These days crochet/knit items are made from acrylic, cotton or wool yarns. Especially for babies, some of them are made of 100% cotton yarn. There are many types of yarn on the market today. A variety where you can achieve almost any look you desire, from casual to stylish.
Different threads have different care instructions. If you know the type of yarn from which a product is made, you can easily find suitable care techniques. Some craftsmen give you care instructions when you buy them and on the items they produce.
If a lot of care, time and love is put into handmade items, I find that all of my handmade crochet/knit items retain their original look. It is invaluable to some, passed down from generation to generation. If cared for properly, they can last for decades. For some people, there is nothing more important than a handmade gift, especially when they are considered.
Gently hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach. Rinse the product in cold water until the water runs clear, then rinse again with a liquid fabric softener if desired. Never twist or squeeze the item. The best way to remove the water is to lay the item on a towel and wrap it in the towel (with the towel not touching the crocheted item). Then open it again and dry it flat on a dry towel, removing unwanted wrinkles etc. Gently reshape the item to remove it. Do not put a handmade yarn in the dryer. Heat pulls the thread.
Let dry at room temperature. After it’s completely dry, I shake it gently again to soften the fibers. Do not iron a product that you are not sure of the type of thread used and that you do not know that it will withstand the iron. Store on a shelf or drawer. Do not hang it. This causes the item to stretch or form “hanger” marks. These are good guidelines to use for any crochet/knit item where you’re unsure of the fiber content.
Using these simple tips will preserve the quality of your handmade product for years.
Leave a reply
