How to Clean and Care for Hand-Knit Clothes and Blankets

Hand-knit clothes and blankets require special care and cleaning methods to keep them looking their best. Unlike mass-produced knits, handmade knits are delicate and need to be handled with care. Following proper cleaning and storage techniques will extend the life of your handmade knits.

Washing Hand-Knit Items

When it comes time to clean your handmade knitwear, always check the care label first. Handwashing is generally recommended for most hand-knit items.

Materials

You’ll need the following supplies:

Wool wash or mild detergent formulated for delicates
Large basin or sink for washing
Soft towel
Sweater drying rack or flat surface for laying item flat to dry

Tips for Washing

Wash one item at a time. Don’t crowd handmade knits in the wash basin.
Use lukewarm water and no hotter. Hot water can cause wool and other fibers to shrink or felt.
Use a mild soap or detergent made especially for delicates and woolens. Avoid regular detergents.
Allow item to soak for a few minutes, then gently press suds through the knitting without wringing, twisting, or agitating it.
Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water until all soap residue is removed.
Avoid hanging handmade knits – lay them flat to dry on a towel or rack. Hanging can stretch the garment out of shape.
Lay flat to dry and smooth gently into shape. Blocking may help items retain their shape.
Air dry fully before storing. Do not place wet knits into storage containers.

How Often to Wash

Most handmade knits do not need washing after every wear. Some general guidelines:

Sweaters and heavy knits can go 5-6 wears between washes.
Lighter accessories like scarves or cowls may need washing every 3-4 wears.
If worn against skin, wash more frequently as needed.
Wash as soon as possible if spills or stains occur.
Perspiration and oils can damage fibers over time – wash when soiled.
Mildly steam or spot-clean between wears to freshen.

Stain Removal

Inspect knits after each wearing and treat any stains immediately by:

Spot treating with a small amount of delicate laundry soap or stain remover made for delicates.
Gently dabbing the stain, avoid vigorous rubbing.
Rinsing thoroughly in cool, clear water to remove soap.
Lay flat or block to dry.
For stubborn stains, take to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in delicates and handmades. Harsher commercial stain removers can damage yarn fibers.

Drying Hand-Knit Items

Proper drying is key to maintaining the shape and texture of handmade knits.

Lay Flat to Dry

Lay the garment or blanket flat on top of a dry towel or rack designed for drying sweaters.
Smooth and shape the item as needed while damp. Blocking at this stage can help set the shape.
Allow to air dry completely before moving or storing to prevent stretching.

Dry Flat

As an alternative to air drying, you can dry some handmade knits flat:

Lay the item flat on top of a dry towel.
Set your dryer to a low temperature setting. No Heat or Air Fluff is best.
Place the item in the dryer and fluff for 5-10 minutes to hasten drying time.
Check frequently until almost dry, then hang or lay flat again to finish air drying.
Supervise closely to avoid over-drying or unwanted shrinkage.

Drying Rack

A sweater drying rack is ideal for laying handmade knits flat while air drying:

Look for a rack designed not to stretch delicate knits out of shape as they dry.
Lay the piece smoothly over the rack in the shape you want it to dry into.
If desired, use rustproof pins to hold the shape.
Allow to fully air dry before removing from the rack.

Blocking

Blocking can help set the shape and even the stitches of handmade knits. To block while drying:

Fill a spray bottle with cool water and lightly mist the knit.
Smooth it into the correct dimensions on a towel or blocking mat.
Use pins if needed to hold the shape.
Allow to fully air dry before unpinning.

Proper blocking while drying can relax the fibers and help handmade pieces retain their shape.

Ironing

Ironing handmade knits is not generally recommended. The high heat of ironing can flatten the dimension and texture of knitted stitches.

If ironing is necessary:

Consult the yarn label to see if ironing is allowed.
Use the steam setting, no higher than warm.
Avoid direct contact between the iron and knit by using a cloth or towel as a pressing cloth in between.
Iron lightly, lifting the iron frequently. Do not press down firmly.
Reshape and allow to fully cool before wearing or storing.

Storing Handmade Knits

Use proper storage methods to protect handmade knits when not in wear.

Short Term Storage

For items worn regularly in rotation:

Hang knitwear on wide, padded hangers to support the shape.
Keep away from direct light which can fade colors.
If hanging in a closet, cover with a cloth garment bag.
Fold delicate accessories flat in a drawer, avoiding creases.

Off-Season Storage

For items not worn regularly or stored long term:

Clean thoroughly before storing to prevent attracting moths or bugs.
Fold loosely into a breathable cotton or mesh garment bag.
Store in a clean, dry area like a closet shelf or under the bed.
Avoid plastic bins or bags which prevent airflow and can cause moisture buildup.
Use cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or natural pest deterrents.
Refold and air out the stored knits periodically.

Storage Tips

Avoid wire or thin hangers which stretch the knit.
Don’t store in basements or attics which have extreme temperature and humidity changes.
Keep away from direct heat and light sources.
Shake out and refold different ways periodically to avoid crease lines setting in.
Wash or air out before returning to storage after wearing to prevent odors.

Proper storage helps protect the condition and lifespan of cherished handmade knits.

Special Care for Knit Fibers

Different knitting fibers have unique care requirements:

Wool

The most common fiber for handmade knits. Take special care not to agitate or felt the fibers:

Wash gently in cool water using wool wash.
Limit soaking time.
Dry flat away from direct heat.
Store properly to avoid moth damage.

Cotton

A durable plant fiber that can withstand washing but retains creases and stains:

Machine washing and drying is safe on low heat.
Wash with like colors.
Avoid over-drying which removes moisture and causes sagging.
Steam or press while still slightly damp to remove wrinkles.

Cashmere and Luxury Fibers

Delicate and expensive fibers that require extra care:

Hand wash only with specialty wool or cashmere wash. No machine washing.
Reshape and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight or heat.
Store folded in tissue, never hung.

Acrylic and Synthetic Blends

Man-made fibers that tend to pill with wear and friction:

Machine wash cold, delicate cycle.
Lay flat or dry clean to avoid heat damage.
Use a sweater stone, shaver, or de-fuzzing tool to remove pills.

Silk

Fragile natural fiber prone to water spots and stains:

Dry clean or hand wash gently in cool water.
Roll in a towel and press water out, do not wring.
Shape and dry flat away from direct heat and light.

Understanding the unique care requirements for different fibers will help keep handmade knits looking their best. Checking garment tags and washing separately by fiber type is recommended. With proper care and storage, handmade knitwear can last for many years.

How to Care for Hand-Knit Blankets

Handmade knit blankets deserve special care and cleaning methods to extend their beauty and lifespan.

Materials Needed

Wool or textile laundry wash suitable for delicates
Large basin, tub, or sink for washing
Soft towels
Sweater drying rack, clean flat surfaces, or a bed for drying

Washing Tips

Check the yarn label for care instructions and fiber content. Natural fibers like wool often require handwashing.
Wash one blanket at a time to avoid tangling or felting.
Use cool water and specialty wool or textile wash. Avoid regular detergent which can strip natural oils.
Allow to soak before gently squeezing suds through the knitting. Do not agitate, twist, or scrub.
Rinse thoroughly in cool water until rinse runs clear.
Roll blanket in a towel to gently press out excess moisture. Do not wring or twist.
Lay flat immediately after washing to retain shape and allow to fully air dry.

Drying

Lay the blanket flat to dry, smoothing out the shape. Allow plenty of space for air circulation.
Use a large drying rack or clean flat surface like a bed or towels spread on the floor.
Avoid hanging which can stretch the knit fibers under the blanket’s weight.
Turn periodically while drying. Smooth and shape if needed.
Do not store until 100% dry to prevent mildew.

Stain Removal

Spot treat stains immediately with a delicate knit cleaner or mild detergent.
Dab gently, avoid rubbing stains which can set them further into the fibers.
Rinse area thoroughly with cool water to remove cleaning agents.
Lay flat and allow to fully dry.
For stubborn stains, consult a professional cleaner specializing in delicates. Harsh chemicals can damage yarn fibers.

Storage

Refold into a loose breathable fabric like a lightweight cotton sheet to allow air circulation. Avoid plastic.
Store off season in a clean, dry, pest-free area, not in basements or attics with extreme temperature swings.
Use cedar, lavender, or natural pest deterrents. Keep away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent fading.
Air out before reusing. Wash or steam to freshen if stored long term.

With proper care and handling, a handmade heirloom knit blanket can last for generations. Handle with care and avoid overwashing to extend the lifespan of your handmade treasure.

Answers to Common Questions About Caring for Hand-Knit Items

Handwashing and drying delicate handmade knits properly helps them last. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What temperature water should be used to wash hand-knit items?

Lukewarm water is recommended. Very hot water can cause delicate knit fibers to shrink or felt together. Check the garment tag for specific temperature guidance. In general, cool to lukewarm water is the safest bet for handwashing.

Can hand-knit clothes be machine washed and dried?

It depends on the fiber content. More rugged natural fibers like cotton or wool blends can potentially withstand gentle machine washing and drying. Check the garment tag first. Handwashing is safest for most handmade knits to prevent felting, shrinkage, and agitation damage. Lay flat to dry.

How can you dry handmade knits without stretching them out of shape?

Lay them flat to air dry on top of a towel or special sweater drying rack. Don’t hang handmade knits or it can stretch them under the weight. Smooth and shape them as needed while damp, then allow to completely air dry flat before wearing or storing.

How do you block a handmade knit item?

Blocking helps set the shape and relax the stitches. Fill a spray bottle with cool water and mist the knit. Stretch gently to desired dimensions on a towel or blocking surface. Use pins if needed to hold the shape. Allow to fully air dry before unpinning.

Should handmade knit clothes be folded or hung for storage?

Either can work if done properly. For folding, use a breathable cotton or mesh garment bag and avoid creasing. For hanging, use wide padded hangers that won’t stretch the garment and cover with a cloth garment bag. Fold delicate accessories flat in drawers.

How can you fix a stretched out handmade sweater?

Soak the item in cool water with hair conditioner, which relaxes fibers. Then block the garment by smoothing and pinning it into the correct dimensions as it air dries. The conditioning and blocking together can coax the fibers back into shape if done properly.

What is the best way to get pills off of a handmade knit sweater?

Use a sweater stone, fabric shaver tool, or de-fuzzing gadget to gently remove pills without damaging the surrounding knit. Avoid pulling pills off by hand which can snag stitches. Go gently over the surface to remove pills as needed.

Can you steam a handmade knit item to remove wrinkles or freshen?

Yes, steaming is gentler than ironing. Use a cool steam setting and avoid direct contact between the knit fibers and the steam head. Lift and press lightly to prevent flattening stitches. Reshape while damp and allow to fully dry laying flat before wearing or storing.

With some basic care and attention, handmade knitwear can stay looking beautiful for many years. Follow these tips for the best way to clean and care for cherished hand-knit items.

Conclusion

Caring for handmade knitwear properly helps preserve these cherished items. Always check garment tags for fiber-specific care instructions and wash delicately by hand using mild wool or textile wash. Shape the garment and lay flat immediately after washing to block and dry into the correct dimensions. Store handmade knits folded or hung carefully to avoid stretching and protect them from moths, direct light, extreme temperatures, and humidity. With some basic care, handmade knit clothing and blankets can stay looking beautiful for many years to come. Respect the artistry and labor that went into the item by handling your handmade knits with care.