A handknitted beanie is not like the mass produced kind you pick up in a bargain bin. Every Pixel Witch Designs beanie is made stitch by stitch, by hand, with proper attention and quality yarn. With a little care, it will keep you warm and looking wonderful for years, not just a season. Here is how to look after it properly.

Washing

Handknitted pieces are gentler souls than machine knitwear, so treat them kindly.

Hand wash your beanie in cool or lukewarm water using a gentle wool or delicate wash. Avoid hot water, it can cause natural fibres to felt and shrink. Gently swish the beanie through the water rather than scrubbing or wringing it, and let it soak for a few minutes if it needs a proper clean.

If your beanie is machine washable (check the care label that came with your order), use a wool or delicate cycle in cold water, and always pop it in a mesh bag to protect the stitches.

Drying

Never wring a handknitted beanie, twisting the fibres can distort its shape permanently. Instead, gently press out the excess water with a clean towel.

Lay your beanie flat on a dry towel, away from direct sunlight and heaters, and reshape it while damp so it dries in its proper form. Avoid hanging it to dry, as the weight of the wet wool can stretch it out of shape. Patience is the key ingredient here, let it dry naturally and it will thank you for it.

Storing

When the warmer months roll around, store your beanie folded flat in a drawer rather than hung on a hook, which can stretch the brim over time. A breathable cotton bag or pillowcase is ideal for keeping dust and moths away while still letting the fibres breathe.

If you are storing your beanie for an extended period, a few cedar balls or a lavender sachet nearby will help keep moths at bay naturally.

A Few Extra Tips

Avoid ironing your beanie, heat can flatten and damage the stitches. If it needs a quick refresh between wears, a gentle steam from a distance works far better than direct heat. And if you ever spot a loose thread, resist the urge to pull it, pop it back through with a blunt needle or bring it to us and we will happily fix it up.

Treated well, a handknitted beanie only gets better with age, softening and moulding to your head while holding its shape and warmth. That is the real magic of handmade knitwear, it is made to last, not to be replaced.

Ready for your next one? Browse the handknitted beanie range, including our cat ear and baby styles, at pixelwitch.com.au.