Knit care

Knit care, the short version

A good knit lasts if you’re a little gentle with it. Read the care label sewn into your piece first: it knows the exact fibres. Then this.

How do I wash a sweater?

Start with the care label: it is the final word for that piece. In general, knits like cool water and a gentle touch. Hand-wash, or use a delicate cycle with the sweater inside out in a mesh bag, and a mild detergent. Skip the fabric softener, never wring it, and press the water out with a towel.

How do I dry a knit?

Flat, always. Lay it on a dry towel, ease it back into shape, and let it air-dry away from direct heat. A hanger stretches wet knit out of shape, and a hot dryer can shrink it.

How do I get rid of pilling?

Pilling is the little balls of fibre that form where a knit rubs, under the arms and along the sides. It is normal, not a flaw. Lay the piece flat and use a sweater comb or a fabric shaver with light strokes in one direction. Washing inside out cuts it down.

How do I care for chenille?

Chenille is the plush, velvety yarn in pieces like our hooded chenille sweater. Wash it inside out on the gentlest setting or by hand, dry it flat, and never iron it. A cool steamer held a few inches away lifts the pile back up.

How should I store sweaters?

Fold, do not hang: a hanger leaves bumps in the shoulders and slowly stretches the neck. Keep them folded in a drawer or on a shelf, clean, with cedar or lavender to keep moths away. For the off season, a breathable cotton bag beats plastic.

Can I iron a sweater?

Better to steam it. If you must iron, turn it inside out, use the lowest heat the label allows, and put a pressing cloth between the iron and the knit.

How do I fix a snag?

Never cut it. Push the loop through to the inside with a blunt needle or a small crochet hook, then gently stretch the fabric around it so the stitches settle back.

Still not sure about a piece? Write to us. Found a Sweet & Sinful label in yours? This is for you.