Care guide
A hand-crocheted piece lasts for years when it is cared for gently. If your piece came with a care note, or a yarn label that says something different, follow that first.
Washing
- Wash by hand in cool water (up to 30 degrees C) with a small amount of gentle detergent made for delicates or wool.
- Press the piece under the water to wash it. Do not rub, scrub, wring or twist, because wet crochet is heavy and stretches easily.
- Rinse in cool water until it runs clear. Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
- Wash dark and vivid colours on their own, especially the first few times, as they can release a little dye. If the water turns coloured, rinse straight away in cool water and do not leave the piece to soak.
Drying
- Lift the piece out with both hands, supporting its weight. Never hang it up while it is wet.
- Roll it gently in a clean towel to take out the water. Do not twist.
- Reshape it while damp: smooth the edges, square the motifs and match the measurements.
- Dry it flat on a fresh towel or a drying rack, away from direct sun and heat. Turn it over once after a few hours. Never tumble dry or dry on a radiator.
Ironing and steaming
Do not iron crochet. If it needs freshening, hold a steamer a little away from the piece while it lies flat, or let it hang in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes, then reshape it and let it dry flat. Keep steam and heat away from any appliqued flowers and beads.
Storing
- Fold your piece and keep it flat in a drawer or on a shelf. Never store crochet on a hanger, as its own weight will pull the stitches out of shape.
- Use a breathable cotton bag or tissue paper. Avoid long storage in sealed plastic.
- Keep it clean and dry before putting it away, and add lavender or cedar to keep moths away.
Stains and spills
Act quickly. Blot the mark with a clean cloth, without rubbing, then dab gently with cool water and a drop of mild soap. Do not use hot water or strong stain removers, which can mark the yarn and fade the colour. If you are unsure, test on a hidden spot first, or contact us.
Snags and loose threads
Never cut or pull a loose thread. Use a small crochet hook or a blunt needle to push it back through to the inside of the piece, or leave it and contact us. Rough jewellery, zips, hook-and-loop fasteners and bag straps are the usual causes, so be mindful of them when you wear your piece.
Pilling
Small fuzz balls can form where the piece rubs, especially under the arms and where a bag strap sits. Remove them gently with a fabric comb or a fabric shaver, using very light pressure. Do not pull them off with your fingers.
Bags and hats
- Bags: spot clean only, with a lightly damp cloth. Stuff the bag with tissue when you are not using it so it keeps its shape.
- Hats: wash by hand as above, then dry flat over a bowl or a rolled towel so the crown keeps its shape.
Wearing it well
Rest your piece between wears so the fibres can recover. Apply perfume and sunscreen before you dress, and let them dry. Wash only when it needs it: crochet does not need washing after every wear.
Need help?
If a piece is damaged, or you are not sure how to care for it, get in touch through the Contact page or on WhatsApp. We are happy to advise.