Tips for Caring for Your Handmade Knits

Because your precious makes deserve all the love 💛

There’s something so special about finishing a handmade knit - the hours spent stitching, the cozy yarn in your hands, and all the care that went into every single row. Naturally, you want to keep it looking just as lovely as the day you cast it off! The good news? With just a little gentle care, your precious knits can stay soft, beautiful, and well-loved for a long, long time. Let me share a few simple tips to help you along the way.

🧶 Peek at the yarn label
If you still have your yarn label tucked away somewhere, give it a quick check - it’ll usually tell you how your yarn likes to be washed. But when in doubt, handwashing is your safest bet. Better to be safe than… felted!

🌬 Let it breathe
Most of the time, your woolly creations don’t need a wash - just a little fresh air. Wool is magical like that! It naturally resists odors and bacteria, so instead of washing it after every wear, just lay it flat (a chair or a clean towel works great) and let it air out overnight. Easy peasy.

🍓 Just a little spot check
Spilled a little coffee? Dropped a blueberry? (Been there!) Instead of washing the whole piece, try spot cleaning. Dab gently with a damp cloth or paper towel - no rubbing needed. Wool is surprisingly stain-resistant, so a gentle touch usually does the trick.

💧 A gentle bath
Handwashing sounds fancy, but it’s actually really simple - and kinda peaceful too.

• Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water
• Optional: Add a splash of wool-safe detergent (you can find lovely ones at yarn shops)
• Gently press your knit into the water and let it soak for about 10–15 minutes
• Skip the rinse if your detergent is no-rinse—or gently swish in clean water if needed
• When it’s time to take it out, scoop it up carefully and support its weight (wet wool is delicate!). Then, wrap it in a towel like a cozy burrito and gently press out the water.

☁️  Lay flat to dry
Never hang your knits - they can stretch out and lose their shape. Instead, lay them flat on a clean towel or something that won’t soak up too much moisture. Let them dry naturally, and resist the urge to speed things up with a radiator or hair dryer. Patience is key here!

When it’s time to put your knit away, give it a little love and fold it gently.

🧼 A little de-pill TLC
If you notice little fluff balls forming (totally normal, by the way!), just use a wool comb, sweater stone, or fabric shaver to gently remove them. A quick brush here and there can also help prevent them from building up. Your knit will look brand new in no time.