Start with the care label
Every garment has its own care label, and those instructions always come first. They tell you the right way to wash and dry that particular fabric. The tips below are about looking after the hand embroidery on top.
If you cannot find the label, or you are not sure what it means, get in touch and we will help.
Do you need to wash it?
Embroidered pieces stay at their best when they are washed only when they need it. Between wears, airing a hoodie or T-shirt is often enough. For a small mark, dab it gently with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing the stitches.
Before you wash
- Turn the garment inside out, so the embroidery is protected.
- Check for loose threads. Please do not pull them. Get in touch and we will tell you what to do.
- Wash with similar colours, especially the first few times, until you know how the piece behaves.
- A mesh laundry bag gives the embroidery extra protection in the machine.
Washing
Choose the gentlest option your care label allows. Depending on the label, that might be a delicate cycle or washing by hand.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Avoid bleach and strong stain removers on or near the embroidery.
- Do not overload the machine, so the garment can move freely.
- If you wash by hand, move the garment gently through the water rather than rubbing or twisting the embroidered area.
- Rinse well, and do not leave the piece soaking for a long time.
Drying
- Do not wring or twist. Gently press the water out, or roll the garment in a clean towel.
- While it is still damp, smooth the embroidery flat and ease the garment back into shape.
- We suggest drying pieces with hand embroidery naturally, laid flat or over a rail, away from direct heat.
- Avoid leaving it in strong, direct sunlight for long periods, which can fade fabric and thread over time.
Ironing
If your garment needs ironing, check the care label for the right setting first. Turn it inside out, lay a clean cloth over the embroidered area and press gently, rather than sliding the iron back and forth across the stitches. Avoid ironing directly on the front of the tatreez.
Storing
- Fold heavier pieces such as hoodies, rather than leaving them on a hanger for long periods.
- Keep them somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight.
- Keep embroidery away from zips, hook-and-loop fastenings and rough fabrics that could catch the threads.
A note on handmade
Because tatreez is stitched by hand, you may notice small differences in the size or tension of the stitches, or a neatly finished thread end on the inside. That is part of handmade work. If you want to know more about how tatreez is stitched, read What is Palestinian tatreez?
If anything does not look right, we would always rather hear from you. Each product page has the details for that piece, and you can contact us with any questions.
Looking for something new to wear? Browse our hoodies and T-shirts.
