Care Advice

Caring for your knitwear

Knitwear can tend to lose its shape quicker than other garments. What’s the best way to store your winter knits to retain their shape?
In years gone by people have tended to shy away from washing their knitwear believing it will last longer if it isn’t washed. This is a myth, careful washing will keep your knitwear in shape and looking great.
We would recommend folding your knitwear to keep it in shape. If you are wanting to hang your knitwear over the winter while you are wearing it frequently you’ll need to use a soft padded hanger so the shoulders don’t seat, some garments hang better than others.

Is it safe to throw your knitwear in the washing machine?
No, washing can vary for different knitwear; you should always follow the care instructions on the garment label.
We do recommend hand washing your knitwear in cold water using an approved wool detergent, you can then spin it on the gentle spin in the machine. Spinning removes the excess water, helping keep the garment in shape. Always rinse at the same temperature you washed at, which is why we recommend cold, as warm water can be variable and this will cause shrinkage in your garment.
Never use a detergent or fabric softener containing bleaching agents or enzymes on any wool garment, these eat through wool.

What is the correct way to dry knitwear once you’ve washed it?
Lay your garment flat to dry, will help it to retain it’s shape. Light coloured garments are best dried away from direct light.
Never put your knitwear in the dryer, unless the care instructions say it is safe to do so.

Is there anyway to stop pilling? What can you do if you favourite winter woollies start to pill?
Washing actually reduces pilling. Pilling is variable and the same garment can pill on one person and not on another. It is caused by short fibres coming to the surface of the garment; washing eliminates these short fibres, keeping your knitwear looking great.
Merino possum blends have the advantage of having a low pilling rate, which is attractive to those who do have problems with garments pilling.

What about moths and knitwear?
Moths and knitwear don’t go so well together. Many people keep there garments in sealed plastic over the summer months. Moth balls are no longer available, but you can buy camphor oil from your pharmacy. This on a cloth in your knitwear draw should keep the moths out.
If they have already set up camp in your woollens draw, an insect bomb is really your only course of action. Moth holes often appear as small holes like cuts on your garment, once washed many more often appear.