Removing embroidery stencil ink
by Donna M
+2
I cut up an old linen tablecloth into guest towel size pieces. The cloth was stenciled with an embroidery pattern. I do not do hand embroidery so thought using it for something else was a great idea. It is not new, many years old but in perfect condition. But now I cannot seem to get the ink off the fabric. I have tried just washing it with laundry soap, soaking it in vinegar and water, and even tried bleach and water bath. It has not been put in the dryer. I am out of ideas.
5 answers
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I thought embroidery ink was permanent, that it was not designed to wash out. One simply embroiders over the design. So I don't think there's any way to remove it.
![Douglas Hunt]()
Douglas Hunt
on Dec 21, 2012
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I'm tagging @Anna M of http://askannamoseley.com/ I'm sure she will have some suggestions.
![Miriam Illions]()
Miriam Illions
on Dec 22, 2012
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Thank you Miriam.
![Donna M]()
Donna M
on Dec 22, 2012
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Turn of the century (1900) or later embroidery designs were permanent. There are no treatments to remove, unless you bleach strongly several times, and that will effect the linen badly, so don't do it. Re-using an antique may require further research when fabrics, embroidery, weaving, and crochet or knitting are involved. You have the internet as a resource, use it wisely. :)
![Naturally Clean]()
Naturally Clean
on Dec 23, 2012
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I know this isn't the ideal answer - as you want the ink gone - but if it's absolutely impossible to remove, Donna, instead of fighting it, can you perhaps, "embrace" (can't think of a better word!) the existing inking and add a further design yourself on top of it so it includes the old ink but is a pattern more to your liking. Just a thought, that's all!
![Elaine]()
Elaine
on Mar 17, 2016
Douglas Hunt
on Dec 21, 2012
Miriam Illions
on Dec 22, 2012
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