Acrylic Yarn Care: A Guide for Knitters and Crocheters
As a knitter or crocheter, you know that choosing the right yarn is crucial to a successful project. Acrylic yarn is a popular choice for many knitters due to its durability, affordability, and versatility. But, like all yarns, it's important to properly wash and care for your acrylic yarn to ensure your knitted items stay looking their best. In this post, we go over some tips and tricks on how to wash and care for acrylic yarn for knitters and crocheters.
Understanding Acrylic Yarn
Before we dive into washing and care, let's first understand what acrylic yarn is all about. Acrylic yarn is a synthetic fiber made from plastic, specifically polymers of acrylic acid. This type of yarn is popular among knitters because it is often lightweight, soft, and easy to care for.
Unlike most other yarns, acrylic is usually fine to put in a washer and dryer. Additionally, acrylic yarn comes in a variety of colors and is often more affordable than natural fibers like wool or silk. Many knitters also turn to acrylic yarn because it is hypoallergenic and they are allergic to certain natural fibers.
Learn all the pros and cons of acrylic yarn!
Washing Acrylic Yarn
Choosing the right detergent
First things first, let's talk about detergent. The type of detergent you use can make a huge difference in maintaining the quality of your acrylic yarn. Choose a mild and gentle detergent that's free of harsh chemicals or bleach. Your acrylic yarn will thank you! My favorite gentle detergent for my acrylic knits is this delicate Eucalan Lavender soap. If you’re not a fan of lavender, this brand has many different scents and even scent-free options.
Washing techniques
Hand washing
If you want to give your acrylic yarn the TLC it deserves, hand washing is the way to go. Here's how to do it:
Clean a sink, tub, or basin that you will use to wash your garments.
Fill the container with lukewarm water, as extreme temperatures can harm your yarn. Add your gentle soap to the water.
Soak your yarn or garment in soapy water for about 15 minutes, gently swishing it around to remove dirt. After soaking, take your garment out of the soapy water, gently squeezing to remove excess water. Dump the soapy water out of the container and refill it with soap-free lukewarm water. Place the garment back into the water, and let it soak for another 15 minutes. Gently swish your garment around again, this time to remove soap.
Machine washing
If you're short on time or have a big batch of acrylic yarn items, machine washing is a convenient option. Although, it is important to note that frequent machine washing can cause acrylic yarn to pill and lose its softness.
When machine washing your acrylic yarn, remember these key tips:
Check your yarn label to make sure it is okay to machine wash.
Select a delicate cycle with a low spin speed to avoid damaging your yarn.
Place your acrylic yarn garments in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from tangling with other items.
Use a gentle cycle and cool water to avoid damaging the yarn.
Stain removal tips
Uh-oh! Got a stain on your favorite acrylic yarn creation? Don't panic. Here's what you can do:
Pre-treatment options: Apply a gentle stain remover or dab some mild detergent on the stain before washing, and as soon as you can after the stain happens.
Gentle stain removal methods: Gently rub the stained area with your fingers or use a soft toothbrush to loosen the dirt. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as it may damage the yarn.
Drying Acrylic Yarn
After washing, you'll want to carefully dry your acrylic yarn. The best way to do this is to lay it flat on a towel. Then, gently pressing out any excess water by rolling the knit up into the towel, squeezing as you go. Avoid hanging or stretching the yarn as this can cause it to lose its shape. After removing the excess water, reshape your knit on a blocking mat or a plastic bag and let dry.
Some knitters may recommend letting your knit dry on a towel. However, towels hold moisture and can increase the amount of time it takes for your knit to dry. Plastic bags and most blocking mats don’t absorb moisture and have promote better air circulation, allowing your knit to dry more quickly!
If you are thinking of using a machine dryer, double-check your yarn’s care instructions first. If the instructions don’t recommend machine drying, then I also recommend not machine drying. However, if they say it’s okay, opt for a low heat setting to minimize shrinkage. It's also a good idea to periodically check your garments to ensure they don't over-dry or aren’t being damaged in the process.
Storing Acrylic Yarn
When storing acrylic yarn, it's important to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to these elements can cause the yarn to become discolored or weakened. Additionally, keep your yarn away from moths and other pests by storing it in a sealed container or bag.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If any of your woven in ends become loose during the washing process, no need to fret! Simply weave them back in if possible. If you trust the security of the beginning of the woven in end, you can always trim the loose bit as well. You can also try using Fray Check, which is a permanent, clear liquid seam sealant that prevents fabric from fraying and secures your ends!
To remove wrinkles or creases, steam the yarn by using a handheld steamer or hanging it in the bathroom while taking a steamy shower.
To address issues with shedding or pilling, try using a lint roller, sweater shaver, or fabric gleener!
Properly washing and caring for acrylic yarn is essential to ensure your knitted items stay looking their best. By following these tips and tricks, you can preserve the structure and softness of your yarn for years to come!
Do you have any tips for taking care of your hand knit acrylic items? Comment below!