How to wash crochet Blankets
This article would show you practical steps on how to wash crochet Blankets.
How do you wash your crochet blankets? A genuine question I have been asked numerous times. Crochet blankets are such beautiful makes and washing them is one of the key ways to have a blanket that lasts for decades.
So, how do you wash your crochet Blankets? This post is aimed at explaining how I wash my blankets. For a crocheter or a non-crocheter, you would have asked this question or been asked before. I have friends that are of their childbearing age, I mostly gift these ladies crochet baby blankets.
Since they know the efforts and all that goes into making and gifting them these blankets, they often want to know how to take good care of their precious crochet blankets.
Beginner-friendly free crochet blanket patterns
The fun weekend blanket pattern
Do you know how long it takes to crochet a blanket?
Tips for getting out stains from your crochet blanket when washing
Identify the kind of stain. Is the stain fresh or dry? If it’s fresh, you want to get it out as soon as possible before it sets into the fiber of your blanket.
Tips for getting out fresh stains from your crochet blankets
By fresh stains, this write-up is referring to a stain that happened on the spot. Immediately treat the area with a dab of detergent. Gently work the detergent into the blanket with your hand.
Run water over the stain until clear of detergent. Allow drying on a flat surface.
Getting out tough stains from your blankets
Apply detergent to the spot, and dab repeatedly. Allow the detergent to sit on the blanket for about 15 – 20 minutes. Dab again but do not rob vigorously to avoid stretching out the fibers in your blankets. Some stains are difficult to get out and you might need to consult a stain removal specialist.
When it comes to removing tough stains and the use of bleach on your crochet blankets, make sure to only apply bleach to white-colored blankets as it might remove and disfigure your colored blankets.
Can I wash my crochet blanket in a washing machine?
The answer is simple – yes! But it depends on the type of yarn used in making the blanket.
All yarn has care instructions attached to help you make an informed decision when washing your finished products, in this case, the crochet blanket.
Can I wash Acrylic yarn in the washing machine?
Most crochet projects made from acrylic yarns are machine save. This means that you can wash your crochet blankets made from acrylic yarn in the washing machine. It is advisable to wash them according to the care instructions on the yarn label and also to wash them with similar colors and fibers.
Can I tumble dry my blankets made from acrylic yarns?
Yes, most projects made from acrylic yarn are tumble dryer save.
Let’s talk about shrinkages when washing crochet blankets. Have you ever seen a shrunken crochet piece taken out of the washing machine? The difference can be huge! It is important to identify the type of yarn used in the project and if it is ideal to have such fiber in the machine.
Acrylic yarn and shrinkages
When washing or drying your makes from 100% acrylic yarn, they do not shrink or felt in the washing machine or tumble dryer. This is not true of projects made using natural fibers like wool.
You can wash your crochet blankets in the washing machine using either warm or cold water without any fear of shrinkages or felting.
Materials you need to wash your crochet blanket.
Blanket (obviously)
Bathtub/Bucket/ Washbasin/Bowl – This comes into play when using your hand to wash your crochet blankets. The size would be dependent on the size of the blanket. A bigger container would be ideal for bigger blankets like king or queen sizes. Remember that you would need enough room for water also.
Water – Cold or Warm water. Enough to go through at least two to three circles of washing and rinsings.
Towel – This is optional. When washing a baby-size blanket, a towel comes in handy to soak up the excess liquid off the croche blankets. This prevents you from squeezing the just washed blankets, which may lead to over-stretching the fiber in the blanket.
Detergent – Mild detergent is needed to take off the dirt in the blanket.
Hard surface or blocking board – If you have access to the yarn labels, some recommend drying projects made from certain yarns that need to be dried flat.
Washing machine (Optional)
Tumble Dryer (Optional)
Washing your crochet blanket – Machine
The following steps are for when washing your crochet blankets with a washing machine.
Projects made using Cotton, Acrylic yarns are generally machine save
- Get all the materials ready.
- Read the care instructions – If you do not have one, get the care instructions from the yarn label! Proceed with the following steps if the instructions say to use a washing machine.
- Put your blanket inside the washing machine and follow the instructions for washing
- After completing the wash, it is preferable to air dry your crochet blankets. You can do this by shaping your blankets gently and pinning them to a hard surface.
- Once dry, take out the pins and enjoy or store your blankets!
Steps to washing your crochet blanket – Hand wash instruction
The following steps are for when washing your crochet blankets with hand.
- Get all the materials ready.
- Read the care instructions – If you do not have one, get the care instructions from the yarn label!
- Fill your bowl with water up to 2/3.
- Add your detergents to the water inside the bowl.
- Drop your blanket into the water.
- Soak – let your blanket soak in the water for about 30 minutes.
- Drain out the liquid! Open the drain if using the sink. Simply decant the water if using a bowl.
- Do not twist, do not squeeze the water out!
- Add fresh and clean water to the bowl.
- Repeat step 7 to 9 two more times.
- Here is the fun part. Simply place the blanket on a towel and roll the towel around the blanket to absorb the water off the blanket.
- Allow your crochet blanket to dry by lying it flat. You can use a clean towel or a blacking mat.
- Pin your project to the towel or board
- Once dry, take out the pins and enjoy!
Things to note include pining your blanket evenly to retain shape.
Storing your crochet blankets and other crochet garments and projects after washing
After washing your crochet blankets, make sure they are totally dried.
Fold neatly and store in a cool and dry place.
Make sure not to store your crochet blankets in a humid place like in the attics.
It is ideal to store your crochet blankets and other crochet garments/accessories in breathable bags (preferably cotton bags) or in storage baskets.
I hope you found this article on how to wash crochet blankets useful. Let me know what your experiences are when it comes to washing your crochet blankets.
