How to care for your knits: washing, drying and storing them without damaging them

June 18, 2025 Knit Sis

Have you spent hours knitting your favorite cardigan or sweater? It deserves proper care. In this article, we explain how to care for your knits to keep them beautiful, soft, and durable. Washing, drying, storage... We'll guide you step by step with simple and effective tips, whether you're a beginner or an expert.

Bonus tip : Some of our patterns are designed to withstand repeated washing! Take the opportunity to discover our Cardichou cardigan, perfect for everyday use.

Why caring for your knits is essential

Poorly maintained knitwear can quickly felt, lose its shape, or lose its softness. Proper care can extend the life of your handmade pieces , whether they're made of merino wool, alpaca, or cotton. It's also a way to appreciate the time and love you put into them.

Have you invested time and energy? Give your creations the longevity they deserve.

How to hand wash a knit (without felting it)

Frequently asked question: How to wash a wool knit without it shrinking?

Here are the steps to follow for a successful wash:

1️⃣ Fill a basin with warm (not hot!) water

2️⃣ Add a special wool detergent or a mild hair shampoo.

3️⃣ Immerse your knit without rubbing it : let it soak for 10-15 minutes.

4️⃣ Rinse with clear lukewarm water , without twisting.

5️⃣ Gently squeeze to remove excess water (never wring).

💡 Use a terry towel to absorb moisture before drying.

Can you machine wash a knit?

Yes, but only if your yarn allows it (always check the label!).

🔹Choose the "wool" or "cold wash" program

🔹Use a wash bag to protect your piece

🔹Reduce spin drying to a minimum

The Doudou Sweater and the Poppy Top , available free of charge on our site, are machine washable thanks to their soft and light yarns.

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How to properly dry a knitted item

Never tumble dry! This felts and deforms the fiber.

Preferably dry flat on a towel, away from a direct heat source. For heavy items (sweaters, cardigans):

🔹 Place a towel under the knitting

🔹Roll it gently to absorb the water

🔹Lay the knitting flat , reshaping it to the correct dimensions (block it if necessary)

Blocking your knitting after washing allows it to restore its original shape and enhance the stitches worked.

How to store your knits (without damaging them)

Frequently asked question: How do I store my off-season knits?

Here are our tips for storing them properly:

🔹Store them clean and completely dry

🔹Use a fabric or cardboard box , avoid plastic

🔹Slip a sachet of lavender or cedar inside to keep moths away

🔹Never hang them (risk of deformation)

Knit-sis knitting patterns: designed to last

At Knit-sis, we create easy-to-follow, real-life patterns . Many of our designs, like the Strippie Sweater or the Festi Vest, are designed to withstand regular use.

What if you discovered our patterns designed to be worn, washed, and cherished every day?

See all patterns →