How to take care of wool, according to the founder of a merino knitwear brand

From garment bags to scented oils, here’s how to preserve your cosy basics.

Owning high-quality woollen pieces can set you up for year-round wardrobe success. Whether cashmere or merino, knitwear is timeless. But caring for wool can be tricky, especially when defending them from pesty insects. A simple slip-up in washing or storing can lead to permanent damage, leaving you with shrunken sweaters or faded hues. 

As someone who enjoys crocheting with my op shop-found mohair, I know maintaining the longevity of wool is often trickier than other fibres. Avoiding the build-up of pilling against rough surfaces is a delicate task.

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To better understand how to care for woollen pieces properly, I chatted with the owner of Lady Kate Knitwear, Penny Ashby. Lady Kate is a merino wool knitwear brand, crafting pieces entirely from Woolmark-certified merino wool. Below, Penny shares her tips for storing, washing and preserving knitwear. 

What are your best tips for storing knitwear and woollen garments? 

Knitwear needs to be stored flat rather than on hangers, as it can stretch and distort over time. You [can end] up with a stretched neckline and long sleeves you didn’t really want! It’s also really important to store it inside a tub or bag to keep it safe from moths. 

How often should we wash our knitwear, and how? 

Wool is naturally odour-resistant, so doesn’t need washing all the time but I like to wash mine every two to three wears. It helps break [away] any loose fibres that might turn into pills. Plus, I have little kids, so frequently have avocado-[covered] handprints on my shoulders. 

In terms of how to wash, there are many different types of wool out there. Some knits are machine washable, [and] some are hand-wash only. It depends on the yarn, and the care label on your garment [should] tell you what your knit can handle. 

But in general, wool needs to be washed gently with approved wool detergent in cold water. Heat, harsh washing powders, and too much agitation are a surefire way to turn your knit into felt. Never, ever, ever put your knit in the dryer – it will shrink. [Instead] just dry it flat on a drying rack, and then use a warm iron to smooth down the fibres (or if you’re short on time, you can skip this step – wool is pretty forgiving when it comes to creases!).

Are there other ways to care for and preserve our knitwear? 

Buying good-quality knits is your best bet to ensure your knit [looks] good year after year. A cheap knit made from cheap wool won’t stand the test of time. Look for the Woolmark logo, as it means the yarn has been tested against pilling, washability and colour fastness. 

And always follow the care label – as a natural fibre, wool and cashmere can vary in how they handle being washed, but give them a little care and you’ll have a wardrobe staple for life! If, like me, you have toddlers and puppies in the house, you need to know that a) if you pull a thread on your knit, a knitting needle or blunt pencil can be used to poke it back in and b) if you get a stain, just put a squirt of wool detergent on it ASAP and leave for a few hours before you wash it. 

Do you have any suggestions for protecting our wool knits against moths?  

I live in a rambling old farmhouse, so storing knitwear safely against moths, bugs and even mice is something I’ve become an expert at! I don’t know why, but moths always go for the best quality knitwear – they are discerning little critters! They are attracted to the protein in the wool, so your knits need to be washed before you store them and then enclosed in something moths can’t get through. 

Plastic bags and tubs are great, but the knitwear can ‘sweat’ in it, so I prefer zip-up cotton garment bags as they let the wool breathe. Keep the bag scented with lavender or cedar oil – even soap will do. As long as it’s strong-smelling, it will keep them away. 

For more on preserving wool pieces, head here.