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Fiber Arts

The Ultimate Guide to Washing and Caring for Hand-Knit Clothes and Blankets

by Kim
written by Kim

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.
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Fiber Crafts

The Ultimate Guide to Washing, Drying, and Caring for Crochet Items

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

How to Care for Crochet Creations: A Comprehensive Guide

Washing Crochet Items

Hand Washing:

  • Fill a bathtub or large sink with cold water and add a mild detergent.
  • Submerge the crochet item and gently swish and squeeze it for 10 minutes. Avoid wringing or scrubbing.
  • Drain the soapy water and rinse with cold water until clear.
  • To remove excess water, use a sheet as a sling to lift the blanket from the tub. Roll it up in towels and press firmly to absorb moisture.

Machine Washing:

  • Place the crochet item in a mesh laundry bag for protection.
  • Use a front load washer or impeller top load washer on a delicate cycle with cold water.
  • Avoid machines with a central agitator.
  • Always air dry crochet items to prevent stretching.

Drying Crochet Items

  • Spread plastic on the floor or bed to protect the surface and top it with dry towels.
  • Smooth the crochet item on the towels and replace them with dry ones every several hours.
  • Turn the item periodically to ensure even drying.
  • Avoid hanging crochet clothing, as the weight can stretch it out.

Caring for Different Types of Crochet Fibers

  • Regular Wool: Hand wash in cold water using a wool-specific detergent. Eucalan and lanolin-containing detergents help preserve wool fibers and increase water resistance.
  • Superwash Wool: Hand or machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water.
  • Cotton, Linen, Ramie: Machine wash on a gentle cycle using cold or warm water.
  • Acrylic and Synthetic Yarns: Hand or machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water. Use low-heat dryer settings if necessary.

Treating Stains on Crochet Items

  • Remove most stains by dabbing with heavy-duty detergent and letting it sit for 15 minutes before washing.
  • For rust or difficult stains, consult a stain removal guide.

Repairing Crochet Items

  • Hand-stitch small holes with matching yarn or thread.
  • For significant breaks, it may be necessary to replace the damaged portion or unravel and re-crochet the item.

Storing Crochet Items

  • Store in a cool, dark closet in breathable cotton bags or storage bins.
  • Avoid basements and attics due to fluctuating humidity and temperatures.
  • Use acid-free archival paper for smaller crochet objects.

Tips for Caring for Crochet Items

  • Brighten white cotton and yellowed acrylic yarns by soaking them in oxygen bleach solution.
  • Starch crochet doilies to stiffen them after washing.
  • To determine if an item is made from natural or synthetic fibers, burn a strand from a hidden area and observe the smell and appearance.
  • Wash crochet items before gifting them to ensure colorfastness.
  • Avoid machine-drying acrylic fibers at high temperatures to prevent damage.
  • If machine washing delicate items, stop the machine before the spin cycle to prevent creasing.
  • Test a strand from a hidden area to determine the fiber content and appropriate care methods.
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