Knitwear Care

You’ve finally found the perfect natural fiber hat and scarf to go with your winter coat.  Perhaps you even snagged something from our herd’s Harvest Collection! What is the best way to protect your investment so you can wear your lovely, all-natural accessories for years to come?

Hands down, proper care is the ticket! After enjoying your knits all season, you’ll want to give them a quick bath before tucking them away and pulling out the tank tops & flip flops.

If you’re thinking of popping them in the washer and dryer - not so quick!

As a natural fiber, alpaca is exceptionally prone to felting. Felting occurs when water, a lubricant (like soap), and agitation are all present — all things found in your washing machine!

Felting is when the microscopic scales on each fiber extend outward, and with the help of soap, water and movement, they grab onto each other and become entangled, never to return to their original positions again! The surface of a felted garment looks ratty, fuzzy & matted. As a result, felting also substantially shrinks the garment.

It is for these reasons that you must hand wash and lay flat to dry. But fortunately, since alpaca is naturally wicking and anti-microbial, it doesn’t trap odors or sweat, you won’t likely need to launder it often. Perhaps just once at the end of the season.

Here are a few easy steps to hand wash your coveted knits!

Fill a basin with luke warm water

Add a squirt of soap & get it foamy

Thoughts on soap

I prefer one made specifically formulated for woolens, because they’re gentle and most do not require rinsing. They’re not expensive, especially in relation to your knitwear investment.

Plus, a little goes a long way — I’ve had these bottles for several years.

But in a pinch, a squirt of dishwashing soap will do.

Submerge your garments

Be gentle & take your time.

Alpaca is naturally water repellant

The water beads off of it, as you can see here.

Even when fully submerged for several minutes, the inside can still be bone dry. This feature is super handy while you (or the alpaca) is wearing it, but it means a little extra patience is necessary when washing.

While submerging, gently squeeze. This helps push out air between the stitches. Or you can just wait until the garment absorbs on its own.

Soaking = washing

Once fully submerged & wet, allow the garments to soak for a while. Go check your email, pour another cup of coffee and maybe take the dog for a walk. I usually allow at least 20 minutes. Or until the suds have subsided. If it sits overnight, that’s okay, too.

If you used something other than a wool soap, I’d recommend a rinse. Simply drain the basin, gently squeeze (do not wring) excess water. Refill the basin with luke warm water, and return the garments to the rinse water. Since they’ve already been soaking, they’ll submerge immediately on their own. Allow them to rinse/soak for another 20 minutes.

If you used a soap specially made for woolens, you can begin the drying process.

Lay on a clean, dry towel

This is not a required step, but it will significantly speed overall drying time.

Gently roll & press

The towel will absorb moisture from the garments. This method is the safer alternative to wringing, which can distort and damage stitches. Repeat on another dry towel if you like.

Lay flat to dry

Even a garment that has been rolled & squeezed still has residual water weight. If hung to dry, this can cause the garment to stretch permanently.

Instead, find a dry flat surface. I use a sweater dryer because it elevates the garment, allowing for better air circulation and faster drying.

‘Two’ recap—

Hand wash & lay flat to dry