The ultimate guide to caring for your crochet treasures.

Handmade crochet items are not just beautiful; they often carry sentimental value and if given the right care can be cherished for years. Proper care is essential to keeping them looking their best so here are some of the best ways I would recommend to maintain your crochet bags, blankets and jewellery.

Caring for crochet bags:

• Gentle cleaning

  • Spot clean: for minor stains and marks, use a damp cloth with some mild soap. Gently dab the area instead of rubbing it to avoid piling and damaging the fibres.

  • Hand wash: If the bag is in need of a more thorough clean hand washing is the best option. Fill a basin or small tub with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent. Submerge the bag and gently agitate it (don’t rub the bag against it’s self as this could damage the fibres), and then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Don’t wring out the bag or it could alter the shape. A safe way to get the excess water out of the bag is to lay it out flat on a towel, then roll out the towel up and press down.

• Drying

  • Always lay your crochet bags flat to air dry them, avoid direct sunlight to prevent the colours from fading. Reshaping the bag while still damp will help maintain its form.

Caring for crochet blankets:

• Washing

  • Machine washing: If the yarn is a machine washable fibre, use a gentle cycle with cold water. To protect it from tangling, stretching or snagging while washing you could place it inside a zip up delicates bag or inside of a pillow case.

  • Hand washing: For delicate or vintage blankets, I would recommend hand washing them in cold water with a gentle detergent, following the same method as for the bags.

• Drying

  • Avoid hanging your blanket up to dry, this can stretch the fibres and stitching out of shape. Instead, lay it flat on a clean dry towel or drying rack in the shade. I would not recommend tumble drying any handmade items.

Caring for crochet jewellery:

• Cleaning

  • Dust regularly: using a soft cloth, you can gently wipe your jewellery to remove dust and oils.

  • Spot clean: If needed, use a lightly dampened cloth to clean any dirty spots. Be careful not to soak the jewellery.

• Avoid damage

  • Keep your crochet jewellery away away from water and direct perfume to prevent deterioration. Make sure you always remove it before swimming or showering.

General tips for all handmade crochet items:

• Handle with care: Always be gentle when handling your handmade items and avoid pulling or tugging at the stitches.

• Regular maintenance: Check your items regularly for loose threads or areas that my need repair.

• Love and attention: Finally, show your handmade pieces some love! They’re not just items; they’re crafted with care and should be looked after in the same way.

With proper care, your handmade treasures can last for generations. By following these simple maintenance tips you can preserve their beauty and functionality ensuring that they remain a part of your life for years to come.