Solid Crafts – Care for your knitwear
Care for your knitwear – care for the planet All our pieces are made to last, but by taking extra care of your garments you can prolong its lifespan and keep it looking lovely for longer. All our knits are made with high-quality yarn and will last decades with the right care. How to best care for your fair knitwear, handmade by the artisans of Solid Crafts? We have put together an easy guide so you can keep your clothes clean and cared for. As such, you and your client will keep your knitwear smelling fresh and looking like new!
Dry cleaning is always a good choice, but what about using a washing machine?
Washing in the machine? Yes, you can! Most blends of wool can go into the washing machine. If your garment is made of 60% alpaca or more, it can not go into the washing machine. Other blends of wool can go into it if your washing machine has a delicate program. Your knitwear will be washed at low temperatures (20-30 degrees) and without heavy rotation (max 600 rpm). Make sure you don't stuff the drum too full; your knitwear needs space to soak. No delicate laundry, fine wool, or fine fabrics washing program? More than 60% alpaca in the yarn? Then wash by hand! If your washing machine doesn’t have a fine wool or fine fabrics washing programme or your wool contains more than 60% alpaca it is best to wash your knitwear by hand. Handwashing will add years to the life of your knitted clothing.
Fill the sink or bath with lukewarm water - best is water at room temperature without big temperature changes, put water in the sink and leave it for a while to get to the room temperature - and a little baby shampoo or fine detergent.
Let your woolen garment soak undisturbed for a while like 10 – 15 minutes (do not rub it) and rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water afterwards. Wring very carefully to keep the shape of your knitwear. Handle with love and care.
Use an appropriate detergent for delicate laundry.
Choose a suitable wool detergent. It has been specially developed so as not to damage the fine fibres. What you should definitely not do is to use too much detergent. If you do the soap may remain in your clothes and eventually cause a less fresh scent. You should also not use fabric softener. Drying cabinet is a no-go. Knitwear and the dryer? Not a good combination. After washing, dry your knitwear garment flat on a towel. Don’t hang it on a coat rack, because the fibres will stretch. Drying flat or on a hanger in shade will ensure that garments are left fresh and ready to wear, with no fading or peg marks. If you have creases in your garment, never iron it directly,
but keep the iron a few inches above it. The heat will be enough to get the creases out. Alternatively, use a cool iron on reverse or use a steamer. Is washing really necessary? Washing less means enjoying your knitwear longer. Whenever possible, light spot cleaning of garments will extend its life between wash cycles, and reduce the need for frequent exposure to detergent and excess water consumption. A lot of fibres/fabrics become weaker while wet, so please always take extra care when handling wet garments Are there no stains, but it doesn’t smell so fresh anymore? Just hang it outside on a coat rack. After a few hours outdoors, your knitwear will smell a lot fresher. You can also use a linen spray. Some iron machines also have a steam program, which can remove all bad smells from your beloved garment. Another trick is to use your dryer: simply let your knitwear garment run dry for 10 minutes and the bad smells are gone. Give your knitwear space Is your knitwear dry and wrinkle-free? Then fold it up nicely and put it horizontally in the cupboard. Make sure that you don’t stuff the clothes too much on top of each other and give the fabric enough air so it can breathe.
Repair with love Over time, some garments may experience a little wear and tear. We encourage repairs to garments that may need a little extra care to prolong its lifespan.
Have fun with your fair knitwear made by Solid Crafts! Our artisans had fun knitting your products. But they are the happiest due to the better future your knitwear order will provide them. By earning a fair wage and being empowered through their own work and the support of our organisation, they can take better care for themselves and their families. Let’s rise by lifting others!
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