How to Care for Your Knitwear: Essential Tips for Sweaters and Cardigans

Quick Answer

To keep your knitwear in top condition, wash it sparingly by hand in cold water with a gentle detergent, lay it flat to dry, and store it folded. Always check the care label, and use a fabric shaver to remove pilling without damaging the fibers.

Knitwear is a wardrobe staple, but it can be delicate. Whether you own a cozy cardigan or a fine-gauge sweater, proper care makes all the difference in how long it looks great. This guide covers essential knitwear care tips, from washing to storing, so you can enjoy your pieces for years.

Baserange designs knitwear with quality materials like recycled cashmere and organic cotton, which deserve a little extra attention. Follow these steps to keep your sweaters and cardigans soft, pill-free, and well-shaped.

Washing Your Knitwear

Before washing, always check the care label. Many knitwear items, like the Tier Cardigan made from recycled cashmere, require gentle handling. Hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is the safest method. Avoid wringing or twisting, as that can stretch the fibers.

If you use a washing machine, place the garment in a mesh bag and use a delicate cycle with cold water. Turn the item inside out to reduce friction. For the best results, wash knitwear only when necessary—spot cleaning can often handle small stains.

• Use a detergent specifically designed for wool or cashmere.
• Never use hot water, as it can cause shrinking.

Drying and Storing

After washing, gently press out excess water with a clean towel. Lay the garment flat on a dry towel or a drying rack, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Avoid hanging knitwear, as the weight of the wet fabric can stretch it out of shape.

When storing, fold sweaters and cardigans rather than hanging them. This prevents shoulder bumps and stretching. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and consider using cedar blocks to deter moths naturally.

• Dry flat away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Refold periodically to avoid permanent creases.

Dealing with Pilling

Pilling is a natural occurrence on knitwear, especially at friction points like the elbows and sides. It doesn't mean your garment is low quality. To remove pills, use a fabric shaver or a sweater stone gently over the surface. This keeps your sweater looking fresh without damaging the fibers.

To minimize pilling, reduce friction by wearing a layer underneath, like a long sleeve tee. Also, avoid carrying bags over your shoulders, as the rubbing can cause pills to form.

• Test the fabric shaver on an inconspicuous area first.
• Shave in one direction, using light pressure.

Step-by-Step Knitwear Care Routine

1. Read the care label: Check for specific instructions on temperature, washing method, and drying. This is your first guide to proper care. Following the label prevents most common mistakes.
2. Wash in cold water: Hand wash with a gentle detergent, or use a machine's delicate cycle in a mesh bag. Turn the garment inside out. Cold water protects fibers and prevents shrinking.
3. Dry flat: Press out excess water with a towel, then lay the knitwear flat on a dry towel, reshaping it. Never hang to dry. Flat drying maintains the garment's shape and prevents stretching.
4. Remove pilling: Use a fabric shaver or sweater stone to gently remove pills. Work in one direction with light pressure. Regular pilling removal keeps knitwear looking new.
5. Store folded: Fold sweaters and cardigans and place them in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching. Proper storage extends the life of your knitwear.

Knitwear Pieces That Deserve Care

• Tier Cardigan: 95% Recycled Cashmere 5% Wool Recycled cashmere is delicate and benefits from hand washing and flat drying to maintain its softness and shape.
• Calla Turtleneck: 100% Organic Cotton Organic cotton is durable but can shrink if washed in hot water; cold water and gentle cycles help preserve fit.

With these knitwear care tips, your sweaters and cardigans will stay soft, well-shaped, and beautiful for many seasons. Remember to wash gently, dry flat, and store folded—your knitwear will thank you.