How to Care for Your Knitted or Crocheted Projects?

Hand-dyed yarns are amazing. They are a canvas of creativity. Knitted or crocheted, yarn projects not only show your skills but your passion in every stitch. Whether it’s a cozy sweater, a delicate shawl, a warm hat, or a pair of perfectly fitted socks you would want to make sure your creation stays the same for years to come. Therefore, comes the care and maintenance part much after the project is completed and off your knitting needles or crochet hooks.

With machine washable yarns out in the market, caring for your knitting and crocheting projects has become so much simpler. With a little TLC (tender loving care), you can keep your handmade treasures looking and staying their best. Even if your project is worked with hand-dyed yarns, a little care will ensure that the colors stay bright! Let’s take a look at a few tips.

1. Know Your Yarn Fibers

Understanding the fiber content of your hand-dyed yarn is essential. Different fibers require different levels of care. Natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, bamboo and silk or animal fibers such as wool, alpaca, cashmere, etc. or manmade fibers such as polyamide follow different care instructions. Usually, premium merino wool or wool blends are used for hand dyeing in a wide range of yarn weights – from fingering, DK-, worsted weight and bulky yarns. Though yarn weight does not affect its care but it is important to understand the weight to care for your handmade projects.

Merino is a luxuriously soft yarn that works for all kinds of knitting and crochet projects. Hand-wash or machine wash in cool water with a gentle wool detergent and lay flat to dry, away from direct sunlight. If it’s a merino-silk blend follow care instructions for wool, but consider a silk wash solution for added protection and keep the luster of silk intact. Merino-polyamide blend has durability but always check the care label attached to the yarn.

2. Washing Method

Hand-washing is generally the best way to maintain yarn projects, especially for delicate items or those made with natural fibers. But machine washable yarns have made it possible to wash them in a washing machine in a gentle cycle. Use lukewarm water and a gentle detergent. Avoid harsh detergents or washable.

Never put your hand-dyed knitted or crocheted items in the dryer! The heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers. Lay them flat on a clean towel, reshape gently, and allow them to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Though optional, it’s generally that you block your yarn projects. Blocking helps knitted/crocheted items achieve their intended shape and size. It's especially important for lace patterns, cables, and structured garments.

3. Storing

When not in use make sure your hand-dyed yarn items are stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and pests. Sunlight and heat may damage the hand-dyed colors whether are semisolid or variegated. Use breathable storage containers like cotton bags or cedar chests to prevent moisture build-up and moth infestations. Don’t let your garments be hung on hangers, as this can cause them to stretch and lose their shape. For hats too make sure that they are not stretched.

Take special care to deal with pilling promptly so that the projects stay in their best condition. Pilling is the formation of small balls of fiber on the surface of your knitted/crocheted item. Use a sweater shaver or pumice stone to gently remove them. Also, fix minor snags whenever you find them. Small snags can be repaired with a crochet hook or a repair hook or yarn needle. Don't pull on the snag; gently weave the loose yarn back.

4. Seasonal Care Considerations

Knitting and crocheting projects require different care according to the season. Summer projects may need more washes for sweat, grime or staying outdoors. Before you pack up for the season remember to air the projects. Winter projects need frequent airing as washing in the season will be challenging.

5. Pattern-Specific Care Tips

Understanding your knitting and crocheting project constructions aids in caring for them. If you have lace patterns, the delicate creations require extra care. Hand-wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash and minimal agitation. Lay flat to dry and avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. Cables can snag easily so avoid rough handling and be gentle when washing. Use a laundry bag when machine-washing (if suitable for the yarn blend). For vibrant colors, use a color-safe detergent to prevent bleeding. Wash in cold water to minimize color fading.

With this care guide, ensure the longevity of your knit or crochet projects. Or, lay your foundation right and get Symfonie Yarns. The curated collection of hand-dyed yarns is dyed by skilled artisans who’ve been lifelong knitters and crocheters who understand yarns, dyes and color selection. The four exclusive lines- Viva, Terra, Luna and Bella comprise extrafine merino wool yarn and blends of merino-silk and merino-polyamide.