(Originally published June 2023 — refreshed for Tips & Tricks)
Why Handmade Fiber Apparel Is So Special
One of the best things about handmade fiber pieces is how sustainable they are — not just in how they’re made, but in how you care for them.
Unlike most mass-produced clothing, yarn-based apparel doesn’t need frequent washing.
Wool, in particular, naturally resists dirt and odor, so you can wear your favorite sweater, scarf, or hat several times before it needs a clean. Layering with a tee or tank underneath helps even more.
💜 Bonus: less washing = less water and energy used!
My own handmade sweaters only need washing once per season — usually at the start of fall — and they stay fresh for months of wear.
Even my kids’ sweaters usually get rescued from the laundry pile and sent back to their closets before ever reaching the washer.
Different Fibers, Different Rules
Not all yarns are created equal — each fiber type behaves differently. Let’s break it down.
🐑 Animal Fibers (Wool, Alpaca, Cashmere, Angora)
These are delicate and prone to felting — when heat, water, and friction combine to shrink and matt fibers together permanently.
👉 Always hand wash in cold water and never use hot or boiling temperatures.
Even silk can “felt” if exposed to heat. And while superwash wools claim to be machine-safe, I still recommend skipping the washer altogether to preserve stitch definition and softness.
🌿 Plant Fibers (Cotton, Bamboo, Linen)
Plant fibers can stretch or lose shape in the washer. Hand wash these too — gently!
The one exception?
Small cotton items like face scrubbies or loofahs can safely go through the washer and dryer since fit and stretch aren’t an issue.
🧶 Acrylic & Synthetic Fibers (Acrylic, Polyester, Nylon)
These fibers contain some plastic content, so machine washing is technically possible — but friction and heat can still damage stitches.
That said, I do make a few washable exceptions, like my crochet water balloons.
Those are made to handle machine washing (on gentle, low-heat cycles).
⚠️ All Fibers — Never Use Bleach
Bleach weakens natural fibers and dulls color. Always skip it!
The Step-by-Step Care Guide
Caring for handmade fiber items doesn’t have to be complicated — just intentional. Here’s my tried-and-true process:
🧺 1. Prep Your Wash Area
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Choose a container that fits your item: large bowl for small pieces, sink for sweaters, or tub for larger batches.
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Wipe it clean first (especially if kids or pets share the space, make sure no toothpaste is there!).
🌸 2. Add Gentle Detergent
Use a no-rinse fiber wash like Eucalan or Soak (1 tsp per gallon of water).
These act like a leave-in conditioner for fibers — they clean and soften without rinsing.
* If you use a regular detergent instead, you’ll need to rinse your item afterward.
💧 3. Gently Swish & Soak
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Press your item down into the water and gently squeeze.
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Focus on areas that collect wear (like underarms).
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Never wring or scrub — gentle motion only.
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Let it soak for about 20 minutes (confirm with your detergent’s label).
🤲 4. Remove Excess Water
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Remove rings first to avoid water trapped under them.
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Lift your item out of the container and gently squeeze from top to bottom — no twisting or wringing!
- If you used a different detergent ~ this would be where you might need to add a rinse step.
🧺 5. Roll in a Towel
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Lay a clean towel flat, place your item on top, and roll it up.
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Press or “walk” on the towel to absorb extra moisture (pro tip: take your socks off first!).
🌬️ 6. Block or Lay Flat to Dry
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Lay your item flat on a clean, dry surface in its original shape.
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Adjust gently to desired size (especially with wool — it “remembers” how it dries).
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Add clothespins or let parts hang slightly if you want to lengthen an area.
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Avoid stretching or hanging wet items.
👩👧👦 Pro tip: Keep drying items out of reach from kids and pets! My office floor, door closed, is my go-to safe drying zone.
💜 A Maker’s Promise
When you buy a handmade piece from me, it’s already pre-washed and ready for wear — I use this exact care method before sending it out, so your first season of wear is worry-free.
Treat your handmade items gently, and they’ll last for years to come.
💜 Ready to add another heirloom to your collection? Browse the EZ Angel Creations shop for cozy knitwear, crochet pieces, and handmade fiber art gifts.