Two ways of working and washing the yarn not treated

The two ways to knit and care for your non-treated yarns.

There are two ways to wash your non-treated yarns on cones so that they look as luxurious as with knitwear bought in shops.

One is simple and straigthforward, the other not quite as much.

Let’s start with the more simple one.

1. Wash the yarn before knitting. As you pull the yarn from the cone, wind the yarn in skeins of 200-250 gr either using a wool-winder or, if not available, the backrest of a chair; with the skein, very carefully bind the threads together, with at least 4-5 strong horizontal knots, at the same distance along the skein in order to keep it together and to prevent it from getting tangled during the wash: if the knots are not well done, there is a higher risk of the yarn getting tangled and difficult to undo and work with after. You don’t want to risk having to throw everything away. When the skeins are tied firmly, follow the instructions provided to machine-wash at the end of the page. I highly recommend making a sample in any case before you actually start the final production. In following this alternative, you may use the ready washed yarn right after it has dried (hanging the skeins is fine) and start knitting. It is possible to make balls or knit straight from the skein.

2. Knit the yarn and thus wash the article produced. First make a sample of 10×10 cm or even better 20×20 cm using the same stitch you intend to use in the final garment. Count the number of stitches and measure precisely the sample before and after washing. Wash the sample in the washing machine following the instructions provided at the end pf the page. This way you can easily assess the yield, develop sizing and therefore determine overall consumption. Also it enables you to get an idea of the feel of the garment produced. That is, if the sample becomes tight (thicker yarn), you will obtain less softness and greater resistance to pilling, whereas, if the sample becomes looser (less thick yarn) you will enjoy higher softness and lesser resistance to pilling.

When knitting by machine it is suggested to follow the second way.

Machine washing instructions

Premise. Sometimes it may be necessary to steam the sample or the product before or after washing. By steaming we mean moving the steaming iron over, NOT ON, the sample and/or the product. DO NOT place the iron on the sample / product at any stage.

– Machine wash at 30° C for 7 minutes with very little, mild detergent

– Rinse in the washing machine

– Machine wash at 30° C for 7 minutes with very little fabric softener and 1/4 measuring cup of white wine vinegar

– Spin at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes

– Dry flat without exposing to direct sunlight

You may perform this washing procedure either on the sample, the final knitwear and the yarn itself.

This washing procedure should be performed only the first time; after, as clothing, we advise washing by hand.

Hand-washing instructions

If you want your Cashmere knitwear to remain soft and fluffy, please follow these instructions:

• Soak in lukewarm water and use just a little detergent or shampoo, and add, in case of stripes or bright colours, a drop of white vinegar.

• Leave soaking for a while, no more than10-15 minutes.

• Do not rub, and handle gently.

• Rinse patiently several times and with plenty of water, lukewarm as before, until the water is perfectly clear.

• Do not wring; instead press gently to get rid of water.

• Wrap it in a terry cloth or a towel to absorb excess water.

• Spread it flat on a horizontal surface, taking care to avoid direct sunlight.

• Dry at room temperature, never near a source of heat.

• Iron it with a strong jet of steam, never press with iron.

Suggestion: wash your Cashmere garment often, and its fibres will find new life and your garment will always look brand new.

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