Merino wool is an excellent option for yarn crafting. It is a favorite among yarn enthusiasts, whether you knit or crochet, regardless of the project; garments, and accessories. Proper care is essential to preserve the quality and lifespan of the fiber, whether you're working with fingering, DK, or worsted-weight Merino yarn . This blog post will give you important cleaning and maintenance suggestions to keep your Merino wool perfect.
Understanding Merino Wool
Merino wool is derived from a unique breed of sheep known as Merino sheep. The fiber is finer and softer than the traditional wool, making it gentle against the skin. Exceptional softness, fineness, and elasticity help you to create cozy projects that control the body temperature. This premium yarn is a popular option for anything from casual clothing to outdoor wear since it is naturally moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and durable.
Why Does It Need Proper Care?
To maintain the quality of Merino yarn it needs essential care. Not following the proper washing methods causes Merino wool to shrink. You can prolong the life of your clothing and reap its benefits for many years by using the proper washing techniques and maintenance procedures.
Here are some reasons why it needs special care:
- Merino wool is delicate and soft; hence it needs gentle care.
- The research by the University of Leeds found that fabric loses its shape after washing wool five to six times. However, the high-quality Merino yarn skein has more resistance than other fabrics.
How to Wash Merino Wool?
To keep the wool in excellent condition it is important to wash according to the instructions. Due to moisture-wicking and odor-resistant quality, this superb fabric does not need too many washes compared to other fabrics.
Hand Wash Merino Wool
It is the best and safest method of washing wool. Always read the instructions on the yarn label because it contains all the information on whether wool can be washed by hand or machine. Hand-dyed yarns require less water temperature otherwise it can damage the color and texture of the fabric.
Follow these simple steps
- Fill the tub with cold or lukewarm water, make sure the water temperature should be below 30°C. To wash Merino DK use wool soap for cleaning.
- Then, add a small amount of wool soap to the tub.
- Now, place your crafted piece into the tub, gently press it by hand, and soak it completely.
- Soak your project for 8 to 10 minutes and squeeze the extra water from the fabric.
- Drain and refill the tub with fresh and clean water. Then, rinse your fabric and squeeze the water from it.
- Finally, place the fabric flat on a dry towel away from direct sunlight.
Machine Wash Merino Wool
Symfonie provides extensive machine-washable fabric which will safeguard longevity and integrity.
Follow these below-mentioned steps for a perfect result
- Choose the detergent designed specifically for the wool fabric. Avoid using bleach and other chemicals.
- Set your washing machine in a gentle or delicate mode.
- Put a small amount of wool soap into the machine, read the instructions carefully to avoid damage to the fabric, and set the timer.
- To maintain the shape of the fabric, the Merino wool should be air-dried flat on a dry towel.
How to Dry Merino Wool?
Merino wool should never be tumble-dried. Rather, place it flat to dry on a fresh towel. While the garment is still damp, reshape it to preserve its original shape. Drying near heat sources or in direct sunlight might cause shrinking.
How to Store Merino Wool?
Merino wool requires careful handling to maintain its shape and quality for a longer duration. Follow these simple steps for storing the wool:
- Always fold your creations made of Merino wool and avoid hanging them. Because hanging leads to stretching, and you might lose the garment shape.
- Make sure your fabric is clean and dry before storing them.
- It is important to store the Merino garments in a tight box to avoid moths.
Make sure the box is clean and dry before placing your clothes in it.
Maintaining your Merino wool is not that difficult; by following these basic washing and care guidelines mentioned above, your items will always look as lovely as the day you bought or made them. When using Symfonie Yarns, it indicates that you are choosing excellence. Knowing how to take care of these materials will improve your creative experience, whether you're using machine-washable yarns to create accessories or comfortable sweaters.
Related articles:
How To Wash Wool Yarn: A Step-By-Step Guide .
The Ultimate Guide to Merino Wool: Nature's Luxurious Fiber