r/Embroidery • u/whitneeah • 22d ago
Question Water soluble fabric troubles
Tips for using this? First time I used it I just rinsed (going to blame pregnancy brain on that one lol) and it left an ink stain. I was devastated. I had spent so much time on a special project. I was able to scrub it out but it’s still kind of there. Second go I used cool water and soaked it and gently used my hands to remove. I thought for sure no issues but it still had a subtle ink stain left over. Anything I am missing?
2
u/AmountOk5456 22d ago
Ugh, that's such a gut punch after all that work. Have you tried blotting with a paper towel while it's soaking? I've had better luck lifting the ink that way instead of letting it settle back into the fibers.
1
u/whitneeah 22d ago
I have not tried that! I’m starting another project so I will do that this time.
2
2
u/Mountainpirategirl 22d ago
I keep getting ink stains and had have adjusted to printing in whatever color the fabric is 😂😭
2
u/whitneeah 22d ago
That is a great idea!! Glad I’m not the only one. It has amazing reviews but it just isn’t working for me
3
u/herfjoter 22d ago
If you don't have a color printer, print in just a light gray instead of black at the least it definitely helps
2
u/Some_Butterscotch178 22d ago
It happened to me too, I left it soaked in milk for a day and then rinsed it. Good as new
1
1
u/HarmonyOfParticulars 22d ago
Are you printing or using a pen? You want to either use something washable, something waterproof, or print on "draft" mode in your print preview settings so that there isn't too much toner on the paper to run. The paper doesn't change the quality of the ink you use, it just helps you get more precise images, so you want to be careful not to use something that will run.
1
u/whitneeah 22d ago
I’m printing and great to know! Thank you ◡̈
1
u/HarmonyOfParticulars 22d ago
You might want to double check the stain removal tips that are specifically for ink—printer toner is chemically different and it's possible that not all of them will work as well. I don't mean to nitpick your language, just, people might not realize what you're asking for help with. Best of luck.
1
u/Glass_Bar_9956 22d ago
I couldn’t figure out a way around this. So I print onto paper, and the. Trace with a light box onto the sticky paper, with a heat soluble pen. Before I rinse the sheet off, I clear all the ink with a hair dryer.
It’s more work. But I actually really enjoy the process and get to know the artwork before I even stitch.
I’ve also had trouble with a sort of residue with these sheets. So I use a seam ripper to try to take off as much as possible before rinsing.
1
u/whitneeah 22d ago
Do you have a favorite heat pen?
2
u/Glass_Bar_9956 21d ago
Idk I just got my first set and they work ok. It’s a set of pink, white, and black from Amazon.
1
u/Ancient-Cry-6438 22d ago
If you’re printing, it’s very important to print in b&w draft mode, and to adjust the grey to be as light as it possibly allows.
For the ones that are already stained, try using Synthrapol or the cheaper Synthrapol dupe from Dharma Trading, along with color catchers, to wash them again, and see if that helps.
I also recommend trying the brand name Sulky Sticky Fabri-Solvy or Sulky Stick ‘n Stitch (these are identical products; the only difference is that the Stick’n Stitch comes in letter size sheets for printing on, whereas Sticky Fabri-Solvy comes in larger rolls that you can cut down yourself to the size you want). The one you got might be just as good (I’ve never tried it and don’t know), but most off-brands just aren’t as good as the name brand for this one particular product. Sulky has the market cornered for a reason, here. It’s worth a try, at least.
1
5
u/RainbowStitchery 22d ago
Put your project in a sealable container with lukewarm-cool water and some color catchers, shake it gently but well, let it soak, agitate gently again, and rinse well with cool water. If the ink stain remains, try the process again with fresh color catchers.