How to wash crochet clothes specifically, as opposed to general crochet items, matters because garments face more repeated wear stress and need to maintain a precise fit through washing, unlike a blanket where slight shrinkage matters less. I treat garment washing with extra care specifically to preserve fit. This guide covers fiber-specific washing and proper drying.
Washing by Fiber
Wool garments need hand washing in cool water to avoid felting and shrinking, which would permanently distort the fit. Cotton and acrylic garments generally tolerate a gentle machine cycle, though always check the specific yarn label first.
Drying to Preserve Fit
Lay garments flat to dry rather than hanging, since a wet crochet garment hung up can stretch significantly under its own weight, permanently distorting the intended fit and proportions.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I never hang a wet crochet garment to dry?
A wet garment can stretch significantly under its own weight when hung, permanently distorting the fit. Laying flat to dry prevents this kind of stretching.
Want the general item washing guide too?
See washing tips for non-garment crochet items.
See general washing tips