How to Care for Hand-Knitted Clothing!
Many people invest time, love, and effort into hand-knitted pieces, making them cherished wardrobe staples. However, without proper care, these beautiful garments can shrink, pill, or lose their shape. The good news? With the right techniques, you can keep your knits looking fresh and lasting for years to come.
This post will cover washing, reblocking, de-pilling, and storing your knits the right way.
Make It Last for Years!
There’s nothing quite like slipping into a cozy, hand-knitted sweater on a chilly day. Whether it’s a treasured gift from a loved one or a piece you painstakingly crafted yourself, hand-knitted clothing carries sentimental value that goes beyond just keeping you warm. But here’s the catch—these delicate knits need a little extra love and care to keep them looking as beautiful as the day they were made.
If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite wool sweater is suddenly two sizes too small or why little fuzz balls (pills!) seem to appear out of nowhere, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about washing, reshaping, de-pilling, and storing your knits the right way so they last for years.
Washing Hand-Knitted Clothing the Right Way
Washing your hand-knitted treasures can feel like a high-stakes mission. One wrong move, and your soft, snuggly sweater turns into something better suited for a teddy bear. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back!
Hand wash vs. machine wash: When in doubt, always go for hand washing. Fill a basin with lukewarm water, add a gentle wool-safe detergent, and give your knitwear a nice, relaxing soak (imagine it’s enjoying a spa day!). If you must use a machine, choose the delicate or wool cycle and place the item inside a mesh laundry bag for protection.
Choosing the right detergent: Regular laundry detergents are too harsh and can strip away the natural oils in wool, leading to dryness and brittleness. Opt for a delicate, wool-safe wash—your knits will thank you!
Water temperature matters: Wool and hot water do NOT get along. Always stick to cool or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking and felting.
Drying tips: Never, and I mean NEVER, wring out your knitwear. Instead, gently press out excess water, lay it flat on a clean towel, and reshape it while it dries. This is crucial to keeping your knits looking their best.
Reblocking: Restoring Shape to Your Knits
Ever noticed your sweater looking a little… off? Maybe it stretched out, lost its crisp stitches, or just isn’t sitting right. Enter blocking, the magic trick that brings your knits back to life!
What is blocking? It’s like a reset button for your knitwear—wetting or steaming the fabric to help it settle back into shape and show off the stitches properly.
When to reblock: If your sweater looks stretched, the sleeves aren’t sitting right, or the stitches appear uneven, it’s time for a little reblocking session.
Step-by-step guide:
Give your garment a gentle soak in lukewarm water with a wool wash.
Gently press out the excess water (again, NO wringing!).
Lay it flat on a blocking mat or towel and pin it into the correct shape.
Let it dry completely before wearing. (Patience is key!)
Blocking may seem like an extra step, but trust me, your knits will look so much better afterward!
De-Pilling: Keeping Your Knits Smooth and Fresh
Pilling—the tiny fuzzballs that seem to appear out of nowhere—is a natural part of knitwear life, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them.
Why pilling happens: It’s simply a result of friction, which causes loose fibers to clump together. This is especially common in areas like underarms and cuffs.
Best tools for the job: There’s something oddly satisfying about de-pilling a sweater! Use a fabric shaver, sweater comb, or even a gentle pumice stone to remove pills without damaging the fabric.
How to prevent pilling: Stick to high-quality yarns, wash your knits inside out, and avoid excessive rubbing (for example, carrying a heavy bag over your shoulder can cause pilling in that area).
Proper Storage to Keep Your Knits in Perfect Condition
Imagine pulling out your favorite sweater, only to find it stretched out, full of moth holes, or smelling a bit… off. Proper storage is key to keeping your knitwear in top shape!
Folding vs. hanging: NEVER hang heavy knits. The weight of the fabric will cause them to stretch out over time. Instead, fold them neatly and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.
Preventing moth damage: Moths love wool, but you can keep them away with natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Avoid storing knits in plastic bags long-term, as they need to breathe.
Off-season storage: Before packing away your knits for the summer, make sure they’re clean (moths are drawn to food particles and body oils). Store them in breathable fabric bags to keep them fresh until the next cold season.
Final Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make knitwear care second nature, here are some quick dos and don’ts:
Do:
- Wash your knits sparingly—overwashing can cause unnecessary wear.
- Always dry flat and reshape while damp.
- Store them properly to prevent stretching and moth damage.
Don’t:
- Use hot water or harsh detergents.
- Hang heavy knitwear—it WILL stretch.
- Ignore pilling—it’s easier to deal with regularly than let it build up.
A little routine maintenance goes a long way in keeping your knitwear looking beautiful for years!
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Hand-knitted clothing is more than just fabric—it’s art, time, and love woven into every stitch. Taking a little extra care when washing, reshaping, and storing your knits ensures they stay cozy, beautiful, and wearable for years to come.
Do you have any special knitwear care tricks up your sleeve? Drop your favorite tips in the comments. Here is my latest Podcast, with update about mu wedding dress an other WiP´s