Knitwear care instructions

Spring is here so it’s time to be aware of your knitwear care instructions!!

Here are some tips on how to wash your sweaters and keep them safe for next year.

You know, when you’re actually excited to wear them again.

Wash with care

Wash your hand knits properly.

Very few knit items should be dry cleaned and more knits than you think can be washed in the washing machine on the gentle cycle.

Yarns that are made specifically for children’s clothing usually are washing machine safe. However, you should always use the gentle cycle. Use a mesh laundry bag. This bag can keep your knits from becoming too agitated or catching on something else in the washer.

Superwash wools have been treated so they won’t felt, which means they’re safe for the washing machine.

If your yarn is 100% wool, or mohair, alpaca, or cashmere, it is better to avoid the washing machine, unless the label says to do so.

Some people like to dry clean everything and that’s fine, but not necessarily better because dry-cleaning chemicals can damage some knits.

 

Follow the care instructions on the label

A safe method is to wash your knits by hand.

Always turn knits inside out when washing and avoid excessive use of fabric softeners that can encourage fibers to pill. If you decide to hand wash your knits follow these steps:

Fill the sink with cool water and add some mild soap. A mild detergent that is appropriate for hand washing is the best. And if you really want to do it right, find one that’s made especially for your yarn.

Let it soak for 10 minutes.

Then gently squeeze out the water before rolling up the knit in a thick towel to blot as dry as possible.

Don’t change temperatures as you wash and rinse.

Place the garment on a towel and roll it up like sushi.

Do not put the washed knit items in the dryer

Your knits shouldn’t stay wet longer than they need to, so get as much water out of your knits as you can by wrapping them in dry towels.

After removing excess water, pat your knits gently into shape and allow them to dry completely.

Let them lay completely flat to dry away from sun and heat.

View the meaning of the care labels of the skeins on the support section.

Clean your knits

If you notice a stain on your knit it is better to clean that area as soon as possible because stains are more difficult to be removed later.

Try not to rub your knits because rubbing causes pilling.

Because of their delicate nature, hand-knits benefit from less washing, and ideally, they are cleaned only once or twice a season.

You can freshen your knits in between cleanings with a clothing refresh spray. Always clean them at the end of the season following the above instructions.

Storage tips

Do not hang your knits on hangers, not even the coats and cardigans.

Keep them gently folded flat in drawers or on a shelf instead and make sure they are absolutely clean and totally dry.

Vacuum Storage Bags are a great way to store clothing, but some clothing should not be kept in them. Items that are naturally fluffy like knitwear or have natural fibers like wool need to breathe so avoid storing them in vacuum bags. The fibers require air to stay in their natural shape.

Tuck pieces of cloves or sachets of lavender in with your knits — they’ll smell nice and will deter moths. So your beautiful handmade knits will last longer and look amazingly new!!

 

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