Monogrammed Linens Care Guide: Washing, Ironing and Keeping Embroidery Crisp

Why care matters more for embroidered linen

Linen gets better with use — softer, more relaxed, more beautiful. Embroidery thread, on the other hand, is happiest when it isn't pulled, scorched or tangled. Caring for monogrammed linens is really about protecting the stitching while letting the fabric do what it does best.

Washing

Wash monogrammed linens and aprons cold on a gentle cycle. Cold water protects thread color and limits shrinkage; a gentle cycle keeps the stitching from catching.

• Turn pieces inside out, or wash napkins in a mesh laundry bag
• Wash with similar colors, especially the first few times
• Use a mild detergent and skip chlorine bleach on colored thread
• Treat food and wine stains promptly, before they set
• Don't overload the machine — linen needs room to move

Drying

Tumble dry low. High heat is the most common reason embroidery puckers, because the fabric and the thread shrink at different rates. Pull linens out while they're still slightly damp — they'll iron far more easily, and they won't set into hard creases.

Ironing without flattening the monogram

Lay a thick towel on the ironing board and place the linen embroidery face-down on top of it. Iron from the back. The towel gives the stitches somewhere to sink into, so the monogram stays raised and dimensional instead of being pressed flat and shiny.

A light mist of water or a press cloth helps on heavier linen. Avoid ironing directly over the front of the embroidery.

Storing linens between uses

Store linens clean and fully dry, folded loosely or rolled. Try not to fold directly through the monogram, which can leave a permanent crease across the letters. A drawer or linen cupboard away from direct sun keeps thread colors true.

Bags, totes and pouches

Coated canvas totes and pouches aren't machine-washable. Spot-clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let them air-dry. The same goes for most bags with structured bases or linings.

If you're unsure about a specific piece, send us a note — and when you're ready to add to the collection, our monogrammed linens are stitched to order in Dallas.