Taking proper care of your hand-knitted items ensures they last for years. Today,I’m sharing my best tips for keeping your handmade treasures in excellent shape. Be sure to check out the Sweater Pattern page for some beautiful free sweaters to practice on.
Washing Your Knitted Items
Handwashing Tips
When it comes to how to take care of your knits, handwashing is often the best method, especially for delicate fibers like wool or alpaca. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a gentle wool wash. I love using this wool wash (affiliate link) for its soothing scent and fabric-friendly ingredients.
- Submerge your knit in a sink or one of these handy wash bins (affiliate link), letting it soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Gently agitate the water to release dirt but avoid wringing or scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Machine Washing
Some knits, like the Youth Michael Sweater, can be machine-washed if made with superwash wool or synthetic blends. Use a mesh laundry bag, like this one (affiliate link), to prevent snagging, and always choose a delicate cycle with cold water.
Drying Your Knitted Pieces
Never hang your wet knits, as this can cause stretching. Instead:
- Lay them flat on a towel, roll them up to remove excess water, and unroll to dry.
- Use a blocking mat like this one (affiliate link) for shaping items like the Youth Turtleneck Raglan.
- I highly recommend a mesh air dryer that goes over the door for drying your sweaters. This is the one I have. (affiliate link)
Storing Your Knitted Items
Proper storage is a cornerstone of how to take care of your knits. Here’s how to keep them safe and fresh:
- Fold, Don’t Hang
Hanging knits, especially sweaters, can stretch out the fabric. Fold items like the Baby Granite Sweater and store them on a shelf or in a breathable container. - Protect Against Pests
Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to repel moths naturally. These sachets (affiliate link) are a favorite of mine for their fresh scent. - Seasonal Storage
For long-term storage, place clean knits in acid-free tissue paper inside an airtight container. Avoid plastic bags that can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
Maintaining Your Knitted Items
Dealing with Pilling
Even the best-knit pieces, like the Deborah Ankle Socks, can pill over time. A fabric shaver (affiliate link) or a gleener tool (affiliate link) can easily remove pills and make your knits look new again.
Fixing Snags
If your knits catch on something, don’t panic! Use a knit picker like this one (affiliate link)to gently pull the snag to the inside of the fabric.
Refreshing Blocked Items
Over time, blocked items like the Youth Wheat Cardigan may lose their shape. Simply rewash and lay them flat on a blocking mat to restore their structure.
Stretch Prevention
Avoid over-stretching your knits by ensuring they aren’t stored or worn in a way that puts undue strain on the fabric.
Special Care for Different Fibers
Different fibers require unique care, which is crucial when learning how to take care of your knits. One thing I suggest is to keep your labels (with the sweater noted in sharpie on the label) in a notebook, kept near your washer and dryer, so you know the wash and care instructions for your sweaters.
- Wool: Hand wash in cool water with a wool wash and lay flat to dry.
- Superwash Wool: Machine wash gentle cycle, tumble dry low. It is VERY important to put your superwash knits in the dryer on low or they will stretch.
- Cotton: Pieces can typically be machine-washed. Typically the wash and care instructions on the yarn will be very similar to superwash wool.
- Blends: Always check the yarn label for washing instructions. Silk can stretch in the dryer, linen softens in the washer and dryer, acrylics are typically machine safe, while alpaca, cashmere, and mohair are NOT machine safe (they’re usually treated like wool).
Creating a Knitting Care Kit
Having the right tools on hand makes caring for your knits easier. Here’s what I keep in mine:
- Wool Wash: This one (affiliate link)keeps fibers soft and clean.
- Mesh Bags: Essential for machine washing delicate knits. Find my favorite here (affiliate link).
- Sweater Dryer: allows your hand washed sweaters to dry without hanging. You can find a single here (affiliate link) and a multiple sweater drying rack here (affiliate link).
- Fabric Shaver: This tool (affiliate link) is perfect for removing pills.
- Blocking Mat and Pins: I recommend this set (affiliate link) for reshaping knits.
Keeping Your Knits Fresh on the Go
If you travel with your knits, keep them fresh with a travel-sized wool wash, wash bag, and a portable drying rack. This is especially handy for delicate pieces like the Deborah Ankle Socks and Youth Turtleneck Raglan.
Why Proper Care Matters
Investing time in proper care not only keeps your items looking beautiful but also prolongs their lifespan. Pieces like the Youth Wheat Cardigan and Baby Granite Sweater are worth the extra effort to keep them in pristine condition for years.
Caring for your handmade knits doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tips, you’ll ensure every piece stays as beautiful as the day you cast off. Whether it’s storing seasonal items, repairing minor damages, or refreshing their shape, you now have a full guide on how to take care of your knits.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.