Yarn Care Guide

Hand Washing

1. Fill basin with cool water and wool wash or mild detergent
2. Submerge item, gently squeeze (don't wring or twist)
3. Soak 10-15 minutes
4. Drain, press out water gently
5. Rinse with clean water of same temperature
6. Press in towel to remove excess water
7. Lay flat on dry towel, reshape, and air dry

Machine Washing

1. Use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicates
2. Select cold water and gentle/delicate cycle
3. Use mild detergent (avoid fabric softener on wool)
4. Remove promptly when cycle ends
5. Reshape and lay flat if the item could stretch
6. Only tumble dry if yarn label explicitly allows

Lay Flat

Best for wool, alpaca, cashmere, silk, and anything that might stretch. Use a blocking mat or dry towel. Reshape to measurements. Flip halfway through drying.

Tumble Dry Low

Safe for most acrylics and some cottons. Check label first. Remove while slightly damp to prevent over-drying and static.

Never Do

Don't hang wet wool or alpaca—they'll stretch permanently. Don't use high heat on acrylic—it can melt. Don't dry silk in direct sunlight—colors will fade.

Wet Blocking

Soak the item in cool water, gently squeeze out excess, lay flat on blocking mats, and pin to shape. Let dry completely. Best for wool and animal fibers.

Steam Blocking

Pin dry item to blocking mats, hover steam iron above (don't touch). The steam relaxes fibers. Good for acrylic (called "killing" acrylic—it permanently sets the shape).

Storing Yarn

• Keep away from direct sunlight (fades colors)
• Store in breathable containers (not airtight plastic)
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths
• Keep yarn clean—moths are attracted to food residue
• Wind hanks into balls before storing long-term

Storing Finished Items

• Fold sweaters—never hang (stretches shoulders)
• Store clean—moths love body oils and food stains
• Use acid-free tissue for heirloom pieces
• Check seasonally for moth damage
• Rotate items you're not wearing

Pilling

Caused by friction. Use a fabric shaver or sweater stone to remove pills. Prevention: hand wash inside-out, avoid rubbing. Some fibers (cashmere, merino) pill more than others.

Felted by Accident

Unfortunately, felting is usually permanent. Prevention: never machine wash non-superwash wool. Some light felting can be partially reversed by soaking in hair conditioner and gently stretching.

Stretched Out

Wet blocking and reshaping can sometimes fix stretched garments. For severe stretching, try soaking in cool water with a splash of white vinegar, then block to original measurements.

Snagged

Gently pull the fabric around the snag to redistribute yarn. Use a crochet hook to pull the loop to the wrong side. Never cut snags—it can cause unraveling.