A Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Hand Knitted Clothing

Hand knitted garments are unique. They are also precious. Each piece of clothing takes time, love and care to make. However, they need care. Improper care can lead to loss of shape and increases the chance of damage. In this guide, you will read about how to care for your hand knitted garments.

Why Proper Care is Important

Hand knitted clothing is not like normal clothing. The yarn is delicate. The fabric is soft. With one wrong wash or dry you could ruin the whole item. And that is why care is necessary. With just a few simple steps your knitted item will last you years. Whether it is a sweater, scarf or socks, each piece should be handled with care.

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You can also find special handmade items from the Shakti Shop where many hand knitted clothes are made with love and care.

Washing Your Hand Knitted Clothing

Check the label promptly. Some yarn is washable and some is not. If the yarn does not have a label, it is best to hand wash the item.

Use cool water and a very small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo. Do not use harsh detergent. Lightly move the item in the water. Do not twist or scrub. Allow the item to soak for 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until the soap is gone, squeezing out the excess water as you go.

Drying the Right Way

Do not squeeze out the water. Instead, lay the item flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel with the item inside to absorb extra moisture. Lay the clothing flat on a dry towel and gently reposition it with your hands. Let it air dry.

Do not hang the clothing or it can stretch and lose its shape. Also, do not dry in direct sunlight as this can fade and damage yarn.

Storing Your Clothes

When you do not use your hand knitted garments, fold them. Store them in a cool and dry location. Avoid plastic bags, as these trap moisture and create the perfect environment for mold. Use cotton bags or pillowcases to store the items so that the yarn can breathe.

Also remember to protect your garments from beetles and moths which love wool. You may use cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your closet.

Fixing Minor Issues

Sometimes, a thread can pull or a small hole may appear. Do not worry. Use a yarn needle to pull the thread back in place. If there is a hole, use matching yarn and a needle to close it. If you are not sure, ask someone who knits for help.

Conclusion

Caring for hand knitted clothing may seem tricky at first. But with these simple steps, it becomes easy. Always remember to be gentle. Use mild soap. Avoid heat. And store your items the right way. When you care properly, your hand knitted clothes will stay soft, beautiful and last a long time. They are not just clothes. They are handmade pieces of love.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

John Lewis x Clarins Beauty Favourites Gift Set

Alongside their Summer Beauty Boxes, John Lewis also has a collaboration with Clarins, not something you see very often!

The John Lewis x Clarins Beauty Favourites Gift Set is said to be worth £93.63 but is available now for just £50. Inside the box you will find a hand-picked selection featuring 6 products from the Clarins range.

Purchase the John Lewis x Clarins Box

Contents

• Total Cleansing Oil, 50ml
• Hydra Essentiel Cream, 15ml
• Hydra Essentiel Night Cream, 15ml
• Exfoliating Body Scrub, 100ml
• Tonic Body Oil, 30ml
• Hand & Nail Cream, 100ml

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Cult Beauty The Must-Have Edit 2025

On sale now

Along side their amazing Gift with Purchase offer which is amazing value for money, look out for the next Cult Beauty Edit coming soon - The Cult Beauty The Must-Have Edit is definitely one to have on your radar.

Following on from their The Sun Ready Edits, the Cult Beauty Must-Have Edit features brands such as Elemis with their new Black Cherry Cleansing Balm and Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer - two products which get a lot of attention on social media.

On sale now

Contents

• Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm 20g 
• Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist 30ml
• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 30ml 
• Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer 10ml 
• Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Flushed Blurring Balm Powder
• BIOEFFECT EGF Serum 15ml worth 
• Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum 8ml

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Is Aldi’s New Skincare Range a Tatcha Dupe? I Tried It to Find Out

Aldi’s New Japanese-Inspired Skincare Range: Tatcha Dupes for Just £4.99?

In the ever-growing world of skincare, budget-friendly dupes are always a hot topic — and Aldi has entered the chat once again. This time, they’ve launched a new Japanese-inspired skincare line under their Lacura brand, and beauty lovers are already comparing it to the luxury favourite, Tatcha.

I tried two of the standout products from the range: the Lacura Matcha Gel Wash and the Lacura Rice Cleanser, both retailing at an affordable £4.99. Here's how they performed.

Lacura Matcha Gel Wash – £4.99

From the moment I squeezed this out of the tube, I was impressed by the jelly-like texture — a trend that’s very much in right now. It felt cooling and refreshing on my fingertips, which instantly gave it that spa-like feel.

This cleanser is powered by willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid that’s excellent for combating acne), matcha tea, and mugwort extract, a trio known for their soothing and revitalising properties. According to Aldi, it’s designed to revive tired, dull skin for a more radiant complexion — and it definitely gave my skin a much-needed refresh.

Once water was added, the cleanser foamed quickly and effortlessly broke down makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime. What I loved most was the transformation from foam to a light, milky lather. It rinsed off easily and left my skin feeling clean but not dry — a rare feat for a foaming wash.

My verdict: A fantastic daily cleanser for normal to oily skin, especially if you're after a gentle but effective wash that doesn’t strip your skin.

Lacura Rice Cleanser – £4.99

Next up was the Rice Cleanser, which is inspired by traditional Japanese skincare rituals using rice water and rice-based ingredients.

The texture surprised me — it’s much thicker than expected, more like a paste than a cream. It’s infused with rice powder, rice starch, and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin. Though slightly gritty in texture, it didn’t feel scratchy or harsh at all.

However, if you're hoping for a proper exfoliation experience, this might not quite deliver. The granules are fine and sparse, making it more of a gentle polish than a true exfoliator. That said, it's ideal for sensitive skin or those who prefer a very mild cleanse.

The formula also includes hyaluronic acid and rice ferment filtrate, ingredients known for their hydrating and skin-softening properties. While I didn’t notice a huge hydration boost immediately after washing, my skin didn’t feel tight — which is always a plus.

My verdict: A great second cleanse or morning wash. Don’t expect intense exfoliation, but it’s gentle, non-stripping, and good for sensitive skin types.

Final Thoughts

It’s no surprise that these Lacura products are already creating a buzz. They’re visually and conceptually reminiscent of Tatcha’s beloved range, but at a fraction of the price. While they may not completely replicate the luxury experience of the originals, they hold their own as effective, affordable skincare staples.

If you're after a glow-boosting, budget-friendly cleanse — or just want to dip your toe into Japanese-inspired skincare without the hefty price tag — these are definitely worth a try.

Available now at Aldi, but be quick — as with most Lacura launches, they won’t be around forever!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.