Tips: Caring for Your Piece

On this page you’ll find tips on how to care for your purchase so it lasts for years to come. Thank you for your support.
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Embroidery & Fiber Work

Humidity

It is recommended to keep the embroidery work in a low humidity environment between 40-50% air humidity. It is recommended to keep the work away from any water sources, even if used for cleaning purposes.

Temperature

It is recommended to keep the embroidery work in a stable environment between the temperatures of 62°-72° F (16.67°-22.2° C).

Light

It is imperative that the artwork be kept away from direct sunlight. Additionally, it is highly recommended that the artwork be kept from heaters, humidifiers, ventilation systems, heating or cooling ducts and vents, working fireplaces, water pipes.

Cleaning Exposed Embroidery

The embroidery work must never be wiped clean with either a wet or dry cloth. If dust needs to be removed from the work, buyers can very gently roll an acid-free lint roller over the work. It is recommended to do this in more of the “blank” sections as apposed to the stitched sections. When done gently this removes excess dust from the work. Dry cleaning is not recommended for any of the embroidery pieces.

Plexiglass

Works that have been framed under plexiglass typically do not require any aftercare. To clean the plexiglass itself, do not use any glass cleaner such as Windex or water. If plexiglass gets dusty simply use a clean, soft cloth to gently wipe clean. To remove finger smudges, simply use the same soft cloth a bit more focused on the smudged area but never scrub as the plexiglass will cloud from friction.

Framing Suggestions

If you have purchased unframed work, it is generally suggested to have the work framed under plexiglass, if you would like to minimize aftercare of the embroidery itself. If you prefer framing the work with no glass or plexiglass, a shadowbox type frame with a float is suggested — so that none of the frame actually touches the fiber. Most embroidery work has been stretched on medium to heavy-duty stretchers, and can be easily floated using screws from the back. It is the artist’s preference to keep the frames as simple as possible, and typically white.

Hanging in Your House

It is highly recommended that all works be installed into a wall stud using screws, not nails. If a wall stud is not available, then using a gold three-pronged 100 lbs (45.4 kg) hook [example] is recommended. Some larger works may have a ‘cleat’ built into the frame itself. This is the most ideal situation for larger works as it’s generally the most secure, when screwed into a wall stud.

Storage and/or Handling

If work needs to be stored, anything touching the piece should be acid-free. Fiber will wrinkle, crease or ‘dent’ if items are pressed up against the fiber. Never stack works on top of one another, or leaned up against a wall. Such dents or creases may be permanent. Most fiber works will show finger oil. It is imperative that handlers wear acid-free gloves when touching the artwork.

Artist Signature

Two-dimensional embroidery work made between the years 2007-2021 typically have a small letter ‘A’ hand embroidered in a bottom corner. Most pieces are also signed and dated by the artist on the stretcher, in the back, with permanent marker.