Caring for Your Hand Knit and Store-Bought Sweaters

Caring for your handknits and your cherished store-bought pieces helps them stay beautiful and last for years. Here are a few simple tips to keep your knitwear in top shape:

🫧 WASH - Always hand wash your garments using warm water and a mild soap. 

• Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water. If you're washing something small, even a mixing bowl works. If you’re using a sink, make sure it’s free from any harsh cleaners or residue that could damage or bleach your knits. Or how about a Strucket? We now offer them in the shop. I just tried one–super easy to use!
• Use a wool wash like Soak—now available at Monarch! It’s gentle, effective, and perfect for delicate fibers. Celebration is one of my favorite scents.
• Submerge your garment, swish it gently, and let it soak for 15–20 minutes.
  
• To remove excess water, press (don’t wring!) the item gently. If using a Strucket, open the little tap at the bottom and let it drain! I recently tried one myself, and it made the whole process so easy. You can see how it works in this fun video from @kneedlesandlife—it's seriously cool!

🧺 DRY

• After soaking, gently remove excess water by wrapping your item in a towel like a burrito and pressing down firmly. This helps absorb moisture without stretching the fibers.

  Another option I love is placing the item in the washing machine on a spin-only cycle. The centrifugal force draws out water efficiently without damaging your knitwear—just be sure it's spin only, no rinse or agitation.

• Once you've removed most of the water, lay the item flat to dry. This preserves the shape and helps prevent stretching. I highly recommend the Cocoknits Pop-Up Dryer—it’s a game-changer for drying your knits neatly and efficiently. 
  

MACHINE WASHING You can machine wash some knits, but I recommend using a short (no more than 30 minutes), gentle cycle. I keep the temperature cool, 65-70 degrees, and take the item out as soon as the cycle has ended.

🪒 DEPILL To keep your knits looking fresh, use the Cocoknits Fuzz Off Comb (their new design is much more user friendly) or the Gleener to remove any pilling. See my blog post on My Favorite De-Pillers.

🧳 STORE When it comes time to store your hand knits, do so with care. I recommend our Hayden Hill Luxury Organic Cotton Bags, made from 238-thread count Certified Organic Cotton. These breathable, protective bags shield your garments from moths, dust, light, and moisture—all without compromising airflow.

Each bag also features an organza panel so you can easily see what’s inside without unzipping...An elegant and practical storage solution for your most beloved knits!

🦋 PEST PREVENTION While we prefer not to say the "M" word (you know the one), it's essential to take preventative steps to protect your knits. Keep those pesky intruders at bay by using Hayden Hill's "M" traps. I keep one tucked inside the cabinet where I store my sweaters, and a couple more on the shelf in my closet to safeguard the rest of my wardrobe. They’re simple to use, non-intrusive, and give me peace of mind knowing my garments are protected.

Taking the time to care for your knits, whether lovingly handmade or thoughtfully purchased, means they’ll stay beautiful and wearable for years to come. With just a few simple tools and mindful habits, you can protect your favorite pieces from wear, damage, and the elements (yes, even them).

Have a favorite tip or go-to product for caring for your knits? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Until next time, happy washing and even happier making. 🧶✨