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.