As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, it’s the perfect time to start wearing your beautiful wool knits again. Whether you’ve spent hours crafting cozy sweaters or love wearing handmade scarves and shawls, proper care ensures your garments stay soft, vibrant, and long-lasting. Here’s a handy guide to keeping your wool pieces in top condition this season.
1. Washing Wool Garments
Wool is a delicate fibre, so washing requires extra care to prevent shrinking or felting.
- Hand Wash Method: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle wool wash detergent. Submerge the garment and gently agitate it without wringing or twisting. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing in clean water at the same temperature.
- Machine Wash Method: If your yarn label indicates it’s machine washable, use the wool or delicate cycle with cold water and a gentle detergent. Place the item in a mesh laundry bag for added protection.
- Pro Tip: Avoid regular fabric softeners; they can break down wool fibres. Instead, use a wool conditioner designed to enhance softness.
2. Drying Wool Garments
Wool should never be hung while wet, as it may stretch out of shape.
- After washing, gently press out excess water using a clean towel. Lay the garment flat on a dry towel in its natural shape and let it air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- To speed up drying, roll the item in a second dry towel to absorb extra moisture before reshaping it.
3. Blocking for Perfect Shape
Blocking is key for wool garments, especially those with intricate stitch patterns or lace designs.
- Lay your damp item flat on a blocking mat or towel.
- Pin it into place following its original measurements. For lace or detailed patterns, use blocking wires to maintain sharp edges.
- Leave the item to dry completely before unpinning.
4. Storing Wool Garments
As the weather cools, you may be packing away your summer knits. Proper storage is essential to prevent moth damage and maintain garment quality.
- Clean First: Always wash your wool garments before storing them. Moths are particularly attracted to body oils and food residue.
- Use Breathable Storage Bags: Opt for cotton garment bags or pillowcases instead of plastic to allow airflow.
- Add Natural Deterrents: Cedarwood balls, lavender sachets, or eucalyptus essential oils naturally repel moths and keep your knits fresh.
5. Dealing with Pilling and Fluff
Wool garments can develop small bobbles (pills) with regular wear.
- Use a fabric shaver or wool comb to gently remove pills without damaging the fibres.
- Avoid excessive friction in high-rub areas by layering your wool items with smooth fabrics underneath.
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6. Refreshing Stored Wool Items
Before bringing your stored wool garments back into rotation for autumn, refresh them with these quick steps:
- Hang the item outside in fresh air to remove stale odours.
- Lightly steam with a garment steamer to relax fibres and restore softness.
- For extra freshness, place a sachet of dried lavender or eucalyptus in your wardrobe.
7. Repair and Mend
Don’t discard a favourite wool garment due to minor damage! Small holes or snags can often be mended with a needle and matching yarn. Consider learning basic darning techniques to extend the life of your cherished knits.
By following these tips, your beautiful wool garments will remain soft, vibrant, and ready to keep you cozy all autumn long. Treat your handmade pieces with care, and they’ll continue to bring warmth and joy for years to come. Happy knitting!