Yarn & Garment Care Guide

To keep your handmade pieces looking beautiful for years to come, it's important to treat them with care. Below you'll find general guidelines for washing and caring for different yarn types and blends.

General Tips for All Garments

• Wash garments separately, using plenty of water to reduce friction.
• Avoid soaking garments. Wash and rinse promptly.
• Dark colours should be washed on their own, and rinsed thoroughly until water runs clear.
• Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent designed for wool or delicate fibres – avoid any with enzymes or brighteners.
• After washing, reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry.
• Keep garments out of direct sunlight while drying.
• Never dry heavily dripping garments or place them on absorbent surfaces like towels – this may cause stretching or discolouration.
• Be mindful that garments made with looser stitches or textured techniques may stretch with wear or after washing.

Caring for Natural Fibres (Alpaca, Wool, Mohair, Silk)

Sometimes, airing your garment is enough. If washing is needed:

• Hand wash at 30°C with a suitable wool detergent.
• Do not rub or wring. Gently move the item through the water.
• Rinse thoroughly, keeping water temperature consistent to avoid shrinking.
• Remove excess water by rolling the garment in a dry towel or spinning gently in a pillowcase (max 800 RPM).
• Do not tumble dry. Always dry flat.
• Never press with an iron – use steam lightly if needed, but never directly on silk or textured stitches.

Washing Superwash Wool

• Superwash yarns can be machine washed using a wool or delicate cycle.
• Avoid fabric softener – it weakens the fibres.
• Never let the garment sit wet in the machine after washing.
• Shape and dry flat; do not hang.

Caring for Merino Wool

• Machine wash at 40°C on a gentle or wool cycle.
• Use minimal detergent without enzymes or brighteners.
• Never soak or use fabric softener.
• Always dry garments flat to prevent stretching or distortion.

Cotton, Linen & Blends

• Follow the garment label – usually 40°C or 60°C washes are safe.
• Incorrect (too cool) washing can cause colours to bleed. Rewash at the correct temperature if needed.
• Avoid overusing fabric conditioner.
• Choose programs with generous rinsing time.
• Cotton may shrink slightly; measure before washing to reshape accurately afterward.
• Do not tumble dry. Always dry flat.

Caring for Yarn Blends

When working with yarn blends, always follow care instructions for the most delicate fibre in the mix.

• Air garments when possible instead of frequent washing.
• Hand wash at 30°C with water that’s cooler than your body temperature.
• Maintain the same temperature for washing and rinsing.
• Use dye-free, enzyme-free wool detergent.
• Never use fabric softener.
• Handle gently – avoid rubbing, soaking, or squeezing.
• Rinse until water runs completely clear to remove excess dye and detergent.
• Spin lightly (max 800 RPM), or blot with a dry towel. Never twist or wring.
• Lay flat to dry on a rack or warm surface. Avoid hanging or drying on fabric like towels that can trap moisture.

Final Notes

Some washing machines offer a wool or hand-wash cycle. These may work well – but always test with a small swatch before committing your full project.

For all yarn types and blends, your best chance at preserving your handmade creation is to:

• Wash it separately
• Never soak
• Skip the softener
• Always dry flat

Lastly, always keep your yarn labels. They hold essential washing and care info, and they're useful for any future reference or assistance.