How to Protect Your Knitted and Crocheted Items?

Are you facing issues with your handmade items? Don’t know how to fix it? The beautiful craft, created using the softest, most luxurious hand-dyed yarn is more than just items. Don't worry; we will help you in this scenario and provide suggestions that help to protect your craft for many years so that you can cherish it for a long time. In this guide, let’s dive into the best ways to protect your beloved handcrafted items.

Follow these incredible solutions:

1. Issue with storage

It is important to store your knitted and crocheted items in a clean and dust-free environment. Never keep them in a dirty closet or drawer, otherwise, they will lose shininess.  Exposure to sunlight can fade the fabric color, especially when using colorful yarns. Hence, look for a shaded area to maintain their vibrant hues. Use cotton or muslin bags that allow airflow to store your creative items easily. It prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mold. Avoid using plastic bags as they have moisture and can damage delicate yarn.

2.  Take extra caution when washing

Before you start washing your knitted or crocheted item, wait! Not all yarns are made the same, and many require special care. Take extra time and effort to hand-wash your items, which can make all the difference. Always check and follow the care instructions on the yarn label if you use premium yarn for crafting. Avoid hanging your project to dry, as it can stretch and damage the shape. Instead, gently reshape it and lay it flat on a towel to air dry.

3. Fuzzy balls on the fabric? What’s that

Pilling means shaping small, round balls on the surface of your knitting and crochet projects. It is the bane of every crafter’s existence.  However, it is more likely to happen with certain yarns, like soft yarn. Premium yarns are less prone to pilling. However, if you notice pilling is forming, use a fabric shaver to gently remove the fuzzy balls from the fabric without damaging it.

4. Repel Moths and Insects

Do you know nothing is worse than finding moth holes in your crafting projects? This little creature loves natural fiber, so take extra care to keep them at bay. Lavender, cedar, and cloves are a great repellant.  Do you know they are attracted to dirt? Make sure you clean all your items before storing them.

5. Show love to your creation

Everyone loves to wear handmade items every day. Why not? Because you create this yourself, with great effort. So, treat them with care and love. Excessive wear and tear can lead to stretching or unraveling, especially with more delicate fibers. Don't wear the same handmade item daily. Give it a break that allows the fibers to relax and recover. A little extra care helps expand its lifespan.

6. Fix it as soon as you notice it

Sometimes you find there’s a hole or loose stitch. In this case, don’t panic! It’s necessary to take quick action to save your item from further damage. Use a crochet hook, repair hook or tapestry needle to pull loose threads back into the place. In case of larger holes, you might need to reweave the yarn.

7. Reblock if necessary

After some time, you may notice that your knitted, or crocheted project might lose its shape or shine. This happens when you use premium yarn; don’t worry about it, and you can reblock it to restore the original form of the fabric.  Soak your item in cool water and reshape it by hand, laying it flat to dry. Use blocking mats and pins to achieve the desired shape.

We hope by following the above ideas, you can keep your items in good condition.

You are emotionally attached to your project when you knit and crochet any items, it deserves extra care. Because, you have spent time, love, and energy in its creation. So that it looks fresh and new all the time. Remember, you are not only preserving the yarn but the memories, and creativity of the masterpiece.

Also, make sure you read below related articles below before you buy the yarn:

Related articles:  How To Wash Wool Yarn: A Step-By-Step Guide

How to Care for your Hand Dyed Yarn Projects