How to store knitted items so that they do not lose their shape, wrinkle or stretch

Many people consider knitwear to be a wardrobe essential because it provides both comfort and style. It can be challenging to maintain the quality of these delicate clothes, though. Nobody wants their beloved scarf or sweater to undergo stretching, wrinkling, or even losing their original form due to improper storage.

Fortunately, you can make sure your knitted items last as long as new by following a few easy steps. Sophisticated cashmere scarves, comfortable wool sweaters, and adaptable cotton cardigans can all be preserved in shape and texture with the correct storage techniques.

This post will discuss useful storage tips and techniques for knitwear, ensuring that it looks great and fits well for many years to come. You can maintain your knitted clothing in excellent shape and have it ready to wear whenever you need it by adhering to these guidelines.

Storage Tip Description
Fold, Don"t Hang Always fold knitted items neatly to avoid stretching. Hanging can cause them to lose their shape over time.
Store Flat Place folded knits in drawers or on shelves, ensuring they are laid flat to prevent creases and wrinkles.
Use Soft Tissue Paper Layer tissue paper between folds to minimize friction and help maintain the garment"s shape.
Avoid Overpacking Give each item enough space so they aren"t compressed, which can cause wrinkling and deformation.
Keep Away from Sunlight Store in a cool, dark place to prevent color fading and material weakening due to UV exposure.

Features of storing knitted items

Knitwear is unique, just like any other fabric. The first is the capacity to become overwhelmed by the smells of one’s surroundings—which aren’t always pleasant. And getting rid of them can be challenging.

Crease resistance comes in second. However, this does not imply in the slightest that knitted objects can be folded, twisted, or stored carelessly. Clothes stored in this way will eventually develop unsightly creases and folds that cannot be easily removed, much like the odor.

And the most annoying thing about knitwear is that it stretches and sags. You have probably noticed that when a blouse or cardigan is hanging on a hanger, the product is distorted, unattractive, and the sleeves and hem stretch. The shoulder line also stretches and the shoulder contour sags. Restoring the product to its initial state isn’t always feasible.

General rules for storing knitwear

  • Before sending knitted items for long-term storage, you need to check how fresh and clean they are, whether there are stains on them, whether the smell of sweat, deodorant, perfume has remained.

Knitwear must be completely dry and spotless in order to be stored for an extended period of time.

If something goes wrong, knitted items can be cleaned with a steam generator or an iron with a steam function that allows you to iron without touching the clothing. They can also be hand-washed or gently machine-washed at low speed with gentle spinning, using mild detergents without bleaching additives.

Knitted items should be carefully squeezed out after washing; instead of wringing them out, wrap them in a terry towel to dry. Next, thoroughly dry them.

Before storing woolen items for the season, it is advised to give them a quick wash. If not, let them breathe more frequently.

Drying laundry thoroughly is a must. Mold growth and a musty odor during storage can result from residual moisture.

  • If the clothes are clean, it is enough to air them in a draft on the balcony or in a spacious room with good ventilation before storing. Wool items should be additionally warmed up and dried in the sun to kill any moth larvae and remove excess moisture.
  • To prevent knitted items from becoming deformed or stretched out during storage, they should not be hung on hangers. Although, if these are knitted items made of cotton or linen without sleeves, such storage is allowed.
  • It is better to store knitwear on separate shelves in the wardrobe, in a closet with dividers or in trunks, in boxes.
  • Vacuum bags are absolutely unacceptable for storing woolen items. The lack of air circulation will reduce the airiness and softness of the items.
  • You also cannot store knitwear in vacuum packages. In them, items acquire an unaesthetic appearance and wrinkle heavily.
  • In places of long-term storage in the closet, in boxes, it is necessary to add moth repellents.

Prior to storing knitwear, take out any drawstrings and pellets from the front of the garment (if any). Using a needle or hook, carefully pull the drawstrings to the back side and secure, if needed. and use a specialized brush to remove the pellets.

Knitted items keep their shape, don’t wrinkle, and don’t stretch if they are stored properly. You can greatly extend the life of your knits by adhering to basic rules like folding rather than hanging, selecting the ideal storage environment, and using protective covers.

Knits must be kept out of direct sunlight, which can deteriorate fibers and fade colors, and in a cool, dry place. It is possible to avoid creases and unintentional stretching by routinely inspecting and rotating your stored items.

Lastly, adding sachets of lavender or cedar will help keep moths away from your knits and maintain their fresh scent. Your favorite knitted items will remain in excellent shape and be ready to wear whenever you need them with a little extra care.

Maintaining the quality of your knitted items depends on proper storage. Store them flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid them from stretching, losing their shape, or both. Knits should not be hung up as this can lead to them stretching out of shape. To prevent creasing, fold them neatly and think about sandwiching tissue paper in between the folds. If there is room, store them in airy, breathable fabric bags or containers to keep them dry and free of dust.

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Anastasia Belova

I have been working in the textile industry for over 12 years. My main hobby is studying the properties of fabrics and their impact on our everyday life. I love to talk about new products and share practical tips on caring for different materials. My collection contains hundreds of fabric samples from all over the world, and I am ready to share my findings with you!

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