Caring for Superwash Wool

Cascade Yarns recently sent out a shop newsletter, and included were some instructions on caring for superwash wool projects. I thought I'd pass this along to you, and at the bottom I've added a few indications of my own. I'd love if you would share things in the comments that you found helpful as well!

Our wall of Cascade 220 Superwash. All the colors.

Many knitters and crocheters enjoy working with our Superwash yarns because they are easy care. It is nice to know that you can knit a child a garment and not have to worry about mom ruining it in the washing machine. Or do you? Superwash wool is easy care—not zero care. Here are a couple of pointers for caring for garments made from Superwash wool:
• Use ample water. Friction can cause wear to any natural fiber, especially merino. Our 220 Superwash is a fine fiber which gives the yarn incredible softness, but also makes it more susceptible to pilling. Many energy efficient washers use low levels of water. Large projects need ample water to allow the piece to swish and not rub up against itself repeatedly, causing undue friction. A mesh bag is also helpful in preventing friction.
• Use the right soap. Superwash yarn is safe for the washing machine, but not necessarily for all of the chemicals found in regular laundry detergent. Many laundry detergents contain enzymes to attack protein based stains. Wool is a protein based fiber, which means the enzymes in your detergent can harm the wool. Instead of a conventional detergent we recommend using a soap that is specifically designed for use on wool. Most local yarn shops carry some type of soap appropriate for use on wool.
• Use the dryer. Superwash yarn has been processed to remove the scales on the fibers. These naturally present scales are responsible for the adhering of the fibers during felting. Without the scales the fibers lose their gripping properties. When yarn is wet, it becomes heavy and in the case of superwash wool it will stretch if given the opportunity. Superwash wool springs back into shape in the dryer. We strongly recommend that you tumble dry your projects to prevent overstretching.

 

• I totally second the idea of using a mesh lingerie bag to put your hand knits in when washing them with other items. And if you're gifting a baby item, gift it with a mesh bag. Baby items notoriously have velcro, which can stick to your hand knit if the mama puts them in the same wash. If you gift her a lingerie bag, then you're helping her care for the hand knit.
• Project knit in superwash wool can seem to "grow" after washed. Don't severely block them unless you want them to grow in size. And if you want them to go back to their original shape after blocking, wash them and machine dry it 80% and don't stretch it back out- just flatten it out, smoothing out the wrinkles and let it air dry the remaining 20%.

Comments

[Jeanne]

Thank you for these tips. I put my handknit socks in a lingerie bag in the washer, but I have often felt that some are tighter and thicker (like a little bit felted) afterwards. Then this article says that you need lots of water to allow it to "swish". Does the lingerie bag inhibit the swishing aspect?

[MARY M CRONK]

Good tips. I have had too many hats get unwearable after washing. Now, if the hat fits I just wear it when done. When I need to wash it. I still handwash in mild soap, and then squish it in a towel that I step on... then I do the dryer on low until it is almost dry. Then lay it flat, no blocking until completely dry.

It is trial and error for me. The first time I did the dryer think I was stressed out... but no worry, it works with superwash.

[MARY M CRONK]

i do my socks in the same manner with handwashing in mild soap, squishing in a towel but I NEVER put them in the the dryer! I just hang them on a towel rack after making sure they are flat and nice looking.. they just dry that way. They just don't seem to stretch ... I just use superwash sock yarn with nylon.. they are not heavy feeling like a wet hat. they dry so much nicer than DK or worsted weight or bulky (heaviest and stretches the most) Hope this is not too much information for people that all know this ....

[amy g]

Good to know! Thank you for posting this!

[Jessica]

What about hard water or bleeding of dye and how to deal with that? Any tips? Some hand dyed yarns and certain colors are notorious for bleeding. Even when they're dry- sometimes I get the dye on my hands when I knit or crochet!