How should I wash and block hand-knit items so they don't shrink or stretch?

To care for hand-knit items, the goal is to be as gentle as possible to avoid agitation, which causes felting (shrinkage) or stretching. Here is a simple, effective method:

Washing

1. Prepare the water: Fill a clean sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it is the primary cause of shrinking in animal fibers like wool.
2. Add wool wash: Use a gentle, no-rinse wool wash (like Eucalan or Soak). Swirl the soap into the water before adding the garment.
3. Soak: Submerge your item gently. Do not scrub or wring it. Let it soak for about 15–20 minutes. This allows the fibers to absorb moisture and dirt to release naturally.
4. Drain and support: Drain the sink. Gently press the water out of the garment against the side of the basin. Never wring or twist the fabric, as the weight of the water will stretch the fibers permanently.
5. Remove excess moisture: Lay a clean, dry towel flat. Place your damp garment on top, then roll the towel up like a sleeping bag. You can gently press or even step on the roll to help the towel absorb the excess water.

Blocking

Blocking is the process of setting the final shape and dimensions of your knit.

1. Choose your surface: Use a foam blocking mat or a clean carpeted floor. If you are blocking a large item, a thick towel on a bed works well.
2. Lay it out: Lay the garment flat. Gently smooth it out with your hands into the desired shape. If it is a sweater, ensure the sleeves and body are aligned.
3. Pin (if necessary): If the item is lace or needs specific shaping, use rust-proof T-pins to secure the edges at the correct measurements. If it is a simple sweater, you may not need pins at all—just smoothing it into place is often enough.
4. Dry completely: Leave the item in a well-ventilated area until it is bone-dry. Moving it while damp can cause it to sag or lose its shape.

Important Tips:

• Check the label: Always follow the washing instructions provided by the yarn manufacturer.
• Avoid heat: Never put hand-knit items in the dryer, as the heat and tumbling will almost certainly shrink them.
• Weight matters: If you are blocking a very heavy, oversized sweater, it is often better to dry it flat rather than hanging it, as the weight of the water will pull the shoulders and body out of shape.