How to Care for Crochet So It Lasts for Years

Hand-crocheted pieces are made to last. But like a favourite jumper or a good leather bag, how long they last depends on how you look after them. The good news is that caring for crochet is simple. It comes down to three things: cool water, no wringing, and drying flat.

Here’s how we care for bags, dolls, bouquets and clothing in our own studio. For a quick reference table by fibre, see our Care Guide too.

The basic principle: crochet is a fabric that “breathes”

Crochet is made of thousands of small interlocking loops. That structure makes it soft and flexible, but also easy to pull out of shape when wet. Wet yarn is heavier, and that weight drags the loops downwards. So almost all crochet damage happens at two moments: when it’s wrung out, and when it’s hung up wet.

Remember three rules.

1. Cool or room-temperature water. Hot water can shrink cotton and felt wool.
2. Press, don’t wring. Wringing twists the fibres and distorts the shape.
3. Dry flat. A clothes hanger is wet crochet’s worst enemy.

How to hand-wash crochet

This method is safe for almost every crochet piece.

1. Fill a basin with cool water and a little mild soap, such as baby soap, baby shampoo or a delicates detergent. Avoid bleach and strong fragrances.
2. Soak the piece for 10–15 minutes. Gently press dirty areas with your fingertips. Don’t scrub.
3. Drain the soapy water and rinse in clean cool water until no suds remain.
4. Press the piece against the side of the basin to remove most of the water.
5. Roll it up in a dry towel like a sushi roll and press down. The towel absorbs the rest of the water without distorting the shape.

Can it go in the washing machine?

In general we don’t recommend it, especially for dolls, bouquets and lined bags. If you must, for small acrylic pieces like scrunchies or coasters, use a mesh laundry bag, choose a “delicate” or “wool” cycle with cold water and switch off the high-speed spin. Never use a hot tumble dryer.

Caring for crochet bags

Bags are the most-used crochet pieces and the ones that carry the most weight. For crochet bags like totes or shoulder bags, keep these in mind.

• Don’t overfill it. Heavy things like a laptop belong in a lined bag. The lining spreads the load so the stitches aren’t strained.
• Empty and reshape it after use. Stuff the bag with paper or a small towel in storage so it stays upright.
• Treat small stains straight away. Dab with a damp cloth and a little soap. Don’t scrub hard.
• After washing, dry the bag standing up or lying down with a towel inside, never hanging by its straps.

Caring for amigurumi

Dolls get hugged, taken to bed and sometimes chewed. Naturally they get dirty.

• Spot-clean first. For light dirt, wipe with a damp cloth and baby soap.
• Wash thoroughly every 1–2 months for children’s toys. Follow the hand-wash steps above, then press the doll in a towel several times until it no longer drips.
• Dry in a shady, breezy spot, not in strong sun. Polyester fill takes 1–2 days to dry completely, and a doll that’s still damp inside can grow mould.
• Reshape ears and arms with your fingers while still damp.

Our bunny and penguin are crocheted tightly, so the stuffing stays put when washed. If a seam ever loosens, message us and we’ll help fix it.

Caring for crochet bouquets

Crochet bouquets need no water, but they do need a little attention.

• Don’t soak them. The stems contain wire that can rust if wet.
• Dust once a week with a clean makeup brush or a hair dryer on the cool setting.
• Keep out of direct sun so the petals don’t fade.
• Fluff the petals with your fingers if they get squashed, for example after travelling in a box.

Caring for crochet clothing

Cardigans, tops and hats are the most likely to stretch.

• Fold, don’t hang. Keep cardigans folded in the wardrobe. Hangers stretch the shoulders and lengthen the body.
• Wash after 4–5 wears unless it’s dirty, because frequent washing wears the fibres out faster.
• Dry flat on a towel and ease it back to its original measurements. For a granny square cardigan, straighten each square with your fingers so they line up.
• Bucket hats are best dried over an upturned bowl so the crown stays round.

Dealing with pilling

Small bobbles appear where the fabric rubs a lot, like the base of a bag or the underarms of a cardigan. It’s normal, not a sign of poor quality. To fix it:

• Use a fabric shaver with light strokes.
• Or snip carefully with small scissors.
• Don’t pull the bobbles off, which only drags more fibre out.

Long-term storage

• Store somewhere dry. Indonesia is humid, so put silica gel in your wardrobe or storage box.
• Avoid sealed plastic bags for long periods because they trap moisture. Fabric bags or cardboard boxes are better.
• For wool, add mothballs or cedar to keep moths away.

Reshaping crochet that has lost its shape

Crochet that has stretched or skewed can often be saved by blocking.

1. Wet the piece with cool water, then remove the water with a towel as usual.
2. Lay it out on a mat (foam blocking mats or a thick towel) at its original size.
3. Pin the edges with rust-proof pins.
4. Leave it until completely dry, then unpin.

For acrylic you can use steam from an iron held a few centimetres away, without letting the iron touch the crochet.

When to have it repaired by the maker

If a strand breaks, a stitch unravels or a doll part comes loose, don’t cut or pull it. Tie off the loose section temporarily with a piece of yarn, then contact the maker. For LovelyCrochet pieces, send us a photo of the damage on WhatsApp.

With this simple care, hand-crocheted pieces can stay with you for years. Want to know which yarns are easiest to care for? Read our guide to crochet yarn types, or browse our crochet bags, designed for everyday use.