The cross stitch material is very stiff. Should I wash the material 1st B/4 I start or will that make a difference?

Lib.rare.ian

Don't wash it before you start. The body (stiffness) makes it easier to stitch on. You can wash it afterwards and the stiffness will be eliminated.

yimi

Much easier to stitch when stiff. Wash it after you are done.

Eva

It's easier to stitch when it's stiff.

Jan

its suppose to be stiff so you can stitch easy, it would be limp if you washed it and a nightmare to sew.

gracel313

I disagree with everyone here! Just my opinion, though. I do a lot of cross stitch and prefer softer fabric. It depends on the fabric; I have tried to stitch on very stiff fabric, that didn't even improve after I washed it. My LNS provided some that was much nicer. If you prefer to wash it, go right ahead. There aren't any "rules" for that. I hand wash mine to prevent wrinkling. Just be sure you press it before you begin to stitch.

roger

Much easier to stitch when stiff. Wash it after you are done.

Lolly

No it needs to be that way to get an accurate stitch. It's never washed.