We’ve all spent hundreds or even thousands of hours on a handknit garment or accessory, from picking out yarn all the way to weaving in our ends. But once our beautiful project is finished, how do we make sure it lasts a lifetime? Here are some of my favourite tips for caring for and storing handknits, to keep your pieces in good condition for years.
Choosing Materials
The process of caring for your handknits actually starts before they exist! Set yourself up for success by choosing materials that will last.
- Felicia’s philosophy is “work with the best materials you can”. They don’t have to be the most expensive luxury blends or trendy hand-dyed hues. But yarns that are structurally sound, spun from fibres with good strength and memory, and dyed to be colorfast will last longer in a final project, meaning you’ll need to spend less on your handknit wardrobe in the long run.
- Consider the type of project you’re making when choosing materials. Socks or gloves that will take lots of wear need a sturdy, elastic blend, while softer fibres would be easier to get away with in an evening shawl.
Washing Handknits
Washing handknits isn’t just an important step to remove dirt—it’s also key to keeping fibres healthy and strong, making them last longer.
- Adjust your washing process depending on fibre type. Wool and other animal fibres benefit from warm water and wool wash such as Soak, while plant fibres prefer cool water. (Don’t use wool wash for cotton and linen, since these washes are formulated with replenishing oils and other cleansers specifically for animal fibres.)
- Your projects may not need washing as often as you think! Wool, in particular, releases odours naturally, so simply leaving your project to air out after being worn may be enough. I usually air my sweaters out after each wearing and then wash them a couple times a year, or as needed.
- For more information on washing and blocking, be sure to check out Holli Yeoh’s course Fundamentals to Finishing Knits, and this article on Blocking Animal vs. Plant Fibres.
Storing Handknits
- Always store handknits folded or laid flat rather than hanging. Since handknit fabric is more malleable than industrial knit fabric, gravity will stretch your pieces out of shape. Hanging for a short amount of time, such as while airing a project, isn’t a problem, but long-term hanging will warp the fabric.
- If you can, keep your handknits in a drawer or storage container where they won’t snag on other closet items. However, make sure that they get at least some air and/or light—a wooden drawer or a clear plastic tub will keep them from getting musty.
- Wool attracts moths (nothing like a giant pile of sweaters and shawls to nest in, right?) A lavender sachet or cedar block stored with your knits will deter pests.
- If you’re short on space, try storing handknits you don’t wear often in clear plastic vacuum bags. You’ll most likely need to air them out a few days before wearing them, or re-block them to smooth out crumples.
Wearing Handknits
Finally, mindfulness when wearing your creations will go a long way to keeping them in good condition.
- When pairing handknits with ready-to-wear clothing and jewellery, avoid anything that could snag on plies of yarn and break them.
- Again, air out your knits after wearing them whenever possible so that odours don’t become trapped in the fabric.
- Do actually wear your knits! Don’t let them sit neglected in storage. Wearing and inspecting your pieces regularly will alert you to maintenance or repairs they may need. Plus, it’s fun!
Love on Your Handknits!
After all the hours spent on our handknits, of course, we’d love to enjoy them for as long as possible. Intentionally caring for and storing them means that we get that much more time to wear them proudly!