How to Care for Hand Embroidered Clothes: Gota Patti, Zardozi and Aari
Simple ways to care for your gota-patti, zardozi and aari work pieces looking new for years.
Hand embroidery is made to last, but it is delicate and needs a little extra care. These precautions will keep your Surahi pieces looking the way they did on the first day.
Cleaning
- Dry clean embroidered pieces, and tell the cleaner it is hand embroidery.
- For a small mark, dab gently with a damp cloth from the back. Do not rub the embroidery.
- Never soak or machine wash gota or zardozi work.
Ironing
- Iron on low heat, on the reverse side.
- Place a soft cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- Never press directly on the metallic work or sequins.
Storing
- Fold, do not hang heavy pieces for long periods as they may loose shape.
- Keep each piece wrapped in a cotton cloth or muslin bags that come along with the piece, not plastic.
- Place tissue paper between folds so the embroidery does not spoil with friction.
- Refold along different lines every few months to avoid creases setting in and fading of the colour.
- Keep away from moisture, direct sunlight, perfume and other chemical cosmetics.
When you wear it
Spray perfume before you dress, not on the fabric, and take care with jewellery and bag straps that can catch on the work.
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