How to Wash Knit or Crochet Items

How to Wash Your Knit and Crochet Items: A Guide for Makers

You’ve spent hours creating your knit or crochet masterpiece, so knowing how to care for it is essential to keep it looking and feeling its best. The way you wash your handmade item depends on the type of yarn you used. Below, we’ll break it down by fibre type: non-superwash wool, cotton, superwash wool, and acrylic. 

Non-Superwash Wool

Non-superwash wool is untreated, meaning it hasn’t been processed to make it machine washable. This yarn type is soft, warm, and often used for cozy projects, but it’s delicate when it comes to washing.

1. Fill a sink or basin with cold water and add a small amount of gentle wool wash or baby shampoo.
2. Submerge the item completely, but don’t agitate it—wool can felt if it’s rubbed too much.
3. Let it soak for about 10–15 minutes.
4. Gently squeeze out the water (don’t wring it out), and press the item between clean towels to remove excess moisture.
5. Lay it flat on a towel to dry, shaping it back into its original size. This is called blocking and is crucial for maintaining the shape of your project.

Cotton

Cotton yarn is durable and often used for washcloths, market bags, and lightweight garments. It’s less fussy than wool but still requires proper care to prevent shrinking or stretching.

1. Check the label on your yarn ball, but most cotton items can be safely machine washed. Use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
2. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers.
3. To dry, either lay the item flat to prevent stretching or tumble dry on a low heat setting. Avoid high heat, as it can shrink cotton.

Superwash Wool

Superwash wool has been treated to resist felting, making it much easier to care for than non-superwash wool. Many superwash wool items can be machine washed, but always double-check the label first.

1. If machine washing, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a wool-friendly detergent.
2. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can reduce the wool’s natural breathability.
3. For drying, lay the item flat to avoid stretching. While some superwash wools are dryer-safe on low heat, air drying is always the safest option.

Acrylic

Acrylic yarn is the easiest to care for, making it popular for beginner projects, kids’ clothing, and blankets. It’s machine washable and doesn’t shrink or felt.

1. Toss your acrylic item in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water.
2. Use regular detergent but avoid fabric softeners, as they can leave residue on synthetic fibres.
3. Acrylic can usually go in the dryer on a low heat setting. However, if you want to be extra careful, lay it flat to dry to maintain its shape.

Final Tips for All Fiber Types

• Always read the care instructions on your yarn label first—they’re your best guide.
• When in doubt, hand washing is the safest option.
• Avoid wringing or twisting your items, as this can distort their shape.

Taking the time to properly care for your handmade creations will ensure they stay beautiful and functional for years to come. A little TLC goes a long way in preserving the love and effort you poured into every stitch!