Washing worsted yarns

On this page, we will explain how to treat machine-knitted garments

Machine knitting cashmere yarns and hand-knitting cashmere yarns on cones are never treated (or almost never) and must be treated (washed) after processing. This is because machine knitting an untreated yarn is much simpler, and there is less risk of the yarn breaking or the machine's needles breaking. My first and most important advice is always to knit a small swatch (10×10 or, even better, 20×20) and wash it in the washing machine before making the final item.

This is because cashmere yarns, even if they have the same count (fineness), are never all the same. There are many variables in the production of cashmere yarns, from spinning to dyeing. Firstly, each spinning mill has its own method and market needs, and the yarns can be made harder or softer and also have a different dye.

Furthermore, there is also a difference between yarns from the same spinning mill, based on the colors; lighter colors are different from darker colors and melange colors and require small precautions in machine processing and the first wash. For example, darker colors will always be cruder (less soft) than lighter colors because in dyeing, more invasive fixing agents are used to ensure that the yarn does not lose color during washing and over time, but the fiber itself is affected in terms of softness. Additionally, the type of machine processing also plays a role. Cashmere tends to swell when washed and needs sufficient space for this, so if you want to achieve maximum softness, you tend to knit it with a slightly looser stitch.

Conversely, if you want to achieve maximum resistance, especially regarding pilling (the classic bobble that cashmere sweaters get), you tend to knit it with tighter stitches. This will result in a less soft, slightly heavier sweater, but much more resistant to pilling. Below are our washing tips:

Premises:

  1. Sometimes it may be necessary to steam the swatch and the garment before or after washing. Steaming means passing the iron, releasing steam onto the swatch and/or garment WITHOUT resting the iron on the swatch/garment, before or after washing.
  2. The following washing tips are general and basic. Before washing the swatch, measure it so you can calculate shrinkage/returns. Also, check the performance of the swatch well for softness and nap, so you can see if it's better to knit it tighter or looser, or if it should be washed a bit more or a bit less; in fact, if you knit it too tight, the cashmere will not release its full softness as it tends to swell, and if you wash the swatch/garment less, you will get less nap and less softness, conversely, if you wash it for a longer time in the washing machine. To get more nap, increase the spin cycle, but be careful not to overdo it. If necessary, make more swatches and more washing tests, with tighter and looser machine (or hand) knits and with different washing times.
  3. Everything mentioned also applies to yarns worked by hand with knitting needles or crochet.

MACHINE WASHING TREATMENT:

Machine washing is performed when an untreated yarn is machine knitted. The recommended wash is very delicate, and the presence of vinegar will be an excellent descaler:

  1. Machine wash at 30° for 7 minutes with very little detergent for delicate garments
  2. Rinse in the washing machine
  3. Machine wash at 30° for 7 minutes with very little fabric softener and 1/4 of a measuring cup of white wine vinegar (not red vinegar because it stains). - Spin at 400 rpm for 5 minutes (or as little as possible)
  4. Dry flat without exposing to direct sunlight and without wringing the garment (otherwise there is a risk of deforming it)
  5. For strong and contrasting colors in striped and jacquard knitwear, we recommend a first dry cleaning and washing the garments at half load with plenty of water.

This washing procedure is valid whether it is a swatch, a finished garment, or the yarn itself.

WARNING: This washing procedure should only be performed the first time; subsequently, it is recommended to hand wash garments 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 (use very little), adding a little white wine vinegar in case of stripes or bright colors.
  • Leave it to soak for a short time, ten to fifteen minutes at most.
  • Do not rub it and handle it gently. Rinse patiently several times with plenty of water, always lukewarm, until the water is perfectly clear.
  • Do not wring it out but remove the water by gently pressing.
  • Wrap the pullover in a terry towel or a towel to remove excess water.
  • Lay it flat on a horizontal surface, taking care to avoid direct sun exposure.
  • Let it air dry at room temperature, never near a heat source.
  • Iron it with a strong jet of steam without resting the iron on the pullover.

All our yarns are in stock untreated/unwashed and appear raw, so it is essential to make a small swatch and wash it following our advice before proceeding with the final work. Check the first stitches and, in case of irregularities, immediately stop working and contact our technical office.