How to care for wool. Sheep, alpaca and mohair.
Agitation and changes in temperature cause wool to shrink and felt.
You can wash wool items avoiding the chemicals and processes of, the often recommended, dry cleaning.
There is no reason to wash wool after each use. Outerwear, in particular, can go a long time without a need to wash.
When you do wash there are two options.
Hand Wash
- ideal for smaller items
- wash by hand in basin or sink
- warm water recommended in both wash and rinse
- use a mild soap
- let garment soak
- limit the amount of agitation
- rinse
- use same temperature in rinse as in wash
- squeeze water out gently or roll into a thick towel and squeeze out excess water
- lay flat to dry
Machine Wash
- most washing machines have a hand wash cycle
- use a mild soap
- we recommend that you test the hand wash cycle of your machine on a piece of wool garment that is not precious
- lay flat to dry
Iron as needed with a steam iron or under a dampened cloth.
Wool does not generally hold its wrinkles. Hang your garment on a coat hanger after use or fold onto a shelf.
How to care for linen.
Linen is a strong, long wearing fabric that softens and lightens with use. Known as a bast fibre, from the stalks of the flax plant.
We preshrink our linen yardage in a hot machine wash. Linen can take a lot, but we recommend a warm wash and hang to dry. Linen takes ironing best with a hot iron when slightly damp.
Or, machine wash cool, with gentle soaps, on gentle cycle. Hang to dry. Iron when damp.
How to care for Snippets.
Snippets are 100% wool, stuffing included.
For spot washing, use tepid water, a mild soap and brush with a soft bristle.
For a complete wash, put in washing machine on hand wash cycle. Hang to dry.