cashs_mom

I'm thinking of doing a hand embroidery project. Mostly I've used old embroidery floss that I've had around for a while. The projects weren't anything I washed so I didn't worry about bleeding. My question is: Do the newer embroidery flosses bleed? I've heard people say that they did redwork and the floss bled if it got wet? What's your experience been with bleeding floss. I'm planning to use red and blue and possibly black floss.

betthequilter

I had some red embroidery floss bleed. I would definitely test the floss before using if the piece you're making will be washed. Better safe than sorry.

juliasb

Yes, it bleeds. Orange , dark blues and red. I don't know about black. Your more pastel colors seem to be ok.

cashs_mom

Thanks so much for the responses. Can you soak it to prevent it from bleeding in the project? Maybe with color catcher sheets? I really have no idea and I'm just trying to figure it out.

Tartan

I use the little balls of DMC perle cotton thread for my embroidery now. No fussing with several strands as it is just 1 strand. I have not had any trouble with it bleeding. Most quilt shops that do Red Work carry it.

cashs_mom

Interesting. . . I have some perle cotton. I might try it and see how I like it.

P-BurgKay

I have soaked DMC is Retayne the same as I do fabric. This was red for red work.

lberna

I have soaked DMV in Retayne. Even though the label says colorfast, I don’t trust it. Before removing the paper label, I tie a piece of string around the strands. I then soak it and then swish it around in the diluted Retayne. I then rinse it well. I try to do this on a sunny day because I let it air dry outside.

cashs_mom

Thanks, P-Burg and Iberna. I have a lot of floss that I'd like to use up. I also have some retayne. I'll try that!

sewbizgirl

Oh no! I am almost finished embroidering 50 blocks for a state bird and flower quilt. I hadn't even considered bleeding! What would anyone suggest I do to keep this from happening. It's too late to pretreat the floss. All but 2 blocks are finished.