Claims related to knitwear very often do not result from construction errors or yarn quality. Therefore, it is important to follow proper knitwear care guidelines that help maintain the garment’s shape, structure, and durability over time.
Proper knitwear care has a direct impact not only on wearing comfort but also on product durability and the number of claims.
From the perspective of a knitwear manufacturer and knitwear development partner, we clearly see that many issues—such as shrinkage, deformation, or pilling—result from the natural properties of fibers and the way garments are used.
For this reason, we have prepared a practical overview of care recommendations for the most commonly used yarns in sweater and knitwear production.
If you are wondering how to wash an alpaca sweater, how to care for cashmere, or whether merino wool can be machine washed, the guidelines below explain the key principles of knitwear care.
What affects knitwear durability?
The behavior of knitwear during use is mainly influenced by four factors:
– fiber structure
– stitch construction
– yarn finishing
– washing and drying methods
For this reason, different yarns require different care practices—even if they appear visually similar.
Yarn Snagging in Knitwear
One of the common causes of damage in knitted garments is so-called yarn snagging. This usually occurs when a single yarn thread catches on elements such as jewelry, zippers, Velcro, or sharp edges.
Such snagging is mechanical damage to the knit structure that occurs during use, rather than a construction defect or a problem with yarn quality. In these situations, a small loop or an elongated yarn thread appears on the surface of the fabric.
The most important rule: a snagged yarn should never be pulled or stretched.
Pulling the thread causes the yarn to shift within the stitch structure and may lead to permanent deformation of the knit. In many cases, this means damage to the entire fabric structure that cannot be fully repaired.
For this reason, during everyday wear it is important to avoid situations where the yarn may catch or snag.
ALPACA
Alpaca is a lightweight, soft fiber that is less elastic than traditional sheep wool. When wet, the fiber loses part of its dimensional stability, which makes alpaca knitwear more susceptible to stretching during drying.
Recommended care:
– airing garments between wears instead of frequent washing
– hand washing in water up to 30°C
– using a mild wool detergent
– gently pressing out excess water using a towel without twisting
– drying flat
– storing garments folded rather than hanging
Avoid:
– drying garments vertically
– excessive twisting of the knitwear
– tumble drying
– storing knitwear on hangers
COTTON
Cotton is more temperature-stable, but in knitted form the fabric may stretch under its own weight. In cotton knitwear, wet fabric becomes heavier, which can cause the garment to lengthen when dried vertically.
Recommended care:
– hand washing in water up to 30°C
– washing garments inside out
– gently pressing out excess water
– drying flat while maintaining the original shape
– storing garments folded
Avoid:
– high temperatures
– tumble drying
– storing knitwear on hangers
– contact with elements that may cause yarn snags
WOOL (CLASSIC)
The natural scaly structure of wool fibers makes them prone to felting when exposed to heat and friction. Felting occurs when fibers interlock under the combined effect of temperature and mechanical movement.
Recommended care:
– hand washing in water up to 30°C
– using a gentle wool detergent
– pressing out excess water without twisting
– drying flat
– storing garments folded
– refreshing the garment with steam if needed
Avoid:
– ironing with a hot iron
– bleach or aggressive detergents
– strong friction
– tumble drying
– storing knitwear on hangers
MERINO
Merino is a fine and elastic fiber that is particularly sensitive to the combination of temperature, moisture, and friction.
Recommended care:
– airing garments between wears
– hand washing in water up to 30°C
– using a mild wool detergent
– gently pressing out excess water without twisting
– drying flat
– storing garments folded
– refreshing with steam if needed
Avoid:
– temperatures above 30°C
– sudden temperature changes
– excessive friction
– ironing with a hot iron
– tumble drying
– storing knitwear on hangers
CASHMERE
Cashmere is a delicate, fine fiber with a natural tendency to pill. Pilling during the first period of use is a natural phenomenon and does not indicate a product defect.
Recommended care:
– airing garments between wears instead of frequent washing
– hand washing in water between 20–30°C
– using a gentle wool detergent
– gently pressing out excess water without twisting
– drying flat
– removing pills with a knitwear shaver
– storing garments folded
Avoid:
– friction
– high temperatures
– tumble drying
– storing garments on hangers
MOHAIR
Mohair is a fiber characterized by long, fluffy hairs. Long mohair fibers can easily tangle under friction.
Recommended care:
– airing garments
– hand washing in water up to 30°C
– using a mild wool detergent
– gently pressing out excess water without twisting
– drying flat
– lightly brushing the knitwear after drying
– storing garments folded
Avoid:
– wringing the garment
– ironing
– excessive friction
– tumble drying
– storing knitwear on hangers
ELASTIC YARNS
The presence of elastane or elastic fibers increases wearing comfort. However, elastic fibers are particularly sensitive to high temperatures, which can permanently reduce their elasticity.
Recommended care:
– hand washing in water up to 30°C
– using mild detergents
– gently pressing out excess water without twisting
– drying flat
– storing garments folded
Avoid:
– high washing or ironing temperatures
– drying on radiators
– aggressive chemicals
– tumble drying
– storing knitwear on hangers
VISCOSE
Viscose is a cellulose fiber that loses part of its strength when wet. Wet viscose fibers are more prone to deformation, which is why knitwear must be handled very carefully during washing.
Recommended care:
– hand washing in water up to 30°C
– handling the garment gently while wet
– pressing out excess water without twisting
– drying flat
– storing garments folded
Avoid:
– wringing the knitwear
– hanging garments while wet
– high temperatures
– tumble drying
– storing knitwear on hangers
Summary
Why knitwear care matters
The durability of knitwear does not depend solely on yarn quality.
Stitch construction, finishing processes, and proper care during everyday use are equally important. For this reason, when designing collections it is increasingly important not only to choose the right fiber but also to communicate clear care instructions for the product.
In practice, it is the combination of knitwear technology, fiber properties, and informed use that determines how long a garment maintains its original appearance.
This is why the knitwear development process considers not only the design and construction of the knit but also how the product will behave during everyday use and care.
