Stitches

The fabric of an old cross stitch project has turned yellow with age. Any idea on getting rid of the color? ?

I got a poinsettia wreath cross stitched on white fabric. I want to be cautious not to ruin the fabric nor the cross stitched design. Please provide details on what materials I need to use and how. Thank you in advance.

Public Comments

1. Soak in warm water with Zero or Woolite. Add 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide to whiten the fabric. It won't hurt the stitching. I usually do this in the kitchen sink. When satisfied it is clean, go ahead and drain the sink and gently refill it with clean fresh warm water without soap. Do this until water is finally clear. Place item on a plush towel. Roll it up gently to squeeze some water out. Then lie flat on top of a clean dry towel to air dry. Get an iron later, on low, cover the fabric with a towel and gently iron til its flat. Never put the iron directly on your work of art.
2. Laundry treatment will help to get the yellow out. Gently hand wash your project with gentle laundry detergent and a few tablespoons of Borax, Arm and Hammer or white vinegar. Let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes, rinse, allow to dry and gently press with a low heat iron. For best results, use an ironing pad with your project face down on it and a press cloth between it and the iron. You can buy an ironing pad from a craft store or most fabric stores. It will help prevent your stitching from flattening when the warm iron is applied. I have used these laundry treatments on white cotton shirts that have turned yellow after a few wearings and washings and they have come up white quite nicely in the end.