For a very long time I shied away from first washing my newly knitted garments. I was too afraid of ruining the new piece straight away or stretching it so much that it would be unusable for me. But it really doesn't make that much sense, because at some point you will hold your knitted jumper in your hands and think to yourself: 'You really can't delay that wash any longer...'.
And then? Just wash it and hope for the best? Of course not! Because as with most processes in the arts and crafts, there is a certain practice involved. It starts with the knitting of the piece. In this two-part blog post of the #YarnWhisper series, I would like to explain to you how and why you should wash and block your knits that come fresh off the needles.
This week I'm going to start with the 'why'. So I'm going to give you a few reasons why you should enjoy washing your knits. Next week you can look forward to step-by-step instructions that take you through the whole process.
So here we go with part 1!
Our first reason for washing newly knitted garments is a simple and very nice one: it smooths and evens out everything. So this means that if some parts of the knitted pattern don't line up quite as evenly and nicely as others do, washing and blocking can get rid of this problem. The technique is particularly suitable for any pattern work, as it can really develop its full effect. Everything smoothes out and lies much more perfectly next to each other than before.
This brings us to our second reason: not only do patterns become more even when washed, but they also become much more defined. In reason 1, we referred across the board to patterns like multi-coloured Norwegians or technical knits, which become more even. Defining now applies more to technical patterns, such as lace or cable patterns. The sections are clearly delineated, and some patterns really become more recognisable than before.
For example, take a look at this little cotton summer dress I knitted for an order:
Before washing
After washing
There really are worlds in between, aren't there?
Reason 3: many yarns really 'blossom' after the first wash. This means that they unfold their full beauty, often become softer and a little fluffier. It all depends on the composition of the yarn and its texture. But it can really be worth it, for example, I have been able to 'soften' many cotton knitted pieces after finishing it by washing them.
For me personally, the first two reasons are already decisive enough to wash knitwear. The last reason is just a little bonus on top!
I had thrown in the term 'blocking'. What is that again? Blocking is a technique where knits are stretched out on a mat and secured with pins after the first wash. This dries them in a very specific shape, which is then retained by the yarn. Edges curl less and everything looks extra neat and tidy.
You can also adjust the size of the knitted piece. This technique is especially popular for shawls, because they not only look smoother and more even, but you can also add a few centimetres to them.
But the tensioning technique is also suitable for pattern work or simply plain knitting. However, it is essential to use a previously washed and blocked gauge swatch when knitting! Otherwise it can happen very quickly that the finished knitted piece is a good deal too big after the whole procedure - because you also stretch it when blocking.
Do I have to keep washing my knitwear and then block it?
Most knits do not need to be blocked a second time. The stitch pattern has been given an even shape by the first wash and blocking, and it will not greatly lose this shape again.
As mentioned in the first section with our example on the knitted jumper, you should nevertheless continue to care for your knitted garments. That also means washing it every once in a while. But this does not include the same care that we use for our conventional, commercially bought textiles. Here, the composition of the yarn you use plays a very important role. Depending on that, your garment should be washed less or more often.
The reason for this is that there are yarns that have a kind of natural 'antibacterial' effect and therefore do not need to be washed so often. Antibacterial here means that the surface of the fibres is such that it is not easy for bacteria to attach themselves to it. As a result, they get less dirty and, above all, absorb fewer odours. This in turn means that these items need fewer washes than others. The best example of this is animal wool!
For knitted items made of pure new wool, for example, it is perfectly sufficient to wash them once a season. Otherwise, they can be freshened up a little in between by giving them a good airing.
The situation is different with synthetic yarn groups, for example. They don't have the breathable features of other yarn groups, which makes you sweat quickly. The yarn therefore absorbs odours and no longer smells as fresh as it did in the beginning. The result: a wash is urgently needed!
If you want to read more about these and also plant based yarn groups and their differences, you can do so in detail in my blog post.
If you're not sure how often your knitwear needs freshening up, you can easily judge by how fresh it still smells. That is, just air it out regularly in the fresh air for 1-2 days. If you still notice unpleasant smells after that, then a wash would certainly do you good.
That's it already on the introduction to reasons for a washing your knitwear. Next week you can expect specific illustrated instructions with steps on how to wash your knits. I will refer to hand and machine washing.
Have a great week until then!
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