HAND WASHING YOUR WOOLLEN KNITS

1. PREPARE THE WASH: Fill a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water (around 30°C/85°F). Add a small amount of mild detergent formulated for wool. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.

2. SOAK THE GARMENT: Submerge the woollen garment in the water and gently agitate it to ensure even distribution of the detergent. Let the garment soak for about 10 to 15 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.

3. GENTLY CLEAN: After soaking, gently rub the garment with your fingers to spot clean any areas with stains or dirt buildup. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the delicate wool fibres.

4. RINSE THOROUGHLY: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean lukewarm water. Rinse the garment several times until all traces of detergent are removed. Avoid wringing or twisting the garment, as this can cause stretching and distortion.

5. REMOVE EXCESS WATER: Gently press the garment against the side of the sink or basin to remove excess water. Avoid squeezing or wringing, as this can damage the fibres. Do not twist the garment. Loosely rolling in a towel and applying gentle pressure can remove excess moisture.

6. DRY FLAT: Lay a clean, dry towel flat on a clean surface. Place the woollen garment on top of the towel and reshape it to its original dimensions. Allow the garment to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Flip the garment over periodically to ensure even drying.

7. FINAL TOUCHES: Once the garment is completely dry, gently steam or iron it on the wool setting to remove any wrinkles.

8. STORAGE: Store wool garments in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. To prevent moth damage, consider storing them in a breathable garment bag or container with cedar balls or lavender sachets.

9. MAINTENANCE: To keep wool garments looking their best, gently remove any pills or fuzz using a fabric shaver or sweater stone. Avoid hanging heavy items on wool garments, as this can stretch them out of shap

PILLING CARE FOR YOUR WOOLLEN /WOOL BLEND KNITS

WHY DOES PILLING HAPPEN?

1. NATURAL FIBRE CHARACTERISTICS: Wool fibres, being natural and inherently elastic, tend to rub against each other during wear. This friction can lead to the formation of pills, especially in areas of high abrasion such as underarms or where the garment rubs against other surfaces. This is a normal occurrence and part of the natural fibre cycle.

2. FABRIC CONSTRUCTION: The way the wool fibres are spun and woven into fabric can affect the likelihood of pilling. Looser weaves or yarns with shorter fibres are more prone to pilling compared to tightly woven fabrics or those made from longer fibres. However, this doesn't always correlate with garment quality as looser weaves might be intentional for specific design or comfort reasons.

3. BLENDING: Wool blends, which combine wool with other fibres such as cashmere or nylon, are often engineered to enhance certain properties like durability, softness, or ease of care. However, pilling can still occur, such is the nature of animal fibres.

4. USAGE AND CARE: How the garment is worn, cared for, and maintained also plays a significant role in pilling. Garments that are subject to frequent rubbing or friction, washed frequently, or subjected to harsh washing methods are more likely to pill. Proper care, such as gentle washing, drying flat, and avoiding harsh chemicals, can help minimise pilling and maintain the appearance of the garment over time.

HOW DO I REMOVE PILLING FROM MY SPECIAL KNITS?

1. LINT SHAVER OR FABRIC SHAVER: A lint shaver, also known as a fabric shaver or sweater shaver, is a handheld device with a rotating blade that gently removes pills from the surface of the fabric. Simply glide the shaver over the pilled areas in a gentle, circular motion to shave off the pills. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the fabric.

2. SWEATER STONE OR PUMICE STONE: A sweater stone or pumice stone is a natural stone with a slightly abrasive texture that can be used to remove pills from wool garments. Gently rub the stone over the pilled areas in a circular motion to lift and remove the pills. This method requires a bit more manual effort but is effective for smaller areas of pilling.

3. FABRIC COMB: A fabric comb specifically designed for removing pills can also be used on wool garments. These combs typically have fine-toothed edges that grab onto the pills and lift them away from the fabric. Gently comb the pilled areas in one direction to remove the pills. Avoid using regular combs or brushes, as they may damage the wool fibres.

4. TAPE OR LINT ROLLER: For smaller or less severe pilling, you can use adhesive tape or a lint roller to pick up the pills. Wrap the tape around your fingers with the sticky side facing outward and lightly press it onto the pilled areas to lift off the pills. This method is best suited for light pilling or for spot treatments.

5. HAND PLUCKING: If the pilling is minimal or confined to small areas, you can simply pluck the pills off by hand. Gently grasp the pills between your thumb and forefinger and pull them away from the fabric. Be careful not to pull too hard to avoid damaging the fabric.

Overall, while pilling can be an annoyance, especially in new garments, it’s a natural occurrence with many factors at play, including fibre type, fabric construction, blending, and usage. So choose the method that best suits your preference and the amount of the pilling, and always test on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure compatibility.

Remember to shake out your knits regularly and air every so often because wool’s natural oils and antimicrobial qualities mean washing frequently just isn’t necessary. Wool is a wonder of nature and that means your cherished Talamaya knits will last many years if you follow our tips