How to wash a hand-knitted sweater
Wash a hand-knitted sweater by hand in water up to 30°C with a gentle wool detergent, don't wring it and dry it laid flat. Below you will find the whole process step by step, as well as drying, pilling and storage. The rules apply to our alpaca sweaters and most hand-knitted garments. Our Master Knitters put many hours of work into every piece, so a few minutes of good care really pays off.
- Wash rarelyOften it is enough to air the sweater.
- By hand onlyIn water up to 30°C, with a wool detergent.
- Don't wringPress it in a towel and dry flat.
- Don't hangStore it folded in a drawer or on a shelf.
How to wash a hand-knitted sweater step by step
The washing itself takes about fifteen minutes. The rest is patient drying.
-
Prepare the water
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water, up to 30°C, and add a small amount of gentle wool detergent. Avoid regular washing powders, bleach and enzyme detergents, because they damage natural fibres.
-
Soak and wait
Submerge the sweater, gently press it a few times and leave it for about 10 minutes. Don't rub or scrub, as the knit may felt.
-
Rinse
Rinse in water of the same temperature until the foam is gone. Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
-
Press, don't wring
Roll the sweater in a terry towel and press gently so it absorbs the excess water. Wringing stretches and distorts the knit.
How to dry a hand-knitted sweater
Drying decides whether the sweater keeps its shape. Wet knitwear is heavy and stretches easily.
Lay it flat
Place the sweater on a dry towel or a drying rack. Don't hang a wet sweater, because it will stretch under its own weight.
Reshape it
Straighten the sleeves, ribbing and hem so the sweater dries to its own measurements.
Turn it over after a few hours
Drying can take a day or longer. If the towel gets wet, swap it for a dry one.
What to avoid
Radiators, tumble dryers and direct sunlight. High temperatures can felt the fibres and change the size of the sweater.
How to care for a hand-knitted sweater every day
A few habits that keep your sweater looking new for longer.
Air instead of washing
Natural fibres air out well. After wearing, hang the sweater for a few hours somewhere airy; that is usually enough.
Pilling
Pills appear on every natural knit, most often under the arms and on the sleeves. That is normal. Remove them with a knit comb or a wool shaver, never pull them off.
Stains
Act straight away. Blot the stain with a tissue without rubbing, then rinse the spot with cool water and a little wool detergent.
Smoothing
If the sweater needs refreshing, use a steamer from a few centimetres away. Don't iron it directly.
Storage
Fold the sweater and keep it in a drawer or on a shelf; on a hanger knitwear stretches. Before putting it away for the season, make sure it is clean, because moths are attracted to smells and food traces.
Protection from moths
For the summer, put the sweater in a breathable cotton bag or box. Avoid airtight plastic. A sachet of lavender or cedarwood will help.
Frequently asked questions about washing sweaters
Didn't find your answer? Write to us, we're happy to help.
How do I wash a hand-knitted sweater?
Ideally by hand, in water up to 30°C with a gentle wool detergent. Submerge the sweater, wait about 10 minutes without rubbing, rinse, press in a towel and dry laid flat.
At what temperature should I wash an alpaca sweater?
In water up to 30°C. A higher temperature increases the risk of the fibres felting and the knit shrinking.
Can a hand-knitted sweater be machine washed?
We recommend hand washing. Every piece is made by hand, and machine washing increases the risk of the fibres felting and the knit losing its shape.
How often should I wash an alpaca sweater?
As rarely as possible. Airing is usually enough. Plan a wash when the sweater is dirty or before putting it away at the end of the season.
How do I get rid of pilling on a sweater?
Remove pills gently with a knit comb or a wool shaver. Don't pull them off with your fingers, as you may stretch the knit. Pilling appears on natural fibres and usually does not mean the sweater is faulty.
My sweater has felted or shrunk. What should I do?
Sometimes it helps to soak it in cool water with a little wool conditioner, gently stretch it and dry it flat. If that doesn't help, write to us.
Does an alpaca sweater itch?
Alpaca contains no lanolin, so it is usually gentler than sheep's wool. Skin sensitivity varies from person to person, though. If you are unsure, write to us and we will advise you.
Do these rules apply to all products?
This guide describes the general care rules for our knitwear. If you are unsure about a specific product, such as a dog sweater or a vest, write to us.
