Washing and Caring for Hand-Knit Clothes and Blankets
Materials:
- Gentle detergent or wool wash
- Large sink or bucket, or washing machine
- White absorbent towels
- Drying rack (optional)
Washing Instructions
1. Identify the Type of Yarn
- Natural fibers (e.g., wool, cotton): Hand-wash only
- Synthetic fibers (e.g., acrylic, polyester): Machine-wash on gentle/delicate cycle
2. Select the Correct Detergent
- For wool: Use a detergent designed for wool, such as Woolite or Eucalan, which contains lanolin.
- For all other fibers: Use a gentle detergent.
3. Mix the Washing Solution
- Fill a sink or bucket with cold water.
- Add detergent and mix well.
- Submerge the hand-knit item in the solution.
4. Gently Agitate
- Agitate the item in the water, but avoid wringing or scrubbing.
- Soak for up to 30 minutes.
5. Rinse Out the Suds
- Rinse the item thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear.
6. Prep for Drying
- Gently squeeze out excess water.
- Lay the item flat on a dry absorbent towel.
- Roll up the garment in the towel, pressing firmly.
7. Reshape the Item
- Place the item on a dry towel and reshape it into its original form.
- Pat it into shape, and avoid tugging or pulling.
- If it’s a sweater, gently push the ribbing together at the neckline, wrists, and waist.
8. Allow to Air-Dry
- Air-dry the item for 24 hours. If not completely dry, flip it over onto another dry towel and dry for another 24 hours.
- Use a drying rack to support large blankets or throws.
Treating Stains
- Apply a small amount of gentle detergent directly to the stain.
- Work in the detergent with your fingers and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Use a clean white cloth dipped in water to rinse the area until no suds or stain remains.
Care and Repair
- Small holes or tears: Repair with a graft stitch or duplicate stitch.
- Snags: Pull the thread from the right side of the fabric to the wrong side using a needle and thread of the same color.
Storage
- Store hand-knit items folded flat to keep them free from dust.
- Avoid hanging them, as it can cause them to lose their shape.
- Use natural moth repellant during off-season storage to prevent damage.
Washing Frequency
- Hand-knit items are delicate and should be washed sparingly.
- Ideally, clean them only once or twice per season.
Tips
- Use a gauge swatch to determine how the item will react to being hand-washed and air-dried.
- Avoid washing with hot water, which can damage the fibers.
- Wear a cotton shirt underneath your hand-knits to protect the yarn from body oils and odors.
- Freshen your knits in between cleanings with a clothing refresher spray.
FAQs
Can I shrink a hand-knit garment that has stretched?
- Wool or mohair garments can be shrunk by washing in warm or hot water or drying for a few minutes in a clothes dryer at high heat.
Can I wash synthetic hand-knits with other laundry?
- Yes, but use a mesh laundry bag and delicate items.
Is it better to dry-clean hand-knit items?
- No, dry cleaning can strip natural oils from the fibers, making them lose luster.