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Wash, Block, Repeat: How to Care for Different Yarn Types

April 8, 2025

You’ve cast off your final stitch, woven in the ends, and admired your masterpiece. But hold on—your project isn’t finished just yet! To keep your knits looking fabulous and lasting for years, you need to know how to care for them properly. Washing, blocking, and storing your knits are crucial steps in the life of every handmade piece.

 

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for different yarn types, so you can show your knits the love they deserve. Let’s dive in!

 

Quick Note: In case you are brand new here, this blog post is part of our ''Choosing the Best Fiber Type for Your Project'' series! In this series, I am breaking down everything you need to know about yarn fibers and choosing the best yarn fibers for your projects. To see the previous post in this series, check out blog post 6 called ‘’Switch It Up: How to Substitute Yarns Without Sacrificing Quality’’!

Why Proper Care Matters

Your hand-knit projects are labors of love, and proper care ensures they:

Maintain their shape and size.

Look as beautiful as the day you finished them.

Stay soft, cozy, and free from damage.                                                                            

Different fibers have different care needs, so it’s essential to understand how to handle each one.

Caring for Common Yarn Types

Here’s a fiber-by-fiber guide to washing and blocking your knits:

1. Wool

Wool is the quintessential knitting fiber, known for its elasticity and warmth. But without proper care, it can shrink or felt.

How to Wash:

Hand wash in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash (like Eucalan or Soak).

Avoid agitation to prevent felting.

Gently squeeze out excess water—don’t wring!

How to Block:

Lay flat on a towel, gently shaping your project to the desired measurements.

Use blocking pins for precise shaping, especially for lace or textured stitches.

2. Superwash Wool

Superwash wool has been treated to prevent felting, making it more forgiving than regular wool.

How to Wash:

Machine wash on a gentle, cold cycle, or hand wash.

Use a mild detergent and avoid high heat to prevent stretching.                                

How to Block:

Lay flat to dry after washing, reshaping as needed. Superwash wool tends to grow when wet, so careful blocking is key.

3. Cotton

Cotton is durable, breathable, and great for warm-weather knits, but it lacks elasticity and can lose shape if not cared for properly.

How to Wash:

Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water.

Avoid fabric softeners, as they can weaken the fibers.                                                    

How to Block:

Lay flat to dry, gently reshaping your project.

For extra crispness, steam block lightly with an iron (but don’t press directly on the fabric!).

4. Alpaca

Alpaca is luxuriously soft and warm, but it’s prone to stretching due to its lack of elasticity.

How to Wash:

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent.

Avoid soaking for too long, as alpaca fibers can become overly saturated and stretch.                                                          

How to Block:

Lay flat on a towel, reshaping carefully.

Use blocking pins sparingly to avoid distortion.                                                                

5. Silk

Silk is smooth, shiny, and drapey, but it’s also delicate and requires gentle handling.

How to Wash:

Hand wash in cool water with a mild soap.

Be gentle—silk can weaken when wet.                                                                                 

How to Block:

Lay flat on a towel and reshape carefully.

Avoid aggressive pinning, as silk projects are prone to stretching.                              

6. Acrylic

Acrylic is a durable, budget-friendly fiber that’s easy to care for and perfect for everyday items.

How to Wash:

Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water.

Tumble dry on low, or lay flat to dry to avoid stretching.                                                 

How to Block:

Steam blocking works wonders for acrylic, as heat sets the fibers. Use a steam iron or garment steamer, but don’t press directly on the fabric. Just keep in mind that acrylic yarn doesn't truly block like a natural fiber will.  

7. Blended Yarns

Blended yarns combine the properties of multiple fibers, so their care instructions depend on the dominant fiber. Always check the label for specific recommendations.

 

Pro Tip: When in doubt, hand wash and lay flat to dry—better safe than sorry!

Blocking Methods Explained

Blocking is the magic touch that transforms your knits from good to great. Here are three common methods:

1. Wet Blocking

Fully submerge your project in lukewarm water.

Gently squeeze out excess water, then lay flat to shape.

Best for: Wool, superwash, and most natural fibers.                                                         

2. Steam Blocking

Hover a steam iron or garment steamer over your project, applying light pressure if needed.

Ideal for: Acrylic and fibers that don’t need aggressive shaping.

3. Spray Blocking

Lightly mist your project with water and lay it flat to dry.

Works well for: Lightweight projects like shawls or delicate lace.                                  

Tips for Storing Your Handknits

Blocking is the magic touch that transforms your knits from good to great. Here are three common methods:

1:

Avoid Hanging: Never hang knitted garments, as this can cause stretching. Fold them instead.

2:

Use Breathable Bags: Store your knits in cotton or muslin bags to keep dust and pests away while allowing air circulation.

3:

Add Lavender or Cedar: Natural moth repellents like lavender sachets or cedar blocks can protect your knits without harsh chemicals.

4:

Rotate Seasonally: When storing winter knits during summer, make sure they’re clean and completely dry to avoid mildew or pests.

Troubleshooting Common Care Issues

Felting Mishap: Accidentally felted your wool project? Try soaking it in lukewarm water with a bit of hair conditioner, then gently stretch it back to size. Results may vary, but it’s worth a shot!

Stretched Out Garment: Wash and block the item again, shaping it back to its original dimensions.

Persistent Wrinkles: Lightly steam block the project or use a damp cloth between the fabric and your iron.

Conclusion: Love Your Knits for Years to Come

Knitting is a labor of love, and proper care ensures your hard work pays off. From woolly sweaters to silky shawls, every project deserves a little TLC to keep it looking its best. With the right washing, blocking, and storage techniques, your handmade treasures will stay cozy, soft, and beautiful for years to come.

 

So go ahead, show your knits some love—they’ve earned it!

 

What’s your go-to method for washing and blocking your projects? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear your secrets for keeping knits in perfect condition!

 

You don't want to miss our next post in our ''Choosing the Best Fiber Type for Your Project'' series! To stay up to date on this series and all the fun things happening at Southern Skeins, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube! 

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Hi, I'm Jenna!

I am owner and dyer behind Southern Skeins and a lifelong creative with a passion for helping others bring their visions to life. Through every endeavor, my goal is to make the creative process easier, more enjoyable, more productive, and more successful for everyone!
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