Check out 9 important tips for maintaining the integrity and durability of handmade pieces
The cold has already arrived, and this means that we can already start putting away the summer clothes to make room for the warmer ones in the wardrobe. In warmer temperatures, blouses, jackets and cardigans are already being incorporated into looks and often need to be sanitized before removing the stored smell that always remains after a few months without use. And how to wash and store crochet and knitwear?
Handmade pieces require a particular care when washing so as not to damage the wires and keep them for many years. Because they are delicate, it is important to follow a few guidelines to ensure their durability and good condition, without fraying, fading, warping, shrinking or fraying. After all, clothes made with such care deserve this special attention, right?
That’s why the style team at Circle, the largest producer of handicraft products in Latin America, has prepared some tips that can help you store these pieces easily. Watch:
1. Prefer manual washing
Sanitize handmade clothes the hand it is the best way to ensure the longevity of the piece. Even the most delicate setting of the washing machine can damage the yarn fibers and distort the pattern. But remember: do not soak or wring out. Gently wash, rinse, gently squeeze out excess water and leave to dry.
2. Do not hang on the clothesline
Lay the pieces on the towels on the tables – if you’re going to lay them flat on a surface, choose put on a towel of the same color as the piece so that you don’t have problems with stains or hairs – or floor clotheslines, otherwise they can stretch too much on the conventional clothesline and become deformed. Don’t use clothespins as they will leave marks.
3. Avoid letting it dry in the sun
The sun will fade your pieces and damage their fibers. Therefore, in addition to not hanging it, you have to let them dry in the shade. This also applies to the tumble dryers – avoid.
4. Use cold water
This is perhaps somewhat obvious advice, as the water that comes out of the tap and that used in the washing machine is cold. But if you plan on heating water to wash your handmade piece, give up on that idea. Water up to 40 degrees, maximum warm, is ideal for washing. Hotter than that, it can cause your piece to shrink and lose its luster. Especially the ones made with acrylic.
5. Use mild soap
You might think that the best-smelling detergent is the best option for your parts. But it is considered aggressive to the delicate fibers of crochet and knit. Therefore, nothing better than the neutral soap to wash them perfectly and ensure their durability over time. Also do not use bleach.
6. Be careful when ironing
If you have to iron your clothes, be very careful. use the iron at the lowest temperatures, a maximum of 110 degrees. put a cloth over the piece, could also be a tea towel. Just avoid putting the iron in direct contact with the threads, as this can ruin the fibers of your clothes and can stretch too much.
7. Do not use hangers
hand made parts it must not be hung on hooks, even after drying. The stitches will be dilated and your piece will be warped. Leave them folded in some drawer or shelf.
8. When storing, protect
If you are a crafter and have an order that you will keep for a while before delivery or when you need to store winter clothes to adapt your wardrobe for the next season, you prefer to keep your crochet and knit clothes and accessories protected from dust and with all the fibers preserved.
To do this, you can wrap them in tissue paper or even use TNT or organza bagswhich allow the yarn to breathe and prevent the accumulation of humidity and, consequently, mould.
9. Always keep your clothes clean
Some people have a habit of washing their clothes after each use, some don’t. They use it until they feel the piece is really dirty and needs to be washed. However, be careful, avoid storing dirty items in the closet. Doing so can cause any dirt to get stuck in the fibers of the yarn. And then, even when you wash your clothes, they won’t be perfectly clean and the stains will be more difficult to remove.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
