How to Care for Your Handknits: Washing, Drying & Storage

A beautiful handknit deserves thoughtful care, but that does not mean it needs a complicated routine. Gentle handling, the right water temperature and patient drying will help your knits hold their shape and stay lovely for years.

The golden rule is simple: check the yarn care instructions first. Fibre content matters, and the safest method for wool or alpaca may be different from the right approach for cotton or a superwash yarn.

Wash gently and only when needed

Handknits rarely need washing after every wear. Airing them in a shaded, well-ventilated spot is often enough to freshen the fibres, especially for wool and alpaca, which naturally resist odours.

When it is time to wash, use cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle wool wash. Let the garment soak without rubbing, twisting or scrubbing. Sudden changes in temperature and too much agitation are the usual causes of felting and shrinkage.

If the yarn label allows machine washing, use a delicate or wool cycle and place the item in a laundry bag. Even then, a gentle approach is the safest bet for something you spent many hours making.

Remove water without stretching

Wet wool can become surprisingly heavy, so lift the garment with both hands and support its full weight. Never wring it out or hang it while wet, as this can pull the fabric out of shape.

Instead, gently press out the water, then lay the knit on a clean towel. Roll the towel up with the garment inside and press to absorb the remaining moisture. Repeat with a dry towel if needed.

Dry flat and reshape carefully

Lay the knit flat on a dry towel or mesh drying surface, away from direct sunlight and heat. Ease it back to its intended measurements, smoothing the body, sleeves and edges without stretching them.

This is also the best time to straighten seams and settle textured stitches. Avoid tumble drying unless the yarn label specifically says it is safe, and never place a damp handknit directly on a heater.

Allow the garment to dry completely before moving or storing it. Turning it over partway through can help thicker pieces dry evenly.

Store clean, folded and protected

Fold handknits rather than hanging them. Hangers can distort the shoulders and add length over time, particularly in heavier garments. Store pieces clean and completely dry in a breathable drawer, box or cotton bag.

Before putting seasonal knits away, check for stains and food marks that may attract moths. Cedar or lavender can be useful deterrents, but regular inspection and a clean storage space matter most.

Between washes, remove pills gently with a suitable fabric comb and mend small snags before they grow. A little maintenance now saves a much bigger repair later.

Ready to care for your next beautiful knit?

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