Wool Knowledge {Care and store handmade properly}

It's worth keeping these clues so you still know how to wash the piece later. I have downloaded the symbols and always make my own clue labels using iron-on film and a white fabric ribbon. I then sew these onto my finished project. That way I always have all the info in front of me when I need it.

What does Superwash mean?

In the superwash ("Hercosett process"), the natural fibers are coated with a layer of synthetic resin. This protects the wool better from felting. You will often find sock wool or yarns especially for baby accessories with this felt-free finish. These yarns can later be washed in the washing machine without any problems. However, the process is very time-consuming and involves some difficulties. On the one hand, the fibers partially lose their natural characteristics, and on the other hand, the coating washes out of the fibers over time. The items then become matted anyway and the wastewater is contaminated with synthetic resin particles.

Hand wash or not?

This is where opinions differ. Many manufacturers indicate on their labels whether their yarn is machine washable or not. I have also experienced that there are yarns that are not as affected by machine washing as by hand washing. That being said, I always prefer hand washing. But there are some things to consider here as well.

The word "hand wash" makes some people think of a woman with a washboard, who scrubs her laundry over the board with maximum physical effort. But please don't let that influence you - if you do, there's a very good chance that your handmade clothes won't survive this procedure. Hand washing should be a gentle alternative to the washing machine.

Water temperature

Even if you decide to hand wash, you must pay special attention to the water temperature. This point in particular is often underestimated or not properly taken into account when washing by hand. While you can set the temperature exactly when washing in a washing machine, this is somewhat more difficult with water from the tap. It's best to get a small thermometer so you can be on the safe side.

You should also keep in mind that wool fibers do not like too strong temperature fluctuations. The risk of shrinkage is greater if you put wool fibers in water that is too hot, or quench them cold after a hot bath.

Detergent

There are now an incredible number of agents for washing clothes - for white laundry, for sportswear, or to remove special types of stains such as blood. For wool, however, it is worth investing in special agents. These wool detergents have a special pH value and do not attack the natural protective layer of the fibers as much. Here in the Maschenfein store you can find the Woolsoap by Twig & Horn as well as Eucalan, both very gentle wool detergents in different scents. You should avoid protein dissolving, bleaching or extra softening agents, because the additives can damage the fibers in the worst case, making the yarn brittle, hard or dull.

Movement

Wool fibers have a rough surface. If they are pressed into each other, they become wedged and the wool felts. To reduce this risk, you should refrain from too vigorous rolling and kneading when hand washing. Personally, I often just press the fibers under water and carefully turn the pieces so that the moisture is evenly distributed. The risk of felting also increases if the wrong water temperature or detergent is chosen.

To avoid the formation of bumps (which sometimes happens if you have a normal clothes rack), it is best to place a towel between the drying rack and the garment. If drying takes a long time, it is important to change the towel in between and turn the piece.

Taboo when drying wool pieces is the dryer. The warm air and the movements of the drying drum cause the fibers to mat.

I know it's very tempting to shorten the drying time and dry your handmade piece on the heater, but some fibers get dry and brittle from it. If you want to use the heater as an aid, place your drying rack near a heater, but avoid getting it too warm.

Storage of woolen things

In addition to washing hand-knitted clothing, there is also a little something to consider when storing them if you want to enjoy your creations for a long time.

Before you put your creations in the closet or dresser, make sure they are thoroughly dry. Wool always contains a certain amount of moisture, but the fabric should not feel clammy or damp. If you haven't washed the pieces beforehand, it's a good idea to air them out again before storing them and gently tap them to remove any dust or flakes of skin.

Store lying or hanging?

Not only damp fibers have an enormous weight. Even when dry, your garments can warp. To prevent them from wearing out, it is advisable to always store knitted and crocheted items lying flat.