How to care for handmade blankets?

backinpgh

We of course got a zillion handmade blankets at the shower, they are all adorable but I have no idea where I'm going to put them all, lol! But in any case, how does one care for these if they get soiled? I don't want them to get ruined.

ohyeahdollface

Are they quilted? Crochet? Knit?

backinpgh

Crocheted and knit ones. TIA

ohyeahdollface

If you really want them to not stretch, fade, or loose any strength in the fibers, I would honestly just hand wash them. It is a pain in the butt, but it will keep them amazing for a long time! 

Just fill your sink with warm water, not hot, and just a little bit of gentle soap. Wash, rinse, and lay flat on a towel to dry.

nhinze01

I washed mine on the delicate cycle and dried on low.  I've only washed them once now, after the shower, but they came out nicely then.

miss_mccallum@yahoo.com

As a knitter I know what kind of time and money ( if you are using good yarn ) go into those baby blankets!!  Best choice is to hand wash, reshape and lay flat to dry.  That takes time I know but will yield the best results.  That said I have been known to wash wash on hand wash or delicate cycle and lay flat to dry.  Whatever you do...don't use too much soap as it break down the fibers and the natural lanolin and NEVER EVER put in the dryer, please I beg of you, unless it is made from acrylic fibers.

blu-eyedwife

miss_mccallum@yahoo.com:

As a knitter I know what kind of time and money ( if you are using good yarn ) go into those baby blankets!!  Best choice is to hand wash, reshape and lay flat to dry.  That takes time I know but will yield the best results.  That said I have been known to wash wash on hand wash or delicate cycle and lay flat to dry.  Whatever you do...don't use too much soap as it break down the fibers and the natural lanolin and NEVER EVER put in the dryer, please I beg of you, unless it is made from acrylic fibers.

In addition - check with whoever made them for you.  My mom and her knitting circle made a ton of blankets, hats, and sweaters for my baby and they all make a point to always use superwash yarn for baby stuff. This is important because superwash can be put in the washing machine, whereas most yarn really shouldn't - even on the delicate cycle.

varkeyr

backinpgh:

Crocheted and knit ones. TIA

Wash in cold water (can be put in washer on delicate cycle),lay flat and  air dry do not put in dryer or they will shrink.

beloved09

If you do end up deciding to put it in the washer, I'd recommend putting it in a sealed mesh delicates bag, so nothing can get snagged- especially for a lacy blanket or anything that has fringe.

honeybee #1

blu-eyedwife:

miss_mccallum@yahoo.com:

As a knitter I know what kind of time and money ( if you are using good yarn ) go into those baby blankets!!  Best choice is to hand wash, reshape and lay flat to dry.  That takes time I know but will yield the best results.  That said I have been known to wash wash on hand wash or delicate cycle and lay flat to dry.  Whatever you do...don't use too much soap as it break down the fibers and the natural lanolin and NEVER EVER put in the dryer, please I beg of you, unless it is made from acrylic fibers.

In addition - check with whoever made them for you.  My mom and her knitting circle made a ton of blankets, hats, and sweaters for my baby and they all make a point to always use superwash yarn for baby stuff. This is important because superwash can be put in the washing machine, whereas most yarn really shouldn't - even on the delicate cycle.

Both of these, and the idea to wash them in a lingerie or sweater bag. I do all of my crochet work with washable yarns, but they still should be reshaped and laid flat to dry. I've never done the sweater bag idea, but it's a good one.

backinpgh

Thanks all...I do have a delicates bag that I can use on the hardy-looking ones, the more delicate ones I will handwash. Thanks!