by Susan Donley

Created on: June 12, 2009

The convenience of and improvements to automatic washing machines and clothes dryers has continued to simplify household chores for 50 years. Just a generation ago, it was necessary to wash all fine washables by hand or to send them out for dry cleaning. With wringer washers a thing of the past, it is now possible to wash nearly any garment in a modern washing machine. Even hand-knit wool sweaters can be safely machine-washed.

If machine-washing your hand-knit sweater is important to you, a little planning before you pick up your knitting needles will help ensure your success. Consider both pattern and yarn choices before casting on the first stitch.

First, consider your pattern choice. Patterns featuring evenly constructed sturdy fabric will hold up better during machine washing than patterns with open or loose designs. Lace, incorporated into the bodice of the garment, rather than in the neckline or hem, should stand up to machine washing. Look for set-in sleeves and defined hems and cuffs. Side seams and smaller neck openings give a garment more structure as well. Pullovers and symmetrical designs are good choices for sweaters that you intend to machine wash.

Next, consider your yarn choice. Follow the gauge guidelines specified in your pattern when choosing yarn. Look for yarn that is plied - four or more plies is usually the sturdier yarn. Cabled, boucl, or braided yarns are very strong and will create a durable fabric. Yarn spun from long staple fibers (fiber from merino sheep, mohair, and some alpaca) rather than from short cut fiber is more durable and less likely to pill as well. Choosing colorfast yarn will ensure that your machine-washed garment retains its vibrant color even after multiple washings. Wool that has been pretreated for machine-washabililty, called superwash wool, is the best choice for knitting a sweater that you plan to machine wash.

Finally, before beginning to knit your sweater, knit a gauge swatch in the stitch pattern described in the pattern. In addition to helping you determine the necessary needle size for working the sweater, a gauge swatch can be washed as you intend to wash the finished sweater. Its shape, size, colorfastness, and durability can be tested before you spend time knitting a sweater that would be ruined when washed.

A sweater knit with machine washing in mind can safely be washed on the gentle cycle with regular laundry detergent. Shape your sweater to dry on a color fast towel out of direct sunlight.

With these simple care tips, your hand-knit sweater should last a lifetime.

Learn more about this author, Susan Donley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.