5 Free & Easy Ways to Care for Hand-Embroidered Gifts

Hand-embroidered gifts are more than just decorative items — they’re stitched stories, crafted with care, creativity, and hours of love. Whether you’ve received a custom patch, wall hoop, or wearable piece from Beautiful Designs by Mona, taking care of embroidery doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Here are 5 simple and completely free ways to keep your hand embroidery looking its best for years to come:

1. Hand Wash Gently in Cold Water

Skip the washing machine. Instead, fill a bowl with cold water, add a tiny drop of mild soap, and gently swish the piece. Avoid wringing — let it soak, then air dry flat. This keeps stitches intact and colors vibrant.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Display or store your embroidered gift away from windows and harsh sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can fade the threads over time, especially pastel or bright-colored designs.

3. Let It Breathe

If your embroidered piece is in storage, bring it out occasionally to air in a cool, dry space. This prevents musty odors and keeps the fabric fresh, especially important for felt or natural fibers.

4. Turn Inside Out Before Washing

For embroidered shirts, bags, or jackets, flip the item inside out before washing to prevent damage to the embroidery. This minimizes friction on the stitches and protects the embroidery’s texture.

5. Always Handle with Clean Hands

Before touching your embroidered gift, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Natural oils, lotions, or food particles can stain fabric and attract dust.

Caring for embroidery is easy when done with intention — and best of all, it doesn’t cost a thing. For more hand embroidery tips or to request your own custom piece, check out our store or follow us on Instagram @beautifuldesignsbymona.