A hand-embroidered linen cover is meant to last. Linen is a strong natural fibre, and embroidery thread is stitched firmly into the weave. Still, like anything handmade and meant to be treasured, your keepsake will stay beautiful longer if you treat it kindly. These simple habits make a real difference.
The advice below is general guidance for linen-covered books. If you are unsure about anything specific to your piece, feel free to write to the maker before trying something.
Handle with clean, dry hands
Most marks on a fabric cover come from everyday handling: sunscreen, hand cream, food, pen ink and general oils from skin. Before you pick up your book, especially a recipe book that lives in the kitchen, make sure your hands are clean and dry. If you have been cooking, wipe your fingers first and keep the book away from splashes while you work.
When opening the book, hold it by the spine and cover rather than pulling it open by one corner. Lift it gently off the shelf instead of dragging it by the top edge.
Store it flat or upright, in a dry place
Linen likes a calm, dry environment. Store your keepsake somewhere with moderate temperature, away from damp walls, bathrooms and basements, where moisture can cause mustiness or spotting. A shelf or a drawer in a living room or bedroom is ideal.
Books can be stored upright if they fit snugly beside other books, so they do not lean. If a book is large or heavy, storing it flat is kinder to the spine. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top, which can press the embroidery flat or warp the cover over time.
Keep it out of direct sunlight
Strong sunlight can fade fabric and thread over time, and heat from a sunny windowsill can dry out materials. Display your book where it is bright but not directly in the sun, for example on a shelf away from the window, or rotate its position now and then. For a guest book on display at an outdoor event, set it in the shade and put it back indoors afterwards.
Protect it from moisture and spills
Water is the biggest enemy of paper pages. Keep drinks well away from your book, and take extra care at a wedding reception, a family dinner or while cooking. If the cover gets slightly damp, blot it gently with a clean, soft cloth and let it air dry fully while open, away from direct heat. Do not use a hairdryer or place it on a radiator.
Dealing with small marks
If you notice a small mark on the cover, act gently and early.
- Brush off loose dust or crumbs with a soft, dry brush or a clean cloth.
- For a light surface mark, dab with a barely damp white cloth. Dab rather than rub, because rubbing can spread a stain and rough up the linen fibres.
- Test any cleaning method on a hidden spot first, such as an inside edge.
- Avoid bleach, harsh stain removers and strong detergents, which can discolour fabric and thread.
Do not soak a bound book or put it in a washing machine. The pages, glue and binding are not designed for it. For stubborn or unusual stains, it is better to leave the book as it is and ask for advice than to risk a bigger problem.
Care for the embroidery itself
Embroidered threads are strong, but they can snag. Keep the cover away from rough surfaces, jewellery, velcro and anything that might catch a loose loop. If you notice a small thread lifting, do not pull it. Instead, contact us at contact@memostitch.com with a photo and we can suggest what to do. Never trim a thread flush without advice, since that can loosen the stitch next to it.
If the cover becomes slightly wrinkled from storage, it is best to let it rest in a flat, dry place. Avoid pressing the embroidered area with a hot iron, which can flatten the stitches and damage the book's materials.
Look after the pages
The inside of a book matters just as much as the cover. Use pens that dry quickly, and let ink dry before closing the book. If you add photos or mementos, use acid-free materials where possible, and avoid thick items that strain the binding. Do not force the book to lie flat if it is stiff, because the spine will relax naturally with gentle use.
Travelling with your keepsake
If you carry your book to an event, a family gathering or a trip, wrap it in a clean cotton cloth or place it in a padded bag. Keep it flat in your luggage rather than squeezed between hard objects, and do not leave it in a hot car. When you arrive, unwrap it and let it breathe before use.
Gifting and passing it on
If your keepsake is a gift, tell the recipient how to look after it, or tuck a small care note in the box. Linen and embroidery age gracefully, and a little softening of the fabric over time is part of its charm. With a bit of care, a guest book, photo album or recipe book can be handed from one generation to the next, carrying all the names, dates and flowers stitched into it.
And if you ever have a question about your Memostitch piece, we are always happy to hear from you at contact@memostitch.com.
