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caretipsknitwearguide

Caring for Your Knitted Items

28 December 2025

Caring for Your Knitted Items

Your handmade pieces are built to last. They're made to survive the chaos of baby life and still come out the other side looking good.

But a little care goes a long way. Here's how to keep your knitted items soft, bright, and ready to pass down when the time comes.

The Good News

We know parents are busy. You don't have time for handwashing delicate fabrics or reading complicated care labels.

That's why all our pieces are made with soft acrylic wool. It's gentle on baby's skin, holds its shape wash after wash, and doesn't need any special treatment.

Machine washable. Durable. Designed with real life in mind.

Washing

Keeping your knitted items clean is simple.

Machine wash on cold. Use the gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water can cause fibres to lose their softness over time.

Use a mild detergent. Nothing too harsh. Baby-friendly detergents work well.

Pop it in a laundry bag. This protects the knit from snagging on zips or buttons from other items in the wash. A pillowcase works too if you don't have a laundry bag.

Wash with similar colours. Especially for the first wash. You don't want your white beanie coming out pink.

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Drying

This is where most people go wrong with knitted items.

Lay flat to dry. Spread it out on a clean towel and reshape it gently. This keeps the knit looking the way it should.

Don't hang it. Hanging stretches the fabric out of shape. That beanie will turn into a slouchy mess.

Keep out of direct sunlight. Sun can fade the colours over time. Dry in a shaded spot or indoors.

Don't tumble dry. The heat and tumbling can shrink or damage the fibres. Just skip it.

Storing

When your knitted items aren't in use, store them properly to keep them fresh.

Fold, never hang. Hanging stretches knitwear. Always fold and stack.

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp spots like garages or laundries.

Keep moths away. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets tucked in with your items will help. Moths love natural fibres, and while acrylic is less appealing to them, it's still worth protecting.

Avoid plastic bags. They trap moisture and can cause mustiness. Use cotton storage bags or just keep items in a drawer.

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Dealing With Stains

Babies are messy. It's going to happen.

Act fast. The quicker you treat a stain, the better your chances of getting it out.

Dab, don't rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibres. Dab gently with a clean cloth.

Cold water and mild soap. That's usually all you need. Work it in gently, then rinse.

Spot clean before the wash. If there's a stubborn mark, treat it first before throwing the item in the machine.

Keeping It Fresh Between Washes

You don't need to wash knitted items after every use. In fact, washing too often can wear them out faster.

Air it out. After use, lay it flat somewhere with good airflow for a few hours.

Shake off loose dirt or crumbs. A quick shake does wonders.

Spot clean small marks. If there's a little dribble or smudge, just treat that spot instead of washing the whole thing.

When to Retire a Piece

Nothing lasts forever. And with baby items, safety comes first.

Check for loose threads. Small fingers can get caught, or threads can end up in mouths.

Look for holes or stretched shapes. If the knit has lost its structure, it's probably time.

Trust your judgement. If it looks too worn to use safely, it's okay to let go.

But letting go doesn't have to mean throwing it away. Some families frame a favourite blanket or keep a small piece tucked into a memory box. It's a way to hold onto the sentiment without the safety concern.

Made to Be Passed Down

With the right care, these pieces don't just last through babyhood. They last through the next baby. And maybe the one after that.

That's the thing about handmade. It's not disposable. It's not meant to be replaced next year. It's made to stick around.

Look after it, and it'll look after your little ones for years to come.

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