Embroidered and crochet shaylas need gentler care than plain everyday shaylas. Handwork, raised threads, beads, crystals, and open crochet structure all react quickly to heat, friction, and poor storage.
In this guide, you will find clear steps for washing, drying, storing, and treating common stains so your piece keeps its shape and quality for as long as possible. Whether your shayla comes from the hand embroidery collection, the crochet collection, or the Rose Collection, proper care starts with understanding the fabric and the type of detailing.
Why do embroidered and crochet shaylas need special care?
Plain shaylas can usually handle routine washing and pressing without much trouble. Embroidered and crochet pieces are different because they include extra elements that need more attention:
- Embroidery threads: these can loosen, snag, or fray if they face strong friction or high heat.
- Beads and crystals: some embellished pieces use glued or stitched details, and harsh detergent or heat can weaken them.
- Crochet work: the loops are open and can stretch or lose shape if the piece is wrung out or caught on something.
- Colored threadwork: embroidery thread may bleed if it is washed with hot water or strong detergent.
The good news is that proper care does not take much time. But the difference between a shayla that lasts for years and one that is damaged after the first wash usually comes down to these small steps.
Washing by fabric type
As a general rule, wash embellished pieces by hand in cool or lukewarm water. Only use a machine if the piece and the detailing can truly handle a delicate cycle with a protective laundry bag.
Embroidered Duja Al Lail shaylas
Duja Al Lail pieces with embroidery need the gentlest handling.
- Hand wash only.
- Soak for no more than 5 minutes in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild liquid soap.
- Do not scrub. Move the shayla gently through the water with your hands.
- Rinse twice in clean cool water.
Embroidered cotton shaylas
Cotton is stronger than Duja Al Lail and can tolerate more, but the embroidery is still the weak point.
- A washing machine can be used only on a delicate or hand-wash cycle, and only inside a laundry bag.
- Keep the temperature under 30°C.
- Turn the shayla inside out so the embroidery faces inward.
- Skip fabric softener. It can leave a coating on the threads and change the texture over time.
Crochet shaylas
Crochet needs extra care because its structure is open.
- Hand wash only.
- Do not soak for long. 10 minutes is the maximum.
- Never hang it while wet. The water weight can stretch the loops.
- Lay it flat on a clean towel and shape it gently with your hands while it is still damp.
Rose Collection pieces
Pieces from the Rose Collection often include raised floral work. Treat them like embroidered shaylas, with one extra precaution: raised floral details can catch on other items in the wash. Wash them alone or in a fully closed laundry bag.
Drying the right way
Do not wring the shayla. Instead, press it gently inside a towel to remove excess water.
Then follow these rules:
- No tumble dryer: high heat can damage embroidery, crochet, and delicate fabrics.
- No direct sun: direct sunlight can fade color, especially on embroidery thread.
- Embroidered shaylas: you may hang them on a wide plastic hanger once most of the water is out.
- Crochet shaylas: always dry flat on a towel. Never hang them while wet.
How to remove stains from luxury shaylas
The golden rule is simple: treat the stain quickly and never rub aggressively.
Makeup and kohl stains
This is one of the most common issues.
- Apply a tiny drop of mild dish soap directly to the stain.
- Leave it for 2 minutes.
- Dab gently with a cotton pad and cool water.
- Repeat until the stain fades, then hand wash the full shayla.
Perfume and bakhoor residue
These stains are not always obvious at first, but oils can discolor fabric over time.
- Sprinkle cornstarch on the spot and leave it for about an hour so it absorbs the oil.
- Shake it off gently.
- Hand wash the piece afterward.
- Avoid spraying perfume directly onto the shayla. Spray it on your clothing before wearing the shayla instead.
Tea and coffee stains
- Rinse the stain immediately with cool water.
- Apply diluted white vinegar: 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup water.
- Leave for 15 minutes.
- Rinse and hand wash.
What not to do
- Do not use bleach.
- Do not scrub hard.
- Do not use hot water.
All three can damage embroidery, loosen embellishments, or fix the stain deeper into the fabric.
Storage
Avoid folding embellished shaylas tightly. If possible, roll them gently or hang them. Do not place heavy items on top of them.
Everyday storage
- Keep embellished shaylas separate from plain daily pieces.
- Do not overcrowd the drawer.
- If space is tight, roll each shayla loosely instead of folding it hard.
- Keep crochet pieces on top so heavier pieces do not flatten or distort them.
Long-term or seasonal storage
If you only wear the piece for special occasions:
- Wash and dry it fully before storing.
- Wrap each shayla in acid-free tissue paper.
- Store it in a fabric pouch or cardboard box, not sealed plastic.
- Add a small silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
- Keep the box in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Every 3 to 4 months, take the pieces out, shake them gently, and let them breathe for an hour.
Caring for embellished shaylas while travelling
Travel can be hard on delicate pieces, so pack them carefully.
- Put each shayla in its own soft cloth pouch.
- Roll it lightly instead of folding it hard.
- If it has beads or raised crystals, place a soft sheet of tissue between layered sections.
- Pack embellished pieces above heavier clothing, not underneath it.
- For very special or expensive pieces, carry them in your hand luggage.
A practical travel tip: use a plain shayla for daily wear and save your embellished piece for the event itself.
Ironing and steaming
Improper ironing is one of the easiest ways to damage embellished shaylas.
- Embroidered Duja Al Lail: do not iron directly. Use steam from a distance of 15 to 20 cm.
- Embroidered cotton: iron on medium heat from the reverse side, with a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- Crochet: never iron directly. Light steam is enough.
- Rose Collection pieces: raised floral details should only be steamed lightly from a distance.
If you do not own a steamer, hang the shayla in the bathroom while hot water runs. Light steam often removes gentle creases safely.
When should you use a specialist cleaner?
Most pieces can be cared for at home. But in some cases, it is better to use a specialist:
- stubborn stains that did not lift with gentle hand washing
- embroidery threads that have snagged badly
- opened crochet loops or structural damage
- very expensive or sentimental pieces
- a piece that has been stored for a long time and now has odor or discoloration
If you are unsure, contact Shailah on WhatsApp before attempting a risky fix.
Quick care summary
- Embroidered Duja Al Lail: hand wash, dry flat or carefully in shade, steam only.
- Embroidered cotton: delicate wash possible in a bag, air dry, iron from the back.
- Crochet: hand wash only, dry flat only, light steam only.
- Rose Collection: treat like delicate embroidery and protect raised floral details.
FAQ
Can I machine wash a crochet shayla?
No. Even a gentle cycle can stretch the loops and distort the structure. Hand washing with lukewarm water and mild detergent is the safer option. Browse the full crochet collection.
One embroidery thread is loose. What should I do?
Do not pull it and do not cut it. Use a small needle to guide it gently back into the fabric. If the snag is large, message Shailah on WhatsApp.
How can I protect an embellished shayla from bakhoor smell without damaging it?
Do not expose the shayla directly to smoke while wearing it. Instead, perfume yourself before wearing the piece, or store it in a wardrobe with a light scent source nearby rather than direct smoke.
How often should I wash an embroidered shayla?
It depends on how often you wear it. For frequent use, once every two weeks is usually enough. For occasional use, wash it after wearing and store it clean. Between washes, let it air out after each wear.
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Final thought
Embroidered and crochet shaylas reward calm, consistent care. With gentle washing, proper drying, and thoughtful storage, you can keep the shape, detail, and beauty of each piece for much longer. Explore the embroidery collection, the crochet collection, or the Rose Collection. If you need help with one specific piece, contact Shailah on WhatsApp.