How to Care for Your New Scarf
Silk Scarves
Silk is special, but easy to care for! The method of care depends on the type of scarf you have.
◘ Hand-textured shibori and "Fortuny" pleated scarves: The texture will naturally soften, but will remain as long as your scarf is protected from moisture. The scarf should be dry-cleaned. (Be sure to tell your clearner not to iron it!).
Store your textured scarf loosley over a rounded bar or hanger. If it should be folded and
develop horizontal creases, just throw it into a hot dryer and fluff for a few minutes. Take it out,
hang it up and the creases should fall out.
Please know that the texture of the silk scarf you purchase from me is guaranteed! If your scarf
ever needs retexturing, please contact me for complimentary retexturing.
◘ Silk/rayon devoré scarves with fringe should be dry cleaned to keep the fringe nice. (It is extremely difficult to smooth out fringe once it has become tangled in water!)
◘ Hanji scarves (made of several types of silk sewn together) should be dry cleaned only.
◘ My other scarves may be either dry cleaned or hand-washed using the following process:
• Wash your scarf in cool or lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap such as Ivory
Snow or a shampoo you use for your hair. Squeeze gently and avoid wringing or
twisting. Soak your scarf for no more than a minute or two.
• Rinse well, then add ¼ cup of white vinegar to a clean bowl of water and rinse again. This
will neutralize any soap residue and restore the silk's natural luster. A final rinse in clear
water will complete the process. (Like most natural fibers, silk doesn’t tolerate abrupt
changes in temperature, so stay with one water temperature throughout the wash.)
• Roll the scarf in a bath towel to remove excess water and iron on the wrong side while the
scarf is still slightly damp.
Cotton Scarves
Eventhough they are 100% cotton, my hand-woven cotton scarves are delicate and should be washed by hand, never by machine! Follow the instructions above for hand washing silks. (Hand washing cotton scarves with fringe does not present the problems encountered with silk/rayon fringe. The fringe should straighten out nicely with a few shakes when damp.) Iron your cotton scarf slightly damp or allow it to dry completely and then use a steam iron.
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Photo Credit:Alice Britt
©2008 Alice Britt. All rights reserved