Fiber Care Guide for Your Handmade Yarns & Garments

Why Fiber Care Matters

Hand-dyed yarns and handmade garments are treasures; each skein and stitch represents hours of craft, creativity, and love. Proper care helps preserve the beauty, texture, and longevity of both plant- and animal-based fibers, ensuring your projects stay vibrant and wearable for years to come.


Caring for Plant Fibers

Including Cotton, Linen, Hemp, Bamboo, and Tencel

Washing

  • Machine Wash: Most plant fibers can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
  • Hand Wash: Recommended for delicate projects or lace patterns.
  • Detergent: Use a mild, bleach-free detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fibers and reduce absorbency.

Drying

  • Best: Lay flat to dry to prevent stretching.
  • Alternative: Line drying in the shade is safe for sturdy cotton and linen items, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Avoid: High heat tumble drying (it can shrink or weaken fibers).

Storage

  • Store in a cool, dry place in breathable cotton bags or bins.
  • Use silica gel packets in humid areas to prevent mildew.
  • Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage, as they trap moisture.

Special Notes

  • Plant fibers may feel stiffer when air-dried; a light steam iron or blocking restores softness and drape.
  • Tencel and bamboo may become more fluid with washing, so block carefully to maintain shape.
  • Colors may fade if left in direct sunlight. Rotate garments for even wear.


Caring for Animal Fibers

Including Wool, Alpaca, Silk, and Mohair

Washing

  • Hand Wash Only (unless labeled “superwash”): Use cool water and a small amount of wool wash or gentle shampoo.
  • Avoid agitation to prevent felting.
  • Superwash Wool: May be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but always check yarn labels.

Drying

  • Always: Lay flat on a clean towel, shaping to the original dimensions.
  • Never: Tumble dry, as heat and motion cause shrinkage and felting.
  • Keep out of direct sun to preserve color vibrancy.

Storage

  • Store in sealed containers or cedar-lined chests to prevent moth damage.
  • Add lavender sachets or cedar blocks as natural moth deterrents.
  • Keep in a climate-controlled area — high humidity can cause mildew and fiber breakdown.

Special Notes

  • Animal fibers benefit from occasional gentle blocking to restore shape.
  • Silk and alpaca are especially sensitive to sun exposure — store them away from windows.
  • Mohair and angora may shed lightly with wear; a fabric shaver can neaten fuzz.


Tips for Hot, Humid Climates

  • Always store yarn and garments in climate-safe containers with moisture control (silica gel, cedar, or lavender).
  • Rotate items in storage to allow airflow.
  • Avoid leaving projects in cars, attics, or unconditioned spaces where heat and humidity accelerate damage.
  • If garments feel damp from humidity, allow them to air out in shade before storage.

Quick Reference: Fiber Care Do’s & Don’ts

Fiber Type Do’s ✅ Don’ts ❌
Plant Fibers Gentle wash, cold/room temp water, flat/line dry, store in breathable bags Avoid hot dryers, bleach, long sun exposure, and sealed plastic storage
Animal Fibers Hand wash cool, use wool wash, flat dry, cedar/lavender storage Avoid hot water, agitation, tumble drying, and open storage (moths)

With these care steps, your yarns and garments will stay beautiful and strong through many seasons of making and wearing.