Best way to store knitwear

When summer arrives it’s time to take out all your light clothes and store your thick and fluffy knitwear. The best way to store knitwear is to have a designated place for your garments, and it’s even more important that the place you choose in your house has the least humidity possible.

A good knitwear piece probably costs you a good amount of money, especially those made by quality knitwear manufacturers. That's why storing it during summer is a way to ensure those clothes last longer. When you’re not wearing your knits, make sure they’re kept in a cool, dry place and always keep them away from heat (like radiators) as over time they can cause the fibres to break down.

How to organize knitwear?

The best way to organize and store your wool sweaters is to fold them. This helps to keep their shape and prevent wrinkles.

Always store them flat to prevent distortion, which is essential when thinking about how to store knitwear. Consider using a cedar chest or dresser, as cedar is a natural moth repellent. Alternatively, store your garments in plastic tubs with cedar blocks or lavender sachets. If you need to store garments in plastic bags, ensure the bags are sealed securely and allow the wool to breathe. If you live in an area with moths or other pests, adding mothballs may be necessary, but use them sparingly due to their strong scent.

You can fold them by following these steps:

1. Lay your sweater flat.

2. Fold a sleeve inwards at a diagonal, so that the cuff is opposite from the shoulder, then repeat with the other sleeve.

3. Ensure it is smooth and remove any wrinkles with your hand.

4. Hold the hem of your knit and bring it towards the neck. Roll if you’re folding a thick and chunky knit.

5. If you have rolled it, use an elastic band at each end to keep the roll secure.

The do’s and don'ts of storing knitwear

To keep your knitwear looking like new, follow a few rules:

Wool Sweaters: Wool is a natural fibre and can be damaged by heat, it’s important not to store them in a hot attic or wardrobe that gets hit with the sun.

Cashmere (and other delicates): Cashmere knits should be stored in an airtight garment bag or container to protect them from moths and dust.

- Hand-knitted Sweaters: These often have delicate details which are easily damaged, so handle with care when it comes to storing them. Using acid-free tissue paper to wrap each garment can help to protect them during their time in storage.

Remove the pilling

Unfortunately pilling is a natural process which occurs on even the most high-quality knitwear. It is a consequence of wear, so the best way to keep your favourite knit looking new is to remove the pills. Pills on a heavier knit can be removed by hand, but a pilling comb is best to avoid causing any damage.

Clean your knits

Before storing your treasured knits you need to make sure they’re clean. Storing them with dirt, body oils and perspiration will encourage moths to stick to the wool. Wash, steam, dry-clean and ensure they are completely dry.

Key Tips

• Always ensure your knitwear is clean and dry before packing them away for the season.

• Keep your knitwear away from direct sunlight to avoid discolouration.

• For extra protection from moths, use a moth repellent and store your knitwear in a sealed container.

• Where possible, fold your knitwear instead of hanging. This is especially important for heavier knits such as jumpers to prevent them from stretching.

• If drawer space is limited, fold your knits over the bar at the bottom of your hanger.

• Consider hanging lighter knitwear pieces like knit tops on a felt-flocked or sturdy wooden hanger.

Time to bring it out

When it’s time to bring out your favourite pieces from knitwear storage, give them a quick visual inspection to check they are how you left them. If you’ve stored them with mothballs or sachets they may have a bit of an odour, and that’s ok! The great thing about knitwear is that odours don’t linger. Place them somewhere out of the way, where the air circulation is good and allow them to breathe.

Hope you enjoyed this article! Here at Knit-Lab Peru we are committed to offer premium quality products that combine modern technology with ancestral tradition. Contact us if you want to learn more or work with us.