Keep Your Hand Knit Gifts Looking Fresh: 6 Care Tips for Non-Knitters
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been gifted a beautiful hand-knit creation, and we’re here to make sure you keep it as cozy and fresh for as long as possible. Whether it’s a snug scarf, a pair of toasty mittens, or a stylish sweater, hand-knit gifts are crafted with a whole lotta love and care. Now, let’s make sure they are gifts that keep on giving by taking good care of them. Keep reading to discover the 6 care tips for your hand knit gifts.
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Follow The Gifter’s Instructions
First things first, check if the person who made it shared any care instructions. Following those will help preserve the craft and show your appreciation for the effort they put into making your special piece. If there aren’t any instructions, give ‘em a quick call and get the lowdown on the best care practices. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Hand Wash
Now, let’s talk hand washing. We know it may sound like a bit of a hassle, but trust us, your knitted gift will thank you for it. Just use lukewarm water and a small amount of wool wash. Gently agitate the water without rubbing or wringing, then rinse and press out the water. To remove that excess water, roll it up in a towel and squeeze gently. Repeat this process to speed up the drying time.
Oh, and a heads up on frequency: knits made from animal fibers like wool or alpaca can usually go for multiple wears before needing a wash. You can easily get away with washing around every 5 wears or so. But if your piece is made of plant-based fibers like cotton or bamboo, it can a good idea to give it a wash after each wear. Of course, these are just general guidelines, so if the giver provided specific recommendations, go with those.
Machine Wash
If your gifter said it’s safe to machine wash your garment, opt for cold water and a mild detergent. You can even use the same wool wash you’d use for hand washing. But here’s the trick: to avoid any felting or shrinking, go easy on the friction. Skip the spin cycle and gently squeeze out the excess water instead.
Drying your hand-knit
When it comes to drying your hand knit garment, you should likely lay it flat on a clean towel and shape it back to its original form. Avoid hanging your hand knits on a hanger in general, but especially if wet. Gravity and the weight of wet fibers can pull and distort the stitches and the overall fit. We also recommend keeping it away from direct sunlight to prevent any fading of those vibrant colors.
While air drying is typically your go-to drying method for knits, some yarns are dryer friendly! If your gifter says it’s safe, toss it in the dryer.
Beware of Moths
Now, let’s tackle the dreaded moth menace. Moths just can’t resist natural fibers, so to keep your hand-knit gifts safe, stash them in a sealed bag or container. And for an added layer of protection, toss in a cedar block or lavender sachet. Your knits will be forever grateful for their moth-free existence.
Pilling Prevention
We all know those pesky little balls of fuzz that pop up on any. beloved garment - pills! But fear not, we’ve got a solution. Grab a sweater shaver or fabric comb and gently brush away those pills, making your knits look as good as new again.
Mend with Love
And hey, sometimes life happens, and a tiny hole or loose thread may appear. But no need to panic! Embrace your inner DIY enthusiast and mend it with love. Reach out to the gifter and see if they can lend a hand or if they have any leftover yarn. And if you’re feeling adventurous, hit up YouTube for some tutorials. With a needle that can hold the yarn and a matching yarn, you’ll be able to fix things up in no time. Remember, these imperfections tell a story of love and warmth, so consider them part of your garment’s journey!
Hand-knit gifts are true labors of love, and now it’s your turn to show them some love and care so they can be cherished for years to come. With these tips in your arsenal, your hand-knit treasures are destined to brave the elements and turn heads with their charm.
Have questions? Comment below!