Handmade knitwear care guide: how to wash wool sweaters
When it’s time to switch out your wardrobe, they reappear: your beloved hand-knitted wool sweaters. Before storing them away for the warmer months, it’s the perfect time to give them a refresh.
But how do you wash wool sweaters without the risk of ruining them?
The answer is simple: with the same care you used to choose, knit, and wear them. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step through how to hand wash your handmade wool garments and keep them beautiful, soft, and in shape season after season.
Why is it important to wash wool properly?
Wool, especially natural and untreated wool, is a precious, delicate, and living fiber. It’s thermoregulating, breathable, odor-resistant—but it’s also sensitive to temperature changes, rubbing, and harsh detergents.
A poor wash can:
- cause felting,
- change its shape,
- alter its softness.
That’s why proper wool care starts with understanding the material.
If you’ve purchased Bettaknit yarn, you’ll have noticed each skein comes with washing instructions on the label. But let’s go further—here’s how to hand wash wool, the safest method for your handmade pieces.
When to wash a wool sweater
Unlike cotton or synthetic fabrics, wool doesn’t need to be washed after every wear. Thanks to its antibacterial and odor-resistant properties, often all it needs is a bit of airing out.
Wash it only when:
- it has absorbed strong smells (like smoke or cooking),
- it has visible stains,
- you’ve worn it multiple times.
The less you wash it, the better. But when you do… do it right!
What you’ll need to hand wash wool garments
- A basin or large sink
- Cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C / 86°F)
- A gentle wool-specific detergent (skip the fabric softener!)
- A large towel
- A flat surface for drying
For this mini-guide, we washed our Provence Pull sweater, made with our Woolpaca yarn in the shade Lilac — you can find the free pattern on our website!
Let’s get started!
How to wash wool sweaters: step by step instructions
1. Prepare the water and detergent
Fill a basin or sink with cold or slightly warm water. Add a small amount of wool-specific detergent and mix it with your hand to distribute it evenly. 
2. Gently submerge the garment
Turn the sweater inside out and gently place it in the water. Do not rub or scrub. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes, occasionally moving it gently.
3. Rinse without stress
Empty the basin and refill it with clean water. Rinse the garment with gentle motions. Repeat until the water is clear and soap-free.
4. Remove excess water (don’t wring!)
Lift the sweater and lay it flat on a towel. Roll the towel with the sweater inside and gently press to absorb water. Never twist or wring—it may stretch or distort the shape.
5. Dry flat and in the shade
Lay the sweater on a flat surface (preferably on another dry towel). Reshape it and let it air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Mistakes to absolutely avoid
- Washing machine and dryer: even “wool” cycles can be too rough for handmade items.
- Hot water or sudden temperature changes: these can cause felting.
- Fabric softeners or generic detergents: they weaken the fibers.
- Hangers: wet wool stretches and loses shape if hung.
Felted wool? Here’s what you can try
Proper washing is your best defense against felting. But if you’ve accidentally shrunk or felted your wool garment, you can try soaking it in lukewarm water with a little hair conditioner.
Let it sit for 30 minutes, then gently stretch and reshape it with your hands while it’s still wet.
It doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying. And even if the sweater can’t be saved, it can live on—as a bag, a cushion, or another creative project!
Conscious care is an act of love
Hand washing a wool sweater takes time, but it’s also a gesture of care and love for something you made with your own hands. It’s not just a routine—it’s a slow ritual that brings us back to a more mindful, human pace.
And every time you put on that soft, fresh-smelling sweater, you’ll know the care was worth it.
Bonus tip: remove pilling with a Pilling Brush
Even with the best care, wool may develop little pills, especially in areas that rub (like underarms, elbows, or hips). No worries—it’s totally normal and doesn’t mean the yarn is poor quality.
To safely remove pilling, we recommend using a Pilling Brush—a special comb that removes pills without damaging your knit.
How to use it:
- Lay the garment flat.
- Lightly run the brush over the surface with smooth, linear strokes.
Et voilà—your sweater looks brand new again!
Check out Bettaknit’s Pilling Brush and add it to your wool care kit! A small gesture that makes a big difference—your knitwear will always look polished and ready to wear again and again.
In Conclusion
Now that you know how to properly wash wool sweaters, your handmade garments will last longer and always be ready to keep you warm during the cold months.
With a little care, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of wearing what you’ve made with your own hands.
Got questions about a specific yarn or want to know which ones are easiest to wash? Write to us or tag us in your creations using #bettaknit – see you on Instagram!
