Position confidently
Machine-baste pieces where pins, clips or hand tacking would be slower or less precise.
Madeira 9660 · Wash Away Basting Thread
Temporary stitches that disappear when the work is done
Madeira Wash Away is a 200m water-soluble basting thread made from 100% polyvinyl alcohol. Use it to hold, position or fit pieces with the control of machine stitching, then remove the temporary seam with water instead of spending time unpicking it.
- No tedious unpicking: temporary stitches dissolve when exposed to water.
- Precise placement: hold zips, hems, pockets, sleeves, quilting layers and appliqué securely while you work.
- Domestic-machine compatible: use on household sewing and embroidery machines with reduced speed and tension.
200mapproximately 220 yards
100% PVApolyvinyl alcohol
Water-solubletemporary stitching thread
NM 75–80recommended needle range
This is temporary basting thread. It is not permanent construction thread, wash-away stabiliser or Madeira thread colour 9660 Royal Blue. Use article 9660 only where the stitches are meant to be removed.
Machine-basted accuracy without the clean-up
Wash Away behaves as a temporary sewing aid: it keeps layers or components aligned while you complete permanent stitching, fitting or embroidery. Once its job is done, moisture dissolves the thread completely and releases the temporary seam.
Finish the real seam
Add permanent stitching, embroidery or quilting while the temporary stitches keep everything where it belongs.
Add water to remove
Use water—or permitted moist heat—to dissolve the basting thread, following the fabric's care limits.
For the temporary seams that make the final result neater
Set-in sleeves and fitting
Temporarily set sleeves or test garment fit, then dissolve the basting after permanent construction is complete.
Zips, pockets and hems
Hold edges and components in a controlled position before topstitching or finishing the permanent seam.
Pleats and gathers
Secure placement while arranging or stitching shaped details, without leaving basting thread to pull out afterwards.
Quilting and appliqué placement
Temporarily anchor layers or motifs before adding the decorative or structural stitching that remains in the project.
Test, baste, finish, dissolve
Because the thread needs moisture for removal, always begin by checking that the project fabric, dyes, interfacing and trims can safely be exposed to the chosen removal method.
Check the project
Test a scrap and confirm the fabric care instructions allow water or the moist-heat method you plan to use.
Set up gently
Fit a fresh NM 75–80 universal sewing needle and reduce machine speed and thread tension.
Baste temporarily
Stitch the placement or test seam, then complete the permanent sewing while the work is held securely.
Dissolve and dry
Remove the temporary stitches with water. Rinse as needed and allow the project to dry according to its care instructions.
What to do—and what to avoid
Good practice
- Use it only for temporary holding and positioning.
- Test removal on a fabric scrap before sewing the project.
- Run the machine more slowly and reduce thread tension.
- Keep the spool sealed, dry and away from humidity between uses.
Do not use it this way
- Do not use it for permanent, load-bearing or structural seams.
- Do not rely on dry-cleaning fluid to remove it—it does not dissolve there.
- Do not choose it when the project cannot safely be exposed to water or moisture.
- Do not handle the thread with wet hands or store it in a damp workspace.
Wash Away thread, regular basting thread or stabiliser?
| Product | Main purpose | How it is removed | Best choice when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madeira Wash Away thread | Temporary machine stitching and placement | Dissolves with water | You want a stitched hold without pulling out the basting later. |
| Ordinary basting thread | Temporary hand or machine stitching | Cut and pull out manually | The project cannot be wet, or you want a conventional removable seam. |
| Wash-away stabiliser | Supports fabric or embroidery stitches over an area | Dissolves with water | You need a stabilising sheet, film or topping—not a sewing thread. |
Removal and storage essentials
Removing the stitches
Water dissolves the thread completely. Steam or a moist press can also introduce the moisture that removes it, but only use heat and moisture permitted by the project's care instructions. Test first, especially with delicate fabrics, dyes and trims.
Protecting the spool
Keep the thread dry in a sealed container such as a zip-lock bag. Handle it with dry hands and protect it from humidity, splashes and damp storage. Madeira specifically notes that the thread does not dissolve in dry-cleaning solution.
Madeira Wash Away specifications
| Brand | Madeira |
|---|---|
| Product | Wash Away water-soluble basting thread |
| Article / SKU | 9660 |
| Pack contents | One 200m Snapspool (approximately 220 yards) |
| Material | 100% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) |
| Colour | One neutral basting colour |
| Machine compatibility | Suitable for household sewing and embroidery machines; reduce speed and thread tension |
| Recommended needle | Universal sewing needle NM 75–80; Madeira Universal Needle article 9455 |
| Removal | Dissolves completely on contact with water; does not dissolve in dry-cleaning fluid |
| Storage | Store dry in a sealed container or zip-lock bag and handle with dry hands |
| GTIN / EAN | 4003760980656 |
Madeira Wash Away thread FAQs
What is Madeira Wash Away thread?
It is a 100% PVA, water-soluble thread made for temporary basting and positioning. The 200m spool is Madeira article 9660.
Can I use it for permanent seams?
No. Any stitching that must remain in the finished project should use an appropriate permanent sewing or embroidery thread. Wash Away is designed to disappear.
Does it dissolve with water or steam?
Water dissolves the thread. Steam or a moist press can supply the moisture that removes it, provided the project materials and care instructions allow that treatment. Test a scrap first.
Will dry cleaning remove the thread?
No. Madeira states that Wash Away does not dissolve in dry-cleaning solution. If the temporary stitches must disappear, the project needs a water-compatible removal method.
Which machines can use it?
It is suitable for domestic sewing and embroidery machines. Madeira recommends reducing both machine speed and thread tension while stitching.
Which needle should I use?
Madeira recommends a universal sewing needle in size NM 75–80. Its corresponding Madeira needle reference is article 9455.
What projects is it useful for?
Typical applications include zips, hems, gathers, pleats, set-in sleeves, pocket positioning, fitting, quilting and appliqué placement.
How should I store the spool?
Keep it dry and sealed, ideally in a zip-lock bag or other moisture-resistant container. Handle it only with dry hands so the soluble thread does not begin to soften before use.
Baste precisely, complete the permanent stitching, then let water do the unpicking
Madeira Wash Away gives sewing, quilting and appliqué projects a secure temporary hold without leaving conventional basting thread to remove. Keep it dry until needed, sew gently, and use it only on projects that can safely accept the moisture required for removal.