How to Care for Your Handmade Chunky Knitwear
Every piece from Avaneska is handmade with chunky wool blend yarn (80% acrylic, 20% wool) and crafted to last. Since there are no care labels, we include washing instructions with every order — and this guide walks you through everything in detail.
Applies to: scarves, hats, beanies and arm & leg wear.
What You'll Need
- A clean basin or sink
- Cool water
- A gentle wool-safe detergent (Eucalan, Soak, or a mild dish soap in a pinch)
- Two clean dry towels
- A flat surface for drying
Step-by-Step Washing Instructions
Step 1 — Fill your basin
Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water. Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent and swirl gently to mix. Avoid hot water — it can cause the wool fibers to felt and your piece to lose its shape and texture.
📸 [Photo: basin filled with cool soapy water]
Step 2 — Submerge and soak
Place your knitwear in the water and gently press it down until fully submerged. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes. Do not agitate, rub, or scrub — this applies whether you're washing a beanie, scarf, shawl, or any other piece.
📸 [Photo: knitwear piece submerged in water]
Step 3 — Rinse
Drain the basin and refill with clean cool water. Gently press the water through the piece until all soap is rinsed out. Repeat if needed. Never wring or twist.
📸 [Photo: rinsing the piece]
Step 4 — Remove excess water
Lift the piece out supporting its full weight. Lay it flat on a dry towel, roll the towel up with the piece inside, and gently press to absorb excess water. For smaller pieces like hats and cowls, a single roll is usually enough.
📸 [Photo: piece rolled in towel]
Step 5 — Lay flat to dry
Unroll and transfer to a second dry towel or a flat drying rack. Reshape gently — smooth out a scarf, round out a beanie, spread a shawl to its full width. Allow to air dry completely away from direct sunlight, radiators, or heat vents.
📸 [Photo: piece laid flat and reshaped to dry]
Storage Tips
- Fold knitwear rather than hanging it — chunky pieces are heavy and will stretch over time
- Store in a cool, dry place in a breathable bag or drawer
- Add cedar blocks or lavender to naturally deter moths
- Make sure pieces are fully clean before seasonal storage
Pilling
Some light pilling is normal with wool blend yarns, especially in high-friction areas — where a scarf rubs against a coat collar, or where a hat sits against your hair. A fabric shaver will remove pills cleanly without damaging the yarn.
Quick Reference
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Use cool water | Use hot water |
| Soak gently | Rub or scrub |
| Support full weight when wet | Wring or twist |
| Lay flat to dry | Hang to dry |
| Fold for storage | Hang for storage |
A Final Note
Handmade knitwear is built to be worn and loved — not kept in a drawer. With just a little care, your Avaneska pieces will stay soft, shapely, and beautiful for years to come. If you ever have questions about caring for a specific piece, feel free to reach out — we're always happy to help.