How to care about your Tenugui

Tenugui is dyed using a traditional craft technique known as "Chusen." While color fading may occur initially due to the dyeing process, each wash makes the fabric softer and enhances its unique Chusen-dyed texture, providing a distinct charm.

Caring for your tenugui is simple, and following these guidelines will help ensure its longevity and maintain its vibrant appearance:

First Wash:

Before using your tenugui for the first time, give it an initial wash to remove any excess dye. Hand-wash it in cold water with mild detergent, and then rinse thoroughly. Chusen-dyed tenugui use a significant amount of dye for creating the patterns. Initially, excess dye may wash out with the first few washes, but it gradually stabilizes after 2-3 washes. Over time, the color may continue to fade, but this process contributes to a rich and desirable texture.

Regular Washing:

Hand-wash your tenugui in cold or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Avoid using bleach or strong alkaline detergents, as they can damage the fabric and cause color fading.

Drying:

After washing, gently straighten out any wrinkles and hang the tenugui to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight as prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade.Avoid Hot Water: Do not use hot water when washing your tenugui, as it can cause color bleeding and fading.

Fraying:

When using your tenugui, washing it, and noticing frayed threads, you can easily address this issue. Simply follow these steps, and the fraying will naturally stop over time.

The fraying in tenugui typically occurs in the horizontal threads of the fabric, not the vertical ones that form the fringe. Instead of cutting the fringe, which is made from the vertical threads, focus on trimming the fraying horizontal threads to tidy them up. In cases of extensive fraying, it's a good idea to cut the frayed horizontal threads to match the length of the fringe. When the fringe reaches a certain length (approximately 5 millimeters), the fraying will cease. Avoid cutting the fringe itself, as doing so may lead to further horizontal thread fraying. Keep the vertical threads intact to prevent this from happening.

> Why are the edges of Tenugui left unsewn?

Store with Care:

Please refrain from leaving tenugui damp or wet for extended periods. When storing, keep your tenugui away from direct sunlight and damp environments to prevent color fading and mold growth. Storing it flat or rolled is recommended.

By following these care instructions, you can enjoy your tenugui for an extended period while preserving its original charm and quality.