Fabric care & longevity

Natural fibres such as organic cotton, linen, and hemp are used throughout many of the textiles in this studio. These plant-based fibres have long been valued for their durability, comfort, and ability to improve with use.

With simple care, natural fabrics soften, develop character, and can last for many years.

Historically, household textiles were among the most valued possessions in a home. Linen sheets, tablecloths, and kitchen cloths were carefully maintained, aired in the sun, and mended when needed. They were expected to last for decades — sometimes even generations.

This tradition of care still applies today. A well-made textile improves with time. The small rituals of washing, drying, and storing are part of what makes a piece truly yours.

Living with printed cloth

Like all printed fabrics, the colour and design will soften gradually with washing and use.

Gentle care will help preserve the clarity and depth of the print for longer.

Tips to help maintain the print

  • Wash in cool or warm water, not hot.
  • If it’s not dirty, just hang it out to dry.
  • Use mild detergents and avoid bleach or whitening agents.
  • Wash inside out where possible (especially garments).
  • Avoid prolonged soaking.
  • Line-dry rather than tumble-dry on high heat.
  • Iron on the reverse side of the fabric where possible.

With time, printed textiles may soften slightly in colour. This is part of the cloth’s natural life and often gives the fabric a relaxed, lived-in character.

General Care for Natural Fibres

Natural fibres are resilient but prefer gentler treatment than synthetic fabrics.

  • Washing

    • Wash in cool or warm water using a mild detergent.
    • Avoid harsh chemicals, optical brighteners, and bleach.
    • Wash similar colours together.

  • Drying

    • Line drying is best and helps preserve the strength of natural fibres.
    • Sunlight naturally freshens fabrics and can help whiten linen and cotton.
    • If using a dryer, set it to low heat.

  • Ironing

    • Natural fibres respond well to steam ironing.
    • Linen, cotton and hemp are easiest to iron while slightly damp.

  • Storage

    • Store clean and dry textiles in a cool, well-ventilated space.
    • Natural fibres benefit from airflow rather than sealed plastic storage.

Linen

Linen is one of the strongest natural fibres available. It softens beautifully with repeated washing while retaining its durability.

Care tips

  • Wash in cool to warm water.
  • Linen becomes softer with each wash.
  • Avoid over-drying, which can make fibres brittle over time.
  • For a smooth finish, iron while slightly
    damp.
  • For a relaxed look, line dry and fold.
  • With regular use and care, linen textiles
    can last for decades.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is breathable, comfortable, and easy to care for. Because it is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, it is kinder to soil systems and the people who work with it. Cotton fibres respond well to regular washing and become softer with use.

Care tips

  • Wash in cool or warm water.
  • Avoid high-heat drying to preserve fibre
    strength.
  • Line drying will help maintain colour and
    structure.

Hemp

Hemp is an extremely durable plant fibre. It has been used for centuries in clothing, ropes, sails, and household cloths because of its exceptional strength. It has anti-mould properties, so it does not discolour over time like linen can. Hemp fibres soften gradually with washing while maintaining their structural integrity.

Care tips

  • Wash in cool or warm water.
  • Line drying is recommended
  • Hemp textiles become softer over time

Please note, for Limited Edition and One-of-a-kind items:

Some one-of-a-kind works in the studio may also incorporate reclaimed or mixed fabrics. In these cases, gentle washing and simple care will help preserve both the fibre and the printed design.

Simple Stain Care

Natural fibres respond well to gentle stain treatment. Acting quickly and avoiding harsh chemicals will help preserve the fabric.

  • Tea & Coffee

    Rinse with cold water as soon as possible. Wash normally with mild detergent. Sunlight can help lift remaining marks from cotton and linen.

  • Oil or Butter

    Blot excess oil with a cloth or paper towel. Apply a small amount of mild soap to the area, then gently rub it in before washing. Wash with warm water. (not hot)

  • Wine or Fruit

    Rinse with cold water and wash as soon as possible. Avoid heat until the stain has lifted, as heat can set natural dyes and stains.

  • Milo, Chocolate & Tomato Sauce

    Wet stain, rub stain remover soap over the damp stain and wash as soon as you can in cold or warm water. (not hot)

General Advice

Avoid bleach or aggressive stain removers. Natural fibres are strong but respond best to gentle treatment. We recommend our natural stain remover soap for spot marks as this targets the stain rather than bleaching the natural colour of the fabric.

Repair & Continued Use

For most of history, textiles were repaired rather than replaced. A small tear or worn edge was simply part of the life of a well-used cloth.

Simple mending, such as a small stitch, patch, or reinforcement, can extend a textile’s life for many years. These repairs often become part of the piece's character.

A kitchen cloth, table linen, or garment that has softened through years of washing and use carries its own quiet history. Caring for textiles in this way is both practical and respectful of the materials and labour that go into making them.

and finally ...

Natural fibres reward regular use. Handmade items also require more care. This is living a more considered life surrounded by things we love and cherish. We hope you love your textiles as much as we enjoyed making them.

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