Preserving the cross: your ultimate guide to washing and caring for embroidered Templar apparel

Pre-wash preparations: the first step to preservation

Before a single drop of water touches your sacred Templar garments, a period of careful preparation is essential. Rushing this stage is the quickest way to cause irreparable damage to the fabric and, most importantly, the intricate embroidery that makes your apparel so significant. Think of this not as a chore, but as the first rite in the ritual of preservation, an act of respect for the symbols you bear.

Your first and most crucial task is to consult the care label. Modern manufacturers are required to provide this, and it is your single most reliable source of information. It will tell you the fabric composition—be it cotton, linen, wool, or a blend—and offer specific washing and drying instructions. However, we understand that many pieces, especially custom-made or historically inspired replicas, may not come with a label. If that’s the case, this guide will serve as your trusted manual. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and treat the garment as if it were made of the most delicate materials, like wool or silk.

Next, you must sort your laundry with vigilance. Your white Templar tunic, emblazoned with its bold red cross, should never be washed with your everyday colored clothing. The risk of dye transfer is incredibly high and can leave your brilliant white surcoat looking mottled and stained. We recommend washing your Templar apparel entirely on its own. This isolates it from potential damage caused by zippers, buttons, or harsh fabrics from other clothes, and it prevents any chance of color bleeding.

Before submerging the entire garment, inspect it for any specific stains. Whether it’s a small smudge of dirt from a reenactment or a minor spill, addressing it with a targeted spot treatment is far more effective and gentler than an aggressive wash. To do this:

• Choose a gentle, pH-neutral stain remover or a small amount of your mild liquid detergent.
• Apply a tiny amount directly to the stain using a clean, white cloth or a cotton swab.
• Gently dab at the stain; never rub or scrub vigorously, as this can weaken the fabric fibers and distort the weave.
• Always test the spot treatment on a hidden area first, such as an inside seam, to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.

Finally, the most critical step to protect the embroidery itself is to turn the garment inside out. The embroidered cross is the heart of your apparel, but its raised threads are vulnerable. During washing, they can snag on other parts of the garment or suffer from the abrasive friction of the washing process. By turning it inside out, you place a protective layer of plain fabric between the delicate stitching and the outside world, drastically reducing the risk of pulled threads, fraying, and fading. This simple action is arguably the most important thing you can do to prolong the life of the embroidery.

The sacred ritual: hand washing vs. machine washing

Now we arrive at the core of the cleaning process. The choice between hand washing and machine washing is a significant one. While the machine offers convenience, we must state unequivocally that hand washing is the superior and highly recommended method for any cherished piece of embroidered Templar apparel. It offers a level of control and gentleness that no machine, no matter how advanced, can replicate. It is a more involved process, but it is an investment in the longevity of your garment.

The recommended method: washing by hand

Treat this process with patience and care. It is the surest way to honor the craftsmanship of your apparel.

1. Prepare Your Basin: Find a large, clean sink or tub that allows the garment to be fully submerged without being cramped. Clean it thoroughly to remove any residue from harsh chemical cleaners. Fill it with cool to lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can cause natural fibers like cotton and wool to shrink and can accelerate color fading.
2. Add a Mild Detergent: Choose your detergent wisely. Opt for a liquid detergent that is pH-neutral and formulated for delicates or hand washing. Avoid powdered detergents, which may not dissolve fully and can leave a residue. Steer clear of any products containing bleach or harsh whitening agents. Use the detergent sparingly—too much soap is difficult to rinse out and can leave the fabric stiff.
3. Submerge and Soak: After turning your garment inside out, gently place it in the water and press down until it is fully saturated. Allow it to soak for about 30 minutes. This gives the detergent time to work on loosening dirt without the need for harsh scrubbing.
4. Gentle Agitation: After soaking, gently swish the garment through the water with your hands. You can softly squeeze sections of the fabric, but never, ever twist, wring, or scrub the material. Pay special attention to soiled areas like the collar and cuffs, giving them a little extra gentle squeezing action.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Press the garment against the side of the basin to work the soap out. Repeat this process two or three times, until no more suds are visible and the water runs clear.

The cautious alternative: washing by machine

We understand that circumstances may sometimes necessitate using a washing machine. If you absolutely must, you must do so with extreme caution and follow these steps without exception to minimize the risk of damage.

1. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: This is non-negotiable. Place your inside-out garment into a large mesh laundry bag. This provides a crucial protective barrier, dramatically reducing the chances of the embroidery snagging on the inside of the washing machine drum.
2. Select the Right Cycle: Choose the most delicate cycle your machine offers. This is often labeled as ‘Delicate’, ‘Hand Wash’, or ‘Wool’. These cycles use low agitation and a gentle tumbling motion.
3. Cold Water Only: Unlike hand washing where lukewarm is acceptable, for a machine, you must select the cold water setting. The increased agitation of a machine, even on a delicate cycle, combined with any heat, is a recipe for shrinking and damage.
4. Choose the Lowest Spin Speed: The spin cycle is one of the most stressful parts of a machine wash for clothing. The high-speed rotation can stretch fabric and put immense strain on embroidery threads. Select the lowest possible spin speed to gently remove excess water without distorting the garment’s shape.

Drying and storing your Templar garments for posterity

You have successfully navigated the washing process, but your duty to preserve your apparel is not yet complete. The drying and storage phases are just as critical. Improper techniques here can undo all your careful work in an instant. The single most important rule to remember is this: the machine dryer is your enemy. The intense, direct heat of a tumble dryer is devastating to embroidered garments. It will shrink natural fibers, potentially melt synthetic embroidery threads, cause the embroidery to pucker, and can set in any faint, remaining stains permanently.

The art of air-drying

The only safe method for drying your Templar apparel is to let it air-dry naturally. After washing, do not wring out the garment. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water. Then, lay it flat on a thick, clean, white towel. Roll the towel up with the garment inside, pressing gently to absorb more moisture. Once this is done, unroll it and follow these steps:

• Lay It Flat: The best way to dry a heavy tunic or mantle is to lay it flat on a mesh drying rack or on top of a fresh, dry towel, away from high-traffic areas. Hanging a wet, heavy garment can cause the weight of the water to stretch the fabric, especially at the shoulders, permanently distorting its shape.
• Reshape While Damp: Take a moment to gently reshape the garment. Smooth out the body, straighten the sleeves, and ensure the embroidered areas are flat and not creased. This will significantly reduce the need for ironing later.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Find a spot with good air circulation but out of direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays are a powerful bleaching agent that can fade the rich red of your Templar cross and yellow the brilliant white of your tunic over time.

Ironing with care

If your garment has wrinkles after drying, you may need to iron it. This, too, must be done with precision. Never place a hot iron directly onto the embroidery.

1. Iron While Slightly Damp: It is much easier to remove wrinkles when the fabric is still ever so slightly damp.
2. Use a Low Heat Setting: Start with the lowest heat setting on your iron appropriate for the fabric (e.g., a ‘cotton’ or ‘linen’ setting).
3. Turn It Inside Out: Just as with washing, you must iron the garment inside out.
4. Use a Pressing Cloth: Place a clean, dry piece of cotton fabric (like a pillowcase or tea towel) between the iron and your Templar garment. This pressing cloth distributes the heat evenly and provides another layer of protection for both the fabric and the delicate embroidery on the other side.

Long-term storage and preservation

Once your apparel is clean and dry, storing it properly ensures it remains in pristine condition for years to come. Shoving it into a crowded closet is not an option.

• Ensure It’s Completely Dry: Before storing, be 100% certain the garment is bone dry. Even a hint of moisture can lead to mildew and musty odors.
• Choose the Right Hanger: For tunics and mantles, use a wide, padded, or wooden hanger. A thin wire hanger will create pointed indentations in the shoulders over time.
• Use a Breathable Garment Bag: Protect the garment from dust and light by storing it in a breathable cotton or canvas garment bag. Avoid plastic dry-cleaning bags, as they trap moisture and can cause yellowing over time.
• Find a Cool, Dark, Dry Place: A closet away from exterior walls and heat sources is ideal. This stable environment protects against the fading and fabric degradation caused by light and humidity fluctuations.

Caring for your embroidered Templar apparel is more than just laundry; it’s a testament to your respect for its history, symbolism, and craftsmanship. By following these steps, you ensure that the cross on your chest remains a bold and inspiring symbol for every occasion, a legacy preserved in every stitch.