Handmade crochet is exactly that — handmade. Every loop and knot in your Kaari piece was worked by hand, which means a little gentle care goes a very long way.
Washing by hand
For most pieces, hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent is the safest choice. Submerge gently, squeeze — never wring or twist. Wringing can permanently stretch the stitches out of shape.
- Use cool or lukewarm water, never hot.
- A teaspoon of gentle detergent is plenty.
- Rinse until the water runs clear.
- Roll in a towel and press to remove excess water.
Drying
Lay your piece flat on a dry towel and reshape it gently while it's still damp. Never hang crochet to dry — gravity will stretch it. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can fade natural yarns.
Storing
Fold, don't hang. Store in a dry place away from damp and direct light. If you're storing for a season, a breathable cotton bag keeps dust off while letting air circulate.
A quick note on snags
Caught a loop? Gently tease the stitch back into place with a crochet hook or a blunt needle. Small snags fix easily if you catch them early — another reason to keep your pieces on display, not in a drawer.