Weird question...can you safely add a scent to cross stitch?

[aussie_stitcher]

So it sounds very strange, but at the moment I'm stitching a small Eucalyptus leaves pattern to send to my grandma on a card for her birthday. Anyone who has ever smelt Eucalyptus leaves knows they have a distinct lovely smell. I'm wondering if I can somehow include the scent without damaging the stitching...thinking either get Eucalyptus oil and dab some on the back of it, or maybe using a backing cloth and putting some crushed up leaves in between like pot pourri. Anyone ever tried anything similar?

[calico]

Sounds lovely! I would probably steer clear of putting any scented oils near the stitching but depending on how big the pattern is, you could always turn it into a sachet such as this
http://www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/cros ... hgFtbxxEfo" target="_blank
or something similar

[wendywombat]

I'm not sure if these are still available but DMC did do some scented threads.

I used the 'honeysuckle' one which was included in a kit once. The scent was noticeable whilst I stitched...how long it lasted I'm not sure as I sent the card.

I've made pincushions and stuffed them with lavender from my garden, which worked well too.

[annamarie23]

I like the idea of adding a scent to cross stitch. I'd be really interested to know if it's possible as it's a lovely idea as I really like the smell of Eucalyptus and Lavender.

[Serinde]

I don't see there's a problem. If the threads are cotton or silk, natural fibres, they should deal with scents. Perhaps be careful about the carrier of the scent -- oils can stain, but the problem may be more with the fabric than the threads (unless not colour-fast, of course)

(Can you tell I'm thinking while typing?)

[Mystonique]

I have washed stitched work with eucalyptus watered down. I can't say for sure that it did not leave a slight yellow caste on the fabric because the fabric was already old and stained (hence the eucalyptus bath). But it came out looking and smelling fabulous - didn't damage the stitching or the fabric.

I have washed various clothing articles with eucalyptus and never had a problem but I'd probably test patch a tiny inconspicous bit of the aida to see if it left a slight yellow mark first.

[Amanda G]

Issue 193 of "The World of Cross Stitching" had a feature about making stitching into scented sachets. They suggested using wadding and adding " a few drops of essential oil of your choice for a sweet scented effect" to the wadding.

[aussie_stitcher]

Update:

So I stitched the gumleaves over the weekend, and today I bought a paintbrush and some eucalyptus oil. This one was clear, I don't know if they all are. So when I finished the stitching, I folded the edges behind the stitching (like folding a letter into 3) and sewed it shut at the top and the bottom. I then used the paintbrush to coat the oil on the back layer of aida and so far so good. Oil stayed clear, cloth looked damp while wet and has dried white as it was before. By painting the back layer I don't think there will be any damage to the stitching or colours. I'll put a photo up later when I'm at home. So far I think it's a success, it smells lovely!

Thanks for all your advice!!