How to Wash Yarn

Your projects can easily get dirty. Whether it's food, a spill, or maybe some dust, making sure your projects are clean can make an item much more presentable. 

The countless hours and effort that go into your piece are what make them valuable. So why should your effort be gone to waste due to a stain?

Caring for your pieces is essential to ensure they last a lifetime. So learning how to correctly wash your yarn is an area of knowledge all must know. 

So how do you correctly wash your yarn? Follow the simple methods below for caring for your items.

How to Wash Yarn?

There are many ways you can wash your yarn. Knowing which method is best comes down to what item and material you will be washing. Hand washing is best for gentle materials, and is recommended in comparison with a washer. 

What Can I Use?

  • Bucket, bathtub, clean sink 
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

What Materials Can I Use?

  • Towels
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Gentle soap, shampoo, wool wash

Hand Washing

Hand washing is the most recommended way to wash your yarn. It might take some elbow grease, but it ensures that your product comes out looking high quality. Hand washing allows us to control the roughness, which area to target, and the stretch. 

How to Hand Wash?

  1. Fill the chosen place with lukewarm or cold water. Add a gentle soap or detergent.
  2. Place the garment into the water, and gently massage the soapy water into the item.
  3. After massaging, drain the soapy water and rinse the item in cold or lukewarm water. 
  4. When done rinsing, slowly squeeze (do not wring) out the remaining water from your garment. 
  5. Transfer your item to a dry towel, and lay it flat. Optionally, you can also dry outside. 
  6. After laying flat, you may want to reshape your garment. Adjust back to its original form, and avoid pulling or tugging.
  7. Dry items in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours. 

How to Machine Wash?

Washing your yarn inside a washing machine is not recommended. It should be used as a last resort when you're in a time crunch, or in a dire situation where you need fast results. 

  1. Use a mesh or lingerie bag, and place the garment inside so it won't get tangled.
  2. Add a gentle laundry detergent, and set on a delicate cycle with cold water.
  3. Machine dry on low heat. Removing items before fully drying to reshape is optional. 

 

Whichever method you have chosen, it's always good to take proper care of your items. When doing so, not only are you ensuring they last long, but you're making sure they will always be in great condition.

You have now learned how to wash your yarn items.

Craft