Caring for your knitwear is easy, as long as follow some simple steps to ensure your knitwear stays as beautiful as the day you bought it.

1. WEARING

When you wear or cuddle up to knitwear, you must always keep in mind that it is a delicate fabric, which can be pulled by jewellery, nails, pins, etc. The tighter the weave, the less likely it is to pull. However, no knitwear is immune! If you do happen to make a pull in your knitwear, never fear! It can be fixed. Here is a little step-by-step guide to fix it.

– Find the two ends of the yarn that have been pulled. If it is still a loop, then very carefully cut the looped yarn in half so you have two ends to tie

– Tie the two ends in a single knot, then a double knot, gently but firmly – not too tight so that it pulls the yarn through further – but not too loosely so that the knot flaps about

– Carefully trim the ends of the yarn off and be careful not to trim the knot as well

– Then iron the garment and voila! It is as good as new again.

2. WASHING

Although most merino wool can be machine washed, it is highly dependant on the type of washing machine you have, and the cycles it offers. Merino wool naturally wicks away dirt and moisture, so your woollen garments shouldn’t need to be washed every time you wear them. Hand washing is the safest way to ensure no damage is done. When hand washing, always, always, always use wool wash – DO NOT use normal laundry powder or liquid, it is too harsh for the little woollen fibres, and can wreak all sorts of havoc on your knitwear.

It is worth buying a good quality wool wash, and here’s one we prepared earlier! Jude’s Eucalyptus & Rose Geranium Wool Wash is perfect for your woollies as it is all natural and a very gentle formula. It is suitable for top and front loaders, and of course for hand washing. You can buy it at the Jude online store.

Add just a tiny squeeze into your tub or washing machine (don’t put too much in, less is more), and let it work its natural magic!

Always check the care label of your specific garment though. Some knitwear does not like water at all – so if you are in any doubt, take it to your dry cleaner.

3. DRYING

Gone are the days where you have to dry your woollens on a flat surface. Simply hang your knitwear over the clothes line, or over the back of a chair or drying rack.
Just don’t use pegs as they leave nasty marks. Avoid drying your knitwear in full sun.

4. IRONING

The key to caring for your knitwear is ironing. It smooths down all the fibres that have been given a good ruffle up if you washed it, and it restores your knitwear to its silky best. Use the wool setting on your iron, with plenty of steam.

Spray a small amount of linen water (you can buy this in stores) or, add a few drops of lavender essential oil into a small spray bottle and mix with water. Shake and spray onto your knitwear before ironing and it will smell positively delicious. This is especially great when you go to store your knitwear for the warmer months, as lavender helps to fend off moths.

5. STORING

As mentioned above, storing your knitwear with lavender helps fend off moths.
Before you retire your knitwear for the warmer months, make sure it is clean, pressed and folded neatly so that when you go to pull it out again on a chilly evening, it is as beautiful as it was the day you put it away.

Storing your knitwear in a dust bag with a small pouch of dried lavender is ideal, to ensure there are no nasty holes nibbled by hungry moths.

Love your knitwear!
Jude x