Yarn Washing Instructons

Yarn labels may also show washing instructions. Below is an infographic summary of the symbol meanings.

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It is important to pay attention to these instructions or you risk ruining your project.

Wool is a common "sensitive" fiber. Wool has the proclivity to felt. The felting process can be utilized to create a thicker, stiffer fabric. As a result of felting the fabric, it will also shrink. Felting a fabric requires a few components: agitation, moisture, and heat. The washing instructions are used to prevent processes that will change the fiber irreversibly (which includes felting).

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Obviously, if felting is desired, add the components described above with a fiber that is prone to felting. Intentional felting can be complicated, especially for wearable projects. Since the felting process shrinks the fabric, the measurements won't be equal pre- and post-felt. Matching fit requires careful planning.

It is essential to create gauge squares/swatches. These swatches must have a known stitch and row count (as discussed previously). The initial swatch's dimensions must be measured, then the swatch felted, and the swatch's dimensions measured again. By comparing the original size and the felted size, a measure of shrink can be calculated. The measure can then be used to calculate (again) the initial size and stitch counts needed for the project to create the desired final size.

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Source: Spruce Crafts