Crochet guide
How to wash crochet
Read the yarn's label first, because the fiber decides how a piece can be washed. If you have no label, wash by hand in cool water with a little mild detergent, press the water out in a towel and dry the piece flat.
On this page 10 parts
Read the yarn's label first
How a piece can be washed depends on the fiber it is made of. The yarn's label says what that fiber can take, in words or in care symbols. So keep one label from every project. If the piece is a gift, pass the washing instructions on with it.
The symbols come in five kinds:
| Symbol | What it is about |
|---|---|
| A tub of water | Washing. A number or dots inside give the water temperature. A hand in the tub means wash by hand. |
| A triangle | Bleach |
| A square | Drying |
| An iron | Ironing |
| A circle | Professional cleaning |
A cross through a symbol means do not.
No label? Wash by hand. It is the gentler way.
What each fiber usually needs
- Wool and other animal fibers. Go by the label. Some wool must be washed by hand, and some can go in a machine on a wool cycle. Water, heat and rubbing together make wool felt: the fabric shrinks and thickens, and it cannot be undone.
- Acrylic. Acrylic yarn can usually go in a washing machine, and some can be dried by machine too. Its label says how.
- Cotton. Cotton yarn can usually go in a washing machine too, which suits dishcloths and other things that are washed often. A cotton piece can stretch in use and draw back in when it is washed. Its label says how warm the wash may be.
- Anything else, or a blend. Go by the label. Different fibers need different care.
How to wash crochet by hand
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water. Mix in a small amount of mild detergent.
- Put the piece in and press it under the water. Move it gently with your hands. Do not scrub.
- Let the piece soak for 15 to 20 minutes, or for as long as the detergent's label says. Then move it gently again.
- Rinse gently in clean water until the soap is gone.
- Take the piece out and press out what water you can. Never wring it.
- Lay it on a thick towel and roll the towel up to press out more water.
How to wash crochet in a machine
Only do this when the label allows machine washing.
- Choose the gentlest cycle the machine has, such as a wool or hand-wash cycle.
- Wash the piece with similar things only, never in a load of heavy laundry.
- Wool felts when it is rubbed and spun, so the wrong cycle can ruin a wool piece in one wash.
How to dry it
Lay the piece flat on a dry towel, ease it back into shape with your hands and leave it to dry in the air. Do not hang a wet piece by its shoulders or edges. Wet crochet is heavy, and hanging pulls it out of shape.
Crocheters differ on dryers. Some never put a handmade piece in one. Others use a dryer for acrylic that can take it. A dryer is only ever an option when the label allows it.
Drying flat is also the last step of blocking, which is how you set the size and shape of a piece.
How to wash a crochet blanket
A blanket or afghan is washed the same way, but there is more of it. Check the label of the yarn it was made from. If the label allows a machine, use the gentle cycle and wash the blanket apart from heavy laundry. If not, wash it by hand in a tub or basin big enough to hold it. A wet blanket is heavy, and its own weight can stretch it. Lift it carefully, press the water out with towels and dry it flat.
Softening a stiff piece
Blocking helps: it improves the way the fabric drapes. Acrylic can also be relaxed with steam, with the iron held above the fabric and never touching it. Steam changes acrylic for good, so shape the piece the way you want it before you steam.
Storing crochet
- Put pieces away clean.
- Fold them. Do not hang them, because hanging stretches crochet out of shape over time.
Questions people ask
How often should I wash it? Less often than you may think. Airing a piece between wears is often enough.
Can I iron crochet? Do not press a hot iron onto it. To take out creases, use steam and keep the iron off the fabric. Check the label first.
How do I wash and press a doily? Wash it by hand, as described above, and rinse it well. Then pin it out flat to its shape with rustproof pins and leave it to dry where it lies. For a crisp doily, starch it before you pin it: stiffening crochet shows how. Do not press a hot iron onto it.
Where to go next
- How to block crochet shows how to shape a washed piece.
- Crochet yarn types explains how fibers differ, which helps you choose a yarn that suits the care you can give.
- Planning a blanket that will be washed often? See the baby blanket patterns.