Why Proper Care Matters
You've spent dozens of hours knitting a merino wool sweater or a cashmere shawl. The last thing you want is to ruin it with the first wash. Natural knitting yarns — merino, cashmere, mohair, alpaca — are durable and resilient, but require different care than synthetic garments. With a few simple rules, your knitted pieces will look impeccable for years.
The Golden Rule: Hand Wash with Lukewarm Water
The most important rule for caring for natural fiber knits is hand washing. Washing machines, even on a delicate cycle, agitate the fibers and can cause felting — an irreversible process where fibers shrink and bind together, turning the knit into a thick, rigid material.
The correct washing process is simple. Fill a basin with lukewarm water (not hot, not cold — the ideal temperature is around 30°C, approximately body temperature). Add a few drops of special wool detergent or a gentle sulfate-free shampoo. Gently submerge the knit and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Do not rub, squeeze, or wring the material. Then rinse with water at the same temperature — sudden temperature changes can cause felting.
How to Dry Natural Fiber Knits
After washing, remove the knit from the water and place it on a clean towel. Roll the towel with the knit inside and press gently to absorb excess water. Never wring a wet knit — the weight of the water can distort the fibers.
Then lay the knit flat on a dry towel, on a flat surface, in the shade. Gently shape it with your hands to its original dimensions. This process is called "blocking" and is essential for the piece to maintain its shape. Let it air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Never put natural fiber knits in the tumble dryer. Heat and tumbling will cause felting and permanent shrinkage.
Do Not Hang Knits on Hangers
A common mistake is to hang knitted sweaters on hangers. The knit's own weight, combined with the natural moisture of the fiber, will cause distortion at the shoulders and stretching over time. Natural fiber knits should always be stored folded, on a shelf or in a drawer.
If you don't wear a knitted piece for a longer period, store it in a cotton bag or tissue paper, not in plastic bags that don't allow the fiber to breathe. Add a sachet of lavender or cedar to naturally protect against moths — they are particularly attracted to natural fibers.
Specific Tips for Each Fiber
Merino is the most resilient of premium natural yarns. It tolerates hand washing well, and some superwash yarns can even be machine washed on a delicate cycle. Always check the yarn label.
Cashmere requires the most delicate care. Wash it as infrequently as possible (airing between wears is preferable), use special cashmere detergent, and do not wring it at all. Well-cared-for cashmere becomes softer with each wash.
Mohair should not be washed frequently — its fine fibers can felt easily. Airing is the best maintenance method. When washing is necessary, use very lukewarm water and do not rub the delicate halo.
Alpaca is washed similarly to merino, but the fibers do not have the elasticity of wool, so it's important to shape the piece to the correct dimensions when drying. Alpaca tends to stretch slightly over time, and correct blocking after washing restores its shape.
How Often Should Knits Be Washed?
The short answer: much less often than you think. Natural fibers have natural antibacterial properties and do not retain odors like synthetic fibers. A merino sweater worn over a t-shirt can be aired out and worn many times before needing a wash. Excessive washing prematurely wears out the fibers.
Between washes, air out knitted items outdoors (not in direct sunlight) for a few hours. If you have a localized stain, clean only the affected area with a damp cloth, without washing the entire knit.
With proper care, a premium natural fiber sweater from Nara Knits will be with you for many years — becoming softer, more beautiful, and more precious with each season.
