There are two ways to wash untreated yarn on cones and make it reach its full potential, just like store-bought knitwear.
One is simpler, the other a little less so.
Let's start with the simpler one:
1 - Wash the yarn directly. From the cone, you can make skeins of 200-250g using a swift (if you don't have one, you can also use the backrest of a chair) making at least 5-6 strong, intertwined ties approximately at the same distance from each other, being very careful. The risk is that the yarn will tangle if the ties are not made well and you'll have to throw everything away. Then, wash the yarn directly in the washing machine using the procedure described at the bottom.
To avoid the risk of ruining all the yarn, if you are not already experienced with this type of washing, it is better to make a first small skein of 40-50 grams and wash it to be sure of the result.
I strongly recommend making a 10x10 or 20x20 swatch before starting the final project.
This way, you can work with the pre-washed yarn after it has dried (skeins can also be air-dried). You can wind it into balls or work with it directly from the skein.
2 - Knit the yarn and then wash the finished garment. Make a 10x10 or, even better, 20x20 cm swatch using the same stitch you plan to use for the finished garment. Count the stitches and measure the swatch carefully before and after washing it. Wash the swatch in the washing machine using the procedure described at the bottom. This way, you can later check the yield and develop the size and, consequently, the consumption. You can also check the hand of the fabric: if the result is a tighter fabric, you will get less softness and more resistance to pilling; conversely, if the fabric is looser, you will get more softness and a little less resistance to pilling.
MACHINE WASHING TREATMENT:
Machine washing is performed when you want the classic cashmere fuzz to emerge on the surface of the fiber. The indicated washing method is very delicate, and the presence of vinegar will be an excellent descaler:
- Machine wash at 30°C for 7 minutes with very little delicate detergent.
- Rinse in the washing machine.
- Machine wash at 30°C for 7 minutes with very little fabric softener and 1/4 of a measuring cup of white wine vinegar.
- Spin at 400 rpm for 5 minutes (or as little as possible).
- Dry flat without exposing to direct sunlight.
- For strong and contrasting colors in striped and jacquard knitwear, we recommend performing a first dry cleaning and washing garments with a half load and plenty of water.
This washing procedure applies to swatches, finished garments, or the yarn itself.
This washing procedure should only be done the first time; subsequently, it is recommended to wash garments by hand following this procedure:
If you want your pullover to always remain soft and fluffy, follow these tips:
Soak it in lukewarm water with a delicate detergent or hair shampoo (use very little), adding a little white vinegar if there are stripes or bright colors.
Leave it to soak for a short time, at most ten to fifteen minutes.
Do not rub it and handle it gently.
Rinse patiently several times with plenty of lukewarm water until the water is perfectly clear.
Do not wring it out, but remove the water by pressing gently.
Wrap the pullover in a terry towel to remove excess water.
Lay it flat on a horizontal surface, being careful to avoid direct sunlight.
Let it air dry at room temperature, never near a heat source.
Iron it with a strong jet of steam without pressing with the iron.
A small tip: wash your Cashmere pullover often; this way, the fibers will gain new vigor, and your garment will always be like new.
Hircus Filati
If you love jacquard, this article is for you. Let's start with the basics: the jacquard technique (named after its inventor M. Jacquard, 1752–1834) consists of alternating threads of different...
If you love jacquard, this article is for you. Let's start with the basics: the jacquard technique (named after its inventor M. Jacquard, 1752–1834) consists of alternating threads of different...
The English rib stitch is one of the softest, most voluminous, and elegant knitting stitches. In English, it is often called English rib or associated with brioche stitch. 👉 It...
The English rib stitch is one of the softest, most voluminous, and elegant knitting stitches. In English, it is often called English rib or associated with brioche stitch. 👉 It...
When it comes to quality wools, lambswool holds a special place. It's not an exotic fiber like cashmere or alpaca, but it represents one of the purest and most natural...
When it comes to quality wools, lambswool holds a special place. It's not an exotic fiber like cashmere or alpaca, but it represents one of the purest and most natural...
There are two ways to wash untreated yarn on cones and make it reach its full potential, just like store-bought knitwear.
One is simpler, the other a little less so.
Let's start with the simpler one:
1 - Wash the yarn directly. From the cone, you can make skeins of 200-250g using a swift (if you don't have one, you can also use the backrest of a chair) making at least 5-6 strong, intertwined ties approximately at the same distance from each other, being very careful. The risk is that the yarn will tangle if the ties are not made well and you'll have to throw everything away. Then, wash the yarn directly in the washing machine using the procedure described at the bottom.
To avoid the risk of ruining all the yarn, if you are not already experienced with this type of washing, it is better to make a first small skein of 40-50 grams and wash it to be sure of the result.
I strongly recommend making a 10x10 or 20x20 swatch before starting the final project.
This way, you can work with the pre-washed yarn after it has dried (skeins can also be air-dried). You can wind it into balls or work with it directly from the skein.
2 - Knit the yarn and then wash the finished garment. Make a 10x10 or, even better, 20x20 cm swatch using the same stitch you plan to use for the finished garment. Count the stitches and measure the swatch carefully before and after washing it. Wash the swatch in the washing machine using the procedure described at the bottom. This way, you can later check the yield and develop the size and, consequently, the consumption. You can also check the hand of the fabric: if the result is a tighter fabric, you will get less softness and more resistance to pilling; conversely, if the fabric is looser, you will get more softness and a little less resistance to pilling.
MACHINE WASHING TREATMENT:
Machine washing is performed when you want the classic cashmere fuzz to emerge on the surface of the fiber. The indicated washing method is very delicate, and the presence of vinegar will be an excellent descaler:
- Machine wash at 30°C for 7 minutes with very little delicate detergent.
- Rinse in the washing machine.
- Machine wash at 30°C for 7 minutes with very little fabric softener and 1/4 of a measuring cup of white wine vinegar.
- Spin at 400 rpm for 5 minutes (or as little as possible).
- Dry flat without exposing to direct sunlight.
- For strong and contrasting colors in striped and jacquard knitwear, we recommend performing a first dry cleaning and washing garments with a half load and plenty of water.
This washing procedure applies to swatches, finished garments, or the yarn itself.
This washing procedure should only be done the first time; subsequently, it is recommended to wash garments by hand following this procedure:
If you want your pullover to always remain soft and fluffy, follow these tips:
Soak it in lukewarm water with a delicate detergent or hair shampoo (use very little), adding a little white vinegar if there are stripes or bright colors.
Leave it to soak for a short time, at most ten to fifteen minutes.
Do not rub it and handle it gently.
Rinse patiently several times with plenty of lukewarm water until the water is perfectly clear.
Do not wring it out, but remove the water by pressing gently.
Wrap the pullover in a terry towel to remove excess water.
Lay it flat on a horizontal surface, being careful to avoid direct sunlight.
Let it air dry at room temperature, never near a heat source.
Iron it with a strong jet of steam without pressing with the iron.
A small tip: wash your Cashmere pullover often; this way, the fibers will gain new vigor, and your garment will always be like new.
Hircus Filati