The Ritual of Care: How to Wash Your Handknit Wool Sweater

How should I wash my handknit piece?

Every Michaela Buerger knit is crafted with care and deserves the same tenderness in return. Think of washing not as a chore, but as a ritual — a quiet moment to keep your knit alive for years to come.

1. Measure Before Washing

Knits love to return to their original form. Before you begin, measure your sweater across the shoulders, hem, and sleeves. For the most precise fit, trace its outline on paper. After washing, you’ll reshape it with this gentle map.

2. Give Your Knit a Gentle Bath

Fill a basin with cool water and add a mild wool detergent or soft dish soap. Submerge your handknit slowly, swishing the water as though you were stirring tea leaves. Let it rest for several minutes. Never wring or twist — instead, lift it with two hands, like something precious. Rinse in fresh water until the water runs clear.

3. Press, Don’t Twist

Lay the knit flat on a clean towel. Roll it carefully, pressing out excess water. Repeat with a second towel if needed.

4. Let It Rest Flat

Spread your knit flat on a dry towel, reshaping it to the outline you traced. Avoid hanging — gravity will stretch it. Replace damp towels with dry ones until your sweater is fully dry.

 

 

5. Refresh & Renew

Once dry, give your knit a final polish. Use a handheld steamer to release wrinkles, and a sweater comb to gently remove pilling. Each small ritual keeps your knit soft, shapely, and ready for another season of wear.

 

6. Treat Pilling with Care

Pilling is a natural part of wool’s life. Use a sweater comb or fine fabric shaver to gently brush pills away, always moving with a soft hand. This small ritual keeps your knit smooth, polished, and ready for another season of wear.

 

 

 

 

🌿 Care Note: Always store knits folded, never on hangers. With this ritual, your Michaela Buerger piece will become a companion you return to, season after season.