How to care about your Tenugui

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

Caring for your tenugui is simple. By following these guidelines, you can 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, then rinse thoroughly.
Chusen-dyed tenugui use a generous amount of dye to create intricate patterns. Initially, some excess dye may wash out during the first few washes, but the color will gradually stabilize after 2-3 washes. Over time, slight fading may occur, which contributes to the fabric’s 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 these can damage the fabric and cause excessive fading.
• Do not use hot water when washing your tenugui, as it can lead to color bleeding and fading.

Drying:

• After washing, gently straighten out any wrinkles and hang the tenugui to air dry.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it can cause the colors to fade over time.

Fraying:

With use and washing, you may notice frayed threads along the edges of your tenugui. This is natural and easy to manage. Follow these steps, and the fraying will gradually stop:

• Fraying typically occurs in the horizontal threads, not the vertical threads that form the fringe.
• Instead of cutting the fringe (vertical threads), trim the frayed horizontal threads to tidy up the edges. 
• If extensive fraying occurs, cut the horizontal threads to match the length of the fringe.
• Once the fringe reaches a certain length (approximately 5 millimeters), the fraying will naturally cease. 

Note: Avoid cutting the fringe itself, as this may cause further horizontal thread fraying. Keeping the vertical threads intact helps prevent this.

> Why are the edges of Tenugui left unsewn?

Store with Care:

• Avoid leaving your tenugui damp or wet for extended periods.
• When storing, keep it away from direct sunlight and damp environments to prevent fading or mold growth.
• Store it flat or rolled to maintain its shape and quality.

By following these care instructions, you can enjoy your tenugui for years to come while preserving its original charm and quality.