How to Care for Knits
So you’ve just finished a stunning knit or crochet sweater and it looks amazing! But you are worried about how you can keep it looking the same for the future. If this is you, no worries! With this guide, you’ll be storing your knitwear like a pro!
Block
Be sure to block your knits right after finishing! This can seem annoying, but it is such an important step. Blocking helps to relax the fibres, making your piece sit better and feel softer as well as keep its shape better.
Blocking is very simple and their are two main methods: Steam Blocking and Wet Blocking
Steam Blocking is a great idea for more delicate items like shawls or fine baby sweaters. Place your FO on the ironing board and wet a towel to place over top. Then iron over the piece until the towel is dry.
Wet Blocking is the most common and better for harder garments. To wet block, soak your piece in a bath of warm water and wool wash for 15 mins. Then place on a towel, roll the towel around the knit and step on the towel to get excess water. Pin to measurements and dry flat in the shade.
Fold, Don’t Hang
It is crucial to fold your garments instead of hanging them in a wardrobe to prevent stretching. Hand knits are extremely delicate and so to ensure they keep their shape for longer, don’t hang.
When they are on hangers, their weight can pull the garment down, causing the shoulders to have an unattractive hanger shape in them.
I store my knits in a closet where I fold them and stack them. If you wanted to display them more prominently, you might like to have them in an open display such as a bookcase or cupboard with glass doors. Beware of dust, however!
Hand Wash and Dry Flat
Hand washing can seem a waste of time in a busy week, and it can be tempting to just through your knits in the washing machine. Unless it has been specifically treated or labelled Superwash, this is a bad idea.
Yarn is delicate, and getting throw around in a machine or vast changes in temperature can cause it to felt. Also, if you are working with hand dyed yarn, the fibres can bleed and mix with other items of clothing.
To hand wash your knits, place them in a bucket of warm water and wool wash for 15 minutes. Then allow excess water to drip off - don’t squeeze! - and then roll up in a towel. Step gently to get out extra water, then dry flat in the shade. Simple as that! I like to do a big wash of all my woolens at once and reuse the water about 3 times.
Beware of Moths!
Moths are the enemy of knitters, always getting into woolen garments and ruining them. Make sure that wherever you are storing them is a moth-free environment!
There is nothing worse than putting your favourite thick woolen jumper away at the end of Winter to come back the next year and find it has become a snack for the pesky little insects, and you now can’t wear it because of the unfixable holes.
You can use herbs or buy treatments to keep moths out, so if they are an issue for you that may be a good idea.
Want more information? Check out this Youtube Video!
Knits are very delicate, but with some TLC, you can keep them looking fresh for years to come! Which tip did you find most helpful? Let me know in the comments below!