Washing your hand-knitted sweater after finishing is an essential step, often called blocking, to help set the stitches, soften the yarn, and shape the garment. The process is straightforward and gentle.
## Preparation
Before you begin, clear a space where you can lay the sweater flat to dry, away from pets, direct sunlight, or heat sources. Handle your knitted fabric gently when wet, as it can stretch easily.
## The Washing Process
The most common and recommended method for washing hand-knitted sweaters, especially those made from natural fibers like wool, is hand washing.
Here's how to do it:
1. **Prepare the Bath:** Find a clean sink or basin large enough to comfortably submerge your sweater.
2. **Add Water:** Fill your sink with **tepid water**. Tepid water (lukewarm, neither hot nor cold) is best as hot water can felt or damage wool fibers, while cold water may not allow cleansers to work effectively.
3. **Add Wool Wash:** Add **1 teaspoon per gallon of a liquid wool wash of your choice** to the water. A good wool wash is formulated to clean delicate fibers without harsh chemicals. We like **Eucalan** because it's **delicate, natural, unscented**, and best of all, **you don't need to rinse it!** The lanolin in Eucalan helps condition the fibers.
4. **Submerge and Soak:** Gently place your sweater into the water, pressing it down to ensure it's fully submerged and the water penetrates all the fibers.
5. **Soak Thoroughly:** **Let the fibers soak for at least 15 minutes so the cleansers can penetrate the fibers fully**. For thicker sweaters or stubborn smells, you can soak for longer, up to 30 minutes or even an hour.
## Rinsing (if necessary)
If you used a wool wash that requires rinsing (unlike Eucalan), carefully drain the soapy water. Gently press more tepid water through the sweater repeatedly until the water runs clear and free of suds. Avoid wringing or twisting, which can damage the stitches and stretch the fabric.
## Removing Excess Water
Once washed and potentially rinsed:
* Carefully lift the sweater from the water, supporting its weight.
* Gently squeeze out as much water as possible without twisting or wringing.
* Lay the sweater flat on a clean, thick towel.
* Roll the sweater and towel together, pressing firmly to absorb more moisture.
* Unroll the sweater.
## Drying and Blocking
This is where you shape your sweater:
* Lay the damp sweater flat on a dry towel or a blocking mat.
* Gently pat and ease the sweater into the desired shape and measurements. You can use pins to hold edges in place if blocking to specific dimensions.
* Ensure the fabric is not stretched too thin or bunched up. Smooth out hems, cuffs, and necklines.
* Allow the sweater to air dry completely. This can take 24-72 hours depending on the fiber content, thickness, and humidity. Flip the sweater over periodically to allow air circulation.
By following these steps, you can effectively wash and block your newly knitted sweater, ensuring it looks great and lasts for years.
