stitching days is that you should never dry-clean embroidery floss or use Woolite on it. They both make the colours run. Just a mild detergent in warm water is best.

As for stains, you might try Vintage Textile Soak. I've never tried it, but have heard good things about it.

Anne in Vancouver, Canada

[Hannelore N.]

I'm using Orvus (originally a shampoo for horses) when washing any type of needlework - whatever the age (after the cotton bud test). It's always been successful. Saying that, I'm always vigilant when something gets washed for the first time, in case colours run.

Some museums with large textile collections will also look at your piece and advice, if you make an appointment with them.

Lorchen

[Judy M.]

Possibly a quilt appraiser might have some suggestions, too. Judy in Torrance

[Diane J.]

Thanks to everyone for taking your time to reply!
I certainly don't want to ruin this quilt and especially since it isn't mine! The cherished memories of her mom's handwork as we all know can't be recreated.

I continue to welcome any and all help!

I'll let you know what I've tried and what happened and hopefully post a picture (if I can figure out my dang camera and my somewhat new computer! -- oh the old computer was much easier!)

The best to all of you!

Diane