Colors Running. Embroidery Thread. Test All Colors?

[Teresa_T]

Hi Everyone.

I know this question has come up. I did a search but nothing jumped up so I'll ask here.

I never paid much attention to this subject as it never happened to me and then: Some dark green ran on an embroidery when I rinsed the transfer pen away. I was able to remove the thread and wash out, by hand, most of the green color staining the fabric.

I was making the kitty shopping pattern with the kitty holding the bag and the vegetable stocks are what ran. I will re-embroider them in another green. It's for a shopping tote so the little bit of green staining is not that big of a deal.

Anyway, do some of you test all your colors? I'm paranoid now and feel like I should. I took a strand of this green, wet it and rubbed it a bit on an old wash cloth and it sure did bleed color.

Thanks in advance!

[wvudarling]

Just out of curiousity, what brand of thread were you using?  I never tested DMC flosses, but now I'm wondering if I should be worried about DMC too.   

[Teresa_T]

Yes, it was DMC. I'm starting to think I should cut a small piece and test every color now.

[kittykill]

I had a problem one time with DMC bright blues. No matter what shade of bright blue, it would run. Sometimes with the reds but it hasn't been a big problem. Are you washing it in cold water?

[Teresa_T]

Yes I did wash (by hand) in cold water kittykill. When I tested the the green floss again it still ran. I used a little red in the project and no problem with that.

But I really think I'm going to cut a small piece of every color I buy now, wet it, and rub it on an old wash cloth or scrap fabric to test. Kind of a hassle but worth it vs. having a project ruined.

I'm glad I was at least able to repair this one.

I'll watch out for the blues too.

[kittykill]

Weird! I'm wondering if it's a bad batch like I had. Hmmm.....

[wvudarling]

This thread has me so nervous now.  I finished my first major project (a queen size quilt) and to add sentimental value it was the last thing my grandma quilted before passing away this year.  I should be finished binding this week and was going to wash it to remove the quilt marking lines, but I am so scared now!!

[Teresa_T]

This thread has me so nervous now.  I finished my first major project (a queen size quilt) and to add sentimental value it was the last thing my grandma quilted before passing away this year.  I should be finished binding this week and was going to wash it to remove the quilt marking lines, but I am so scared now!!

Oh I feel so bad for your worry. I'm wondering if you can dip each section into some water before you wash the whole quilt, just to test. This green I had ran really really easy. You didn't have to do any rubbing or anything.

That way, should you run into trouble you may be able to remove and replace the offending thread. I hope nothing happens to you quilt. I never had this happen before with vintage linens or new floss or anything. So this was a bit of a shock but a good lessen for me.

I certainly hope your treasure will be OK.  Let us know.

[mafiosagrrl]

How weird, I've used DMC, almost exclusively, for years now and never once had one bleed.  Must have been a quality control thing.  I'm so sorry to hear that your project was ruined!

[CraftyLittleLady]

Yes, I think you should test the colors first, I used DMC also and the same thing happened. Learned my lesson.