Have you been to your local crafts shop and seen the words “acid-free” or “archival” on some products, especially paper and wondered what the fuss was about? Have you thought it didn’t apply to you as a stitcher?
Think again.
Because paper is made from wood and wood has lots of acid (ask anyone who has tried to grow stuff under a tree), paper is acidic unless treated.
Acid, even weak acids eats away at other organic matter.Although that paper might not be very acidic when first used, the acid will leach out and harm items around it.
That’s why folks who want their scrapbook pages preserved look for acid-free materials. They don’t have the acid to harm other material.
This quality is important for you as a stitcher too. Our materials are made from organic products and as such they are subject to harm from acid.
That’s why acid-free tissue paper is important. Read more about it in this post from Kreinik’s blog.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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