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I am new to cross stitching. I Would like to ask if it is necessary to soak the floss before starting my project. I did not soak my first project but my second one that I am about to start states to soak the dark colors before starting. Is DMC a better quality floss that does not need soaking? -- Jennifer from Fort Worth
Replies:
- I Have never soaked any floss prior to starting a project whether a kit or a chart item. I only use DMC floss and it has never caused a problem and when I am done I never wash a finished project. I just make sure my hands are clean every time I work on it and use no hand lotion or have any food or drink around that may cause a spill. -- laura from lancaster, pa -- Sep 27
- I do EXACTLY as laura from Lancaster! Have NEVER soaked DMC and do everything just as she does! -- Emily from MN -- Sep 28
- Does your second project have specialized threads such as Sampler or Crescent (also known as Classic Colorworks) floss? If so, some of these floss colors bleed and need to be soaked to remove the extra dye before stitching.. If all your floss is DMC, I agree with Laura and Emily that no soaking of DMC is necessary. Why would your second project s directions instruct you to soak the dark colors unless the manufacturer knows the dark colors will bleed? A quick test is to take about 2 inches of one of the dark colors and put just the end into clear tepid/cool water and wait an hour and see if the water is discolored from the floss bleeding. -- Kate from Ohio -- Oct 02
- I've used GA Sampler Threads and Crescent for years and never soaked them. I never washed anything on which I stitched with these threads. -- Emily from -- Oct 03
- I've been cross stitching for many years and have never had to soak DMC floss. I make sure I wash the finished piece in cold water and rinse thoroughly. I always wash my hands before I start to stitch and make sure I either loosen or remove the hoop when I'm finished stitching. -- Francine from Wheeling, WV -- Oct 03
- I've never soaked floss prior to starting a project, nor washed a finished project. I wash my hands prior to stitching, and store my project and materials carefully. I've used Anchor floss on some projects, but I use DMC more consistently. DMC is affordable and available at all crafts stores (including WalMart!). The colors are beautiful and I think the quality of the floss provides a vibrant finished product. -- Cindy from Murphy, TX -- Oct 09
- I've never soaked floss before stitching, and, unlike the other commenters, I always hand-wash my pieces when I'm finished. I've never had a problem with colors running. I usually use DMC floss, but occasionally I'll do a Dimensions kit. -- Betsy from NC from Fayetteville, NC -- Apr 05
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