4 min read
How to care for embellished children's dresses
Most damage to an embellished dress happens after the party, not during it — in the machine, on a hanger or in a plastic cover.
The short answer
Hand wash separately in cold water without soaking, never wring, dry flat in shade, and steam on low from the reverse. Store folded with tissue rather than hanging, so the weight of the embellishment does not stretch the fabric.
Washing
- · Hand wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent.
- · Do not soak — prolonged water exposure loosens adhesive-free stitched detailing and can bleed colour.
- · Press water out between towels. Never wring or twist.
Drying
Dry flat in shade. Direct sun fades dyed tulle and yellows ivory over time, and a hanger under wet weight will stretch the shoulders permanently.
Pressing
Turn the dress inside out and steam on low from the reverse, holding the iron slightly away from the fabric. Never press directly onto embellishment, sequins or velvet — one pass flattens the pile or melts the finish.
Storing between occasions
- · Fold with acid-free tissue between the layers rather than hanging heavy pieces.
- · Keep in a breathable cotton bag, not plastic, which traps moisture.
- · Store away from direct light to protect ivory and pastel tones.
Dealing with a stain on the day
Blot, do not rub. Lift what you can with a dry cloth, then a barely damp one, and leave the rest until the dress can be washed properly. Rubbing a stain into embellished tulle turns a small mark into a permanent one.
Questions we are asked
- Can an embellished children's dress go in the washing machine?
- No. Machine agitation pulls stitched detailing and crushes tulle layers. Hand wash in cold water separately.
- How do I remove creases from a tulle skirt?
- Hang the dress in a steamy bathroom for twenty minutes, or steam on low from a distance. Tulle creases usually drop out on their own without any ironing.