Maximising the Longevity of Your Handcrafted Pieces
After investing time, effort, and love into knitting a beautiful garment with 100% pure New Zealand Merino wool, it's essential to know how to care for it properly. Merino wool, known for its softness, warmth, and versatility, also requires special attention to maintain its quality and prolong its life. Proper care ensures that your hand-knitted Merino garments remain soft, retain their shape, and continue to look as stunning as the day you finished them.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for washing, drying, storing, and caring for your New Zealand pure Merino wool creations. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting with your first project, these tips will help you keep your Merino garments in pristine condition.
1. Understanding the Unique Properties of New Zealand Merino Wool
Before diving into the specifics of care, it's important to understand what makes Merino wool unique. Unlike other types of wool, Merino is exceptionally fine and soft, making it comfortable to wear directly against the skin. Its fibres are naturally elastic, allowing them to stretch and return to their original shape, which helps garments maintain their form over time.
Merino wool is also known for its moisture-wicking properties and breathability. It can absorb moisture without feeling wet, making it an ideal material for garments worn in various climates. Additionally, Merino wool is naturally odour-resistant, thanks to its ability to wick moisture away from the skin, preventing the buildup of bacteria.
However, these delicate fibres require gentle handling to prevent damage. With the right care techniques, you can preserve the softness, elasticity, and overall quality of your Merino wool garments.
Many experienced knitters find that understanding the unique properties of Merino wool helps them avoid common mistakes, such as using harsh detergents or exposing the wool to high heat, which can cause damage. By learning how to properly care for Merino wool, they can ensure their garments retain their beauty and functionality over time.
2. Washing Your Merino Wool Garments
When it comes to washing Merino wool, gentleness is key. Unlike synthetic fibres, which can withstand rough handling, Merino wool is delicate and requires special care to avoid shrinking, felting, or stretching. Here’s how to wash your Merino wool garments to keep them looking their best:
Hand Washing:
- Step 1: Fill a Basin with Cool Water: Use cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can cause Merino wool to shrink. Avoid using water that's too cold, as it can stiffen the fibres.
- Step 2: Add a Gentle Wool Detergent: Choose a mild detergent specifically designed for wool. Harsh detergents or those containing bleach can damage the fibres and strip the wool of its natural oils.
- Step 3: Gently Submerge the Garment: Place your Merino wool garment in the water and gently press it down to fully submerge it. Avoid scrubbing or wringing, as this can stretch or distort the fabric.
- Step 4: Soak for 10-15 Minutes: Let the garment soak in the water for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the detergent to clean the fibres without the need for aggressive agitation.
- Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Gently swish the garment to rinse out the detergent, repeating this process until the water runs clear.
Machine Washing:
If you prefer to machine wash your Merino wool garments, use the following precautions to prevent damage:
- Step 1: Use a Mesh Bag: Place your garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from friction and agitation during the wash cycle.
- Step 2: Select a Wool or Delicate Cycle: Set your washing machine to a wool or delicate cycle with cool water. Avoid high spin speeds, as they can stretch the fibres.
- Step 3: Use a Gentle Detergent: As with hand washing, choose a detergent that is safe for wool. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can coat the fibres and reduce their breathability.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- No Hot Water: Never use hot water when washing Merino wool, as it can cause irreversible shrinkage.
- No Bleach or Harsh Chemicals: Bleach and harsh chemicals can weaken the fibres and damage the wool.
- No Aggressive Agitation: Vigorous scrubbing or wringing can cause felting, where the fibres become matted together, resulting in a stiff and rough texture.
A knitter once discovered the risks of washing Merino wool in warm water when her favourite sweater shrank two sizes and lost its softness. Since then, she has been careful to follow proper washing techniques to ensure her Merino garments stay in their best condition.
3. Drying Your New Zealand Merino Wool Garments
Drying Merino wool correctly is just as important as washing it. Improper drying methods can lead to stretching, shrinking, or misshaping of your garments. Here’s how to dry your Merino wool items to maintain their quality and shape:
Step 1: Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water
After washing, carefully squeeze out the excess water from your Merino wool garment. Do not wring or twist the fabric, as this can stretch the fibres and cause distortion. Instead, press the garment between two clean towels to absorb the remaining moisture.
Step 2: Reshape While Wet
Lay your garment flat on a dry towel or drying rack, reshaping it to its original dimensions. This step is crucial, especially for garments like sweaters and scarves, as it helps them retain their shape as they dry.
Step 3: Air Dry Flat
Allow your Merino wool garment to air dry flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Hanging your garment to dry can cause it to stretch out of shape due to the weight of the water. Instead, laying it flat ensures that the fibres dry evenly without stretching.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- No Tumble Drying: Avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat and agitation can cause shrinkage and felting.
- No Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colours of your Merino wool garment to fade.
4. Storing Your Merino Wool Garments
Proper storage is essential to protect your Merino wool garments from damage when they’re not in use. Here’s how to store your garments to keep them safe from moths, moisture, and dust:
Step 1: Clean Before Storing
Always clean your Merino wool garments before storing them for an extended period. Stains and dirt can attract pests like moths, which can damage the wool fibres. Make sure the garments are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew or mould growth.
Step 2: Use Breathable Storage Bags
Store your Merino wool garments in breathable cotton or linen storage bags. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture, leading to mildew and musty odours. Breathable bags allow air to circulate, keeping the wool fresh and preventing the buildup of moisture.
Step 3: Add Natural Moth Repellents
To protect your garments from moths, place natural moth repellents, such as cedar balls, lavender sachets, or rosemary, in your storage area. These natural options are effective and safe for your wool garments, unlike chemical mothballs, which can leave a strong odour and potentially damage the fibres.
Step 4: Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Choose a cool, dry place to store your Merino wool garments. Avoid areas with high humidity or fluctuating temperatures, such as basements or attics, as these conditions can lead to moisture buildup and damage the wool.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- No Plastic Bags: Plastic bags do not allow air circulation and can lead to moisture buildup, which can damage your garments.
- No Damp Areas: Avoid storing your Merino wool garments in damp or humid areas, as this can lead to mildew and odour issues.
5. Dealing with Pilling and Repairs
Even with the best care, Merino wool garments may occasionally develop pilling or minor damage. Here’s how to handle these issues and keep your garments looking their best:
Removing Pilling:
Pilling occurs when fibres rub together, forming small balls of fluff on the surface of the fabric. While Merino wool is less prone to pilling than other wools, it can still happen, especially in high-friction areas like under the arms or around the cuffs.
To remove pilling:
- Use a Fabric Shaver: A battery-operated fabric shaver is an effective tool for gently removing pills without damaging the fabric. Glide the shaver over the pilled areas to restore the smooth surface of the wool.
- Use a Sweater Stone: A sweater stone or pumice stone can also be used to gently remove pills. Lightly rub the stone over the affected areas to lift and remove the pills.
Repairing Snags or Holes:
If your Merino wool garment develops a snag or hole, it’s best to repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Here’s how:
- Use a Darning Needle: For small holes or snags, a darning needle and matching yarn can be used to weave the threads back together.
- Patch Larger Holes: If the hole is too large to be darned, consider using a patch of matching wool fabric to cover it. This can add a unique touch to your garment and extend its life.
Conclusion
Caring for your hand-knitted Merino wool garments doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the unique properties of Merino wool and following these simple steps for washing, drying, storing, and repairing, you can keep your cherished garments looking and feeling as beautiful as the day you finished knitting them. Proper care not only preserves the quality and appearance of your garments but also ensures they remain a source of warmth and comfort for years to come.
Whether you’ve just completed your first Merino project or have a wardrobe full of handmade treasures, these care tips will help you protect your investment in both time and materials. With a little extra attention and care, your Merino wool garments will continue to be a source of pride and joy, reflecting the love and skill you put into creating them.
If you have any questions, get in touch. We'll be happy to help!