Caring Instructions
Once your work is complete, you'll want your new crocheted piece to last as long as possible. Here are some suggestions for caring for your piece.
Molded or Sculpted Pieces / Permanent Fabric Stiffeners
- To display, find a dust free area away from drafts and direct sunlight. Usually a curio is best.
- To dust your piece, use a soft bristled brush or your vacuum with the brush attachment.
- Store sculpted pieces over the mold used to create it's shape. Store in a box with clean linen wrapped around the piece. Never use plastic wrap as this will cause yellowing. Store items upright and without crowding.
Molded or Sculpted Pieces / Non-Permanent Fabric Stiffeners
With non-permanent fabric stiffeners your piece will eventually need to be reshaped. When your piece starts to collapse (handles falling in, hat brims warping) etc. simply follow the instructions in the original pattern for reshaping.
- To display keep in a dust free area away from drafts and direct sunlight. Again, usually a curio is best.
- To clean, dust with a soft bristled brush or your vacuum with the brush attachment.
- Store much the same way as described above. It's especially important to store these items over the mold used in creating the shape.
Doilies, Tablecloths, Runners, & Toppers
- To display, don't place items in direct sunlight as this will eventually cause bleaching. Be careful that what is placed on top of your crochet will not snage or tear it.
- Launder doilies by hand using a mild detergent and cool water. Never twist or wring the piece when squeezing out excess water. Shape as recommended in original pattern instructions. For Tablecloths, bedspreads or larger items, place in a mesh bag designed for fine garments. Launder on gentle cycle using a mild detergent, cool water and fabric softener, if desired. These items can usually be placed in the dryer on a very low setting until just damp. Then stretch out over a covered area such as your bed, table etc. Straighten the design and allow to dry. Some larger items may need to be pressed after laundering. The easiest method is to stretch these items out on a large surface such as your bed. Cover with a handkerchief and press on the wrong side using a cool iron setting. Instead of rearranging the piece on your ironing board, you'll need an extension cord so you can work around the bed as you press.
- To store, fold clean lace and place in a box or drawer wrapped in clean linens. Moth balls or sachets are recommended for storing these items over a period of time.
Afghans
Afghans look wonderful displayed on a back of a couch, chair or tossed casually from a bed corner or chair!
- To display, don't place in direct sunlight causing bleaching or fading of vibrant colors and don't place where rough furniture or objects can snag your work.
- Launder afghans using a gentle cycle, cool water, and a mild detergent and fabric softener, if desired. It's always best to retain the label from the yarn used and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for laundering. Dry on a low setting. Some yarns launder well while others may pill. If pilling occurs there is a product on the market designed to "shave" off the balled bits from your work. You'll have to check your local store for details. As in all types of linens and bedwear, a nice supply and a rotation system will prolong the life of your pieces.
- Store freshly laundered afghans in a garment bag or storage box wrapped in clean linen. If stored over a period of time, moth balls and/or sachets are nice.
Dishcloths / Washcloths
- Launder using the manufacturer's labeling instructions to avoid bleaching, fading or shrinking. Be sure to use mediums marked as colorfast so the colors won't fade.
- Store cloths as you would any linen. As always a rotation of linen will prolong the life of your piece.
Clothing
- Launder clothing using the manufacturer's labeling instructions. Sometimes it's best to work up a swatch to see how well it launders.
- To store fine clothing should either be folded to keep them from stretching on the hanger, or hung from a padded hanger that will protect the top. If seasonal clothing is stored, fold clean clothing and place in garment bags or drawers with sachets and/or moth balls.
