How to Care for Your Knitted and Crocheted Garments? 5 Easy Tips
Knitted and crocheted garments are pure love. It's a handmade treasure that shows the love and efforts of the knitter or crocheter. Plus, they are the latest fashion trend. So, you have lovingly knit or crocheted a garment or have received one as a gift but need to know how to care? We are here to help. The loving treasures deserve care so that they stay beautiful and functional for years to come. The care instructions depend on the yarn. Wool requires care that differs from cotton. Silk care differs from acrylic. And, if you have a project created from hand-dyed yarns, the care instructions are for the dyes and the yarn fiber. Basically, you care for the yarn, and in turn, your garments stay wonderful. Understanding the yarn that
forms your garment fabric helps you give them the best care. In this blog, let's walk you through some tested tricks to care for your knitted and crocheted garments. Let's get started.
Tip 1- Understand the Yarn Fibers When knitting or crocheting or even caring for your hand-knit and crocheted garments, it's important to understand the fibers used. Different yarn fibers require different care methods. Even if you have pattern instructions for your knitting yarn or crochet project, your knowledge of the subject is helpful when caring for your yarn garments. Generally, there are three categories of yarn fibers- animal, plant and manmade. Animal fibers include wool from merino sheep, silk from silkworms, alpaca from alpacas and cashmere from mountain goats. Plant fibers are cotton, linen, and bamboo. Among manmade varieties are acrylic, polyamide and rayon. Yarn blends are a mix of animal and man-made or plant and manmade fibers. Each yarn fiber has its own unique characteristics and care requirements. Blends are often designed in a mix where one fiber is prominent, so you must care accordingly.
If you have chosen the yarn for knitting, always check the yarn label for specific care instructions. Similarly, for your crochet yarn, look at the pattern instructions as well as the yarn labels to understand the fibers.
Tip 2 – Choose the Correct Method of Washing or play safe by handwashing When it comes to washing knit and crochet garments, gentle handwashing is often the best method, regardless of yarn fiber. Washing instructions are mentioned on the yarn label and many times in pattern instructions. If you've misplaced both, handwashing in lukewarm water not above 30 degrees Celsius with a mild detergent is the best course of action. Even the most delicate wool, hand-dyed colors, or the bleeding polyamide blend cleans up beautifully when washed by hand.
Even if there are no specific instructions, avoid hot water and harsh chemicals. Not following the wash instructions can cause damage to the fibers, shrink the yarn, or lose its elasticity and felting. If you have a yarn that bleeds colors, choose to wash with water at normal temperatures, as warmth may make the color bleed.
Superwash merino wool is a popular option for yarns who want to avoid the hassles of specific washing care. The yarn is entirely machine-washable, even if it's hand-dyed. Use lukewarm water on a gentle cycle. Yarn experts recommend placing the garment in a mesh laundry bag first to prevent snagging or stretching during washing and machine drying. After washing, drying using a suitable method will keep your knitted and crocheted garments pristine. Regardless of the yarn fiber and wash method, place the garment on a towel for drying. Roll it with the towel and gently press out excess water. Never wring the garment, and also avoid hanging, as this can cause the yarn to stretch out of shape.
Tip 3 - Store away from sunlight Proper storage is essential for preserving the life of your knit and crochet garments. Store items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and damage to the fibers. Avoid hanging items; instead, fold items neatly and store them in bags or drawers. Add some natural moth and other pest repellants that may damage natural fibers.
Tip 4 – Repair whenever needed
Even with the best care, knit and crochet garments may occasionally require repair. Understanding the stitch patterns helps you significantly if you are a knitter or crocheter. But, even without being a seasoned pro, you can still do minor repair work. Small holes or snags are a quick fix using a wool or tapestry needle and matching yarn. If the damage is extensive, you can get professional help or salvage yarn by ripping it out for practice projects or stash busting.
Caring for your knit and crochet garments makes them last for years. With quality yarns, you do not have to worry about your garments. Symfonie Yarns offers hand-dyed crochet and knitting yarns in superwash merino wool, silk blend, and polyamide blend. Choose from a palette of 108 shades. So, go ahead, knit that sweater or socks, or crochet the hat or shawl, as now you have the knowledge to care for it properly. Source URL: https://medium.com/@symfonieyarnsdotcom/how-to-care-for-yourknitted-and-crocheted-garments-5-easy-tips-29d3b57bd26f
