Querie answered

If a color bleeds on a garment, the best thing to do is to wash it separately or dry clean it the first time. Follow the instructions on the label. Before washing clothes, make sure the dark clothes are separated from the light colored ones. Wash them separately so that stains can be avoided on the light colored fabrics. You can put salt in water while washing. This will help in reducing the clothes from bleeding. The next alternative is to use vinegar to prevent the clothes from running color. Both these techniques can be easily done at home. When you buy new clothes, check for the instructions label on them before deciding on the technique you can use for washing. Do not put clothes in washing machine when the instruction says handwash. Use cold water where specified and warm water when it is necessary. Prevention is always better than cure. Hence make sure you take care of your clothes before they are subjected to washing.

What is Pico?

Shawls and Scarves need to be stitched with pico. Pico is a kind of stitch which is machine made. The thread follows a zig zag fashion and rolls up the fabric. There is a tendency for the scarve or the shawl to curl up at the edges. Hence if a size needs to be maintained constantly, it is not possible. Generally a three piece salwar set will have a shawl that needs to be picoed. At times, a stole worn over a western dress is also picoed to give a finished look to the edge. Pico can be done in various colors to match the fabric. The next alternative is to use a transparent thread that can match any color of the shawl. There is a technique known as flat pico wherein the part that stitches the edges of the shawl uses a flat plate known as the single horse. This gives a smoother finish and is very thin at the edge. Yet the wave cannot be dismissed because any fabric that is pulled across on the bias side will stretch slightly. Pico is different from tailoring clothes. It is a technique of embroidery.

How to get rid of stains on your clothes

There are various types of stains. Some are temporary stains that easily leave when washed in cold tap water. But there are some stains that become stubborn and it is difficult to remove them from the garment. First analyse what kind of stain it is. If the stain is that of tea or coffee, it can be washed off with soap and water. If there is a blood stain that has dried, then add some ammonia to the water used for washing. By chance if you sat down on a chewing gum, pour alcohol all around the stain. Repeat the same on the backside of the dress. Once the chewing gum hardens, you can peel it off the dress. Sometimes you will find an oil stain, for this you need to dip clothes in a solution of washing soda in hot water and clean with soap. Alternatively, you can also rub talcum powder or chalk into the stain. Place cloth between two layers of blotting paper. Press with warm iron.