How to Care for Your Knitwear and Crochet Lace | Slow Fashion Guide

by Nina Ellis September 1, 2025

Handmade clothes deserve handmade care. If you’ve spent hours (or weeks!) knitting a sweater or crocheting a delicate lace piece, you’ll want them to last for years. The good news? With the right washing, drying, and storage techniques, your knitwear and crochet lace can stay beautiful season after season.

As someone who has been knitting and crocheting my own clothes for over 30 years, I know first-hand that caring for your garments is just as important as making them. Let’s dive into slow fashion care tips that protect your work, reduce waste, and help you build a wardrobe that lasts.

Why Proper Care Matters

Longevity: Well-maintained pieces last for decades instead of just a few wears.
Sustainability: Caring for your wardrobe means buying and making less, which is better for the planet.
Beauty: Correct washing prevents stretching, shrinking, or fading.

👉 Caring for knitwear and crochet lace is part of an intentional wardrobe mindset: making, loving, and keeping your clothes longer.

Washing Instructions for Knitwear

1. Always Check the Fiber

Wool & Alpaca: Hand wash only. Use lukewarm water and gentle wool detergent.
Cotton & Linen: Can handle cool machine washes on delicate, but hand washing is safest.
Blends: Follow the most delicate fiber in the blend.

2. Hand Washing Basics

Fill a basin with lukewarm water.
Add a small amount of eco-friendly wool wash.
Submerge garment, press gently (never wring).
Soak for 10–15 minutes.

3. Rinse Gently

Drain water, refill with clean lukewarm water, and press the garment until the detergent is gone.

Washing Crochet Lace

Crochet lace is more delicate than knitwear and requires extra care.

Hand wash only in cool or lukewarm water.
Add gentle detergent for delicates.
Do not rub or wring — this can distort the stitches.
Lay flat to dry and block to restore shape.

💡 Tip: If you’ve used starch for lace doilies, wash gently to refresh stiffness and re-block.

Drying Your Knitwear & Crochet Lace

Lay flat on a clean towel.
Gently roll the towel to remove excess water.
Place garment on a flat surface, reshape to original dimensions.
Avoid hanging — it will stretch out the fabric.

For lace, pin to a blocking mat to restore stitch definition and shape.

Storing Your Knitwear and Lace

Fold knitwear instead of hanging (prevents stretching).
Store in breathable cotton bags or boxes.
Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths.
Keep crochet lace flat, between tissue paper, to avoid wrinkles.

Quick Repairs to Extend Life

Accidents happen, but they don’t mean the end of your garment:

Learn to darn small holes in wool sweaters.
Reinforce stretched-out ribbing with elastic thread.
For lace, use a fine hook and matching thread to repair tiny snags.

Slow Fashion Mindset: Clothes with Stories

Caring for your handmade knitwear and crochet lace isn’t just about fabric — it’s about values. Every time you wash gently, mend instead of discard, and store with care, you are choosing:

Sustainability over fast fashion.
Craftsmanship over convenience.
Love for pieces you’ve made with your own hands.

✨ Remember: A handmade garment is more than clothing. It’s memory, creativity, and sustainability woven together.