How to Soften Acrylic Yarn

How to Soften Acrylic Yarn. Fast, easy and effective! Perfect for Charity Donations!
Tips for Knit and Crochet Charity Donations: • Charity Donation Tips ...
Wool Dryer Ball Convert video: • Wool Dryer Balls Convert!
How to make a snake scarf: sheepishlysharing.com/2013/08/...
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Music by Kevin MacLeod "Fluffing a Duck"

[@angelamanning7122]

How sweet and caring for others who are in need of something warm and fresh.

[@agwife1]

Just a note: I have found that if you soak your acrylic yarn project in vinegar water for at least an hour then rub them down with hair conditioner and soak them it make a considerable difference. So my method is vinegar water soak for at least 1 hour then I rinse with warm water and rub down with some cheap shampoo, rinse with warm water and rub down with hair conditioner (inside and out for hats) and soak in a large bowl for at least 4 hours but the longer you let them soak the better. Rinse and throw in the washer and then the dryer.

[@7hilladelphia]

Holly's Creations awesome, thanks!

[@ACms-zn9ni]

Thank you very much for this tip❤️

[@joanpartin7279]

nice job on all your donated items, they look so nice and so many .they will be so happy to receive those.

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Joan Partin Thank you but this is just a drop in the bucket compared to the overall need out there. BUT... look what we're doing ALL TOGETHER!

[@NFLNinja-gl4iu]

Margaret, I've been knitting since I was 7 or 8 (so decades). I've used all types of yarns I believe. But it seems lately (within past couple yrs) the Acrylic yarns are starting to feel like I am working with Brillo Pads! Just rough and scratchy. It has been annoying me more and more each day! I've been searching for all sorts of ways to figure out my options with the acrylics. I am so tempted to write to the companies to tell them to knock it off and go back to softer yarns like in the 70s & 80s. You have given me plenty to think about for options. THANK YOU so much for contributing your information. It really is great helping each other out. I too donate so much to charities the same way you do. Especially for the poor/homeless. Bless your cotton socks!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Bless your cotton socks, too! (I haven't heard that in forever and it made me smile!) If it wasn't for KZbin, I wouldn't know anything about knitting/crochet so I'm eager to give back! I've learned so much... not only from my own research but from my wonderful, helpful subscribers! I'll tell you this, crochet is so much more forgiving with cheap yarn than knitting is. I can't figure out why but I can definitely tell a difference. There are certainly better options within the acrylic genre so I've started choosing those instead. Brillo pads are no fun to work with!

[@hopejohnson6347]

I know your post is already a little older but since you're from europe, I could recommend trying Four Seasons gründl Lisa Premium acrylic yarn, it's under 1€ per skein and really soft. But I also noticed that the acrylics are getting rougher and rougher... and mind you: it's really important to use 'Lisa Premium', there's also 'Lisa' (without the premium) and that's just as rough and scratchy as every other acrylic yarn :(

[@ritawashere5787]

In the 90s when fleece fabric was all the rage, I learned about washing it. The manufacturer said only use powder detergent because plastic detergents we'll just lay on top of and not clean the fleece. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️ have a great night.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@rfvfdsa]

What a blessing you are to charitys! looks at all those beautiful items!

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Katie T Goodness... this is just a drop in the bucket compared to the overall need out there. BUT... look what we're doing ALL TOGETHER!

[@crunchiestone]

Margaret, thank you for the great tips. Nearly all the yarn donated to our Hats and Hands group is acrylic. I (ashamedly) admit, I have never washed/dryed my items before sending them out. But just last week, I got a really scratchy skein and that got me thinking...I must wash and dry these items to make them more comfortable for the people who will receive them. Honestly, I get so caught up in the making of the item that by the time I am done, I am not thinking about fooling around with it some more. I will get over myself and get some laundry bags like you demo'd and get to laundering. Thank you for bringing this to my attention (more than once...I just now finally "got" it!)

[@dolorescook583]

What a kind heart you are. Your items are beautiful.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thanks, Delores! What a sweet compliment!

[@mhazeltine8083]

Just started crocheting this year and have a couple items for gifts but needed to clean and soften them. This was perfect. Thank you. Like having a friend tell me. Thanks so much!!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

+M Hazeltine What a nice compliment! Thank you! Glad you found it helpful!

[@dianemason3299]

Great tips Margaret! thanks for sharing them!

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Diane Mason Thanks, Diane. They work for me!

[@OdysseyOf]

Amazing video! Thank you for your tips and wisdoms!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Learning how to soften yarn has been trial and error for me so I can't claim "wisdom"! But thanks for the kind words all the same!

[@sarahsfavfan]

Very helpful, thank you Margaret!

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Kim Loyer You're welcome! It works for me!

[@CozyDaysMimi]

This was so helpful. It’s great to use the dryer balls and no liquid softener in case some people maybe allergic as well. I love the idea of laying everything out while warm to smooth everything. The recipients will be so grateful for the beautiful things you’ve made! 💕 Mimi

[@sheepishlysharing]

Isn't it strange how a simple wash and dry can transform the feel?! This is an older video and I have yet to find anything that works as well!

[@CozyDaysMimi]

@@sheepishlysharing it really is amazing! I ordered one of the knitting machines for charity making, definitely using the dryer balls to launder before donating☺️

[@patriciamae5913]

short and simple to understand...and cheap. thanks!

[@sheepishlysharing]

It works for me, Patricia! Good luck!

[@softfishy]

The sock scarves are to cute! Great tutorial I was worried about washing my acrylics, it's nice to know they'll do just fine in the wash.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I wash acrylic over and over and it's great! You can find a tutorial for those snake scarves in this playlist (along with Santa, Snowman and Nutcracker, too!) kzbin.info/aero/PLV9cndFtR5BVQrjZ7X1f0HRTV92kscJf2

[@lynnschwemle2807]

Thank you for sharing, caring 😊

[@39neilm19]

Thanks Margaret, your is the clearest and simplest way if softening acrylics, as we ( Long Term Care Home) were I as a volunteer run a stitch N bitch group, we recenlt had a large donation of acrylic yarns, which seem a shame to waste. b.t.w some washing machine!! great knitted items!Thanks again!

[@sheepishlysharing]

I've tried all the tricks, Neil, and I can't find anything that works better than a good wash and dry! And I agree... I could never waste that yarn! People are in great need and what a warm item is made of is irrelevant when you're freezing.

[@blackpprs1893]

great video, clear and sharp!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you!

[@TheYarnaholic]

I was thinking about turning the snake hats inside out but the back posts might snag other hats. One of these years I will make my 100 hats for charity. My lady server at Denny's has been after me for 3 years to make some for her daughter's Cancer Center but I just don't make many items these days. Well, lately I've gotten my crojo back so we'll see. You are AWESOME! And I need your washer set in my LIFE!!! 💛

[@sheepishlysharing]

+EYEAMSHEEEE I thought about washing just the long tubes BEFORE they become snakes but I was scared they might unravel or something. Using the lingerie bag worked just fine. Crojo... see... that's just it! Mine hasn't gone away yet and I can't possibly make more stuff for my family and friends so giving it away is a win for everybody!

[@loricookjohnson5033]

Thank you & you do beautiful work!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thanks for the kind comments, Lori!

[@lovecharm21]

I just found your channel!! I love that you include a sweet little quote at the end of this!! I love your intro as well so adorable!! I found this video very helpful. I am a crocheter and using arylic yarn and it is quite itchy.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thanks for the sweet words but I like to think I’ve improved a bit since then! This is an old video but the methods/ideas are still exactly what I do!

[@vmbettyboop]

thank you for this thorough video! BEST video out there on how to soften acrylic yarn :)

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Virginia Mantripp Goodness! Thank you, Virginia! What a super compliment!

[@deborahdavidson-kennamer5329]

Virginia Mantripp Euro uti 88888

[@darceeeremenko5868]

Thanks so much for making this video I had seen a few different ones out there that all said to hand wash and I just don't have time for that! You are so friendly in your videos I just love it! :)

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you, Darcee! No... handwashing, soaking in hair conditioner... all that isn't necessary for acrylic yarn since it's a type of plastic. It's all about the agitation as far as my experience goes. Wash it AND dry it for best results.

[@jeannieshanks4416]

I use pillow case and ponytail holders to bag up items

[@zabaglione]

Very useful tutorial. Thank you!

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Ian Sharpes You're welcome! It works for me!

[@asformeandmyhousewewillser2290]

Awwwe. 😂❤😂❤😂 GOD BLESS your heart for making all these beautiful handmade items with love. ❤ I really do love the black hat with the turquoise flower!! It's soooo adorable!! ❤ These lovely items will definitely brighten someone's day & let them know that someone cares about them. ❤ 🕊 ❤ 🕊 ❤ 🕊 As for protecting the eyes on your work in the washer & dryer, you can turn the socks inside out before placing them in the laundry bag or you can also use pieces of masking tape to protect the eyes & then gently wash & dry. It will works well if you wash on the delicate or slow cycle. 💝💝💝 God bless your family & stay safe.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you but those aren't socks with eyes... they're scarves. Then ends are closed and can't be turned inside out so I'll just have to stick with my lingerie bag method!

[@Loganxmusic9339]

I love that grey beanie! I want one

[@sheepishlysharing]

This is such an old video that I had to go back and look for a gray beanie! That was a double-layered knit beanie with a nice big pom made of scrap yarn! These days I still do them because they're so popular (according to the charity I donate to.) Chose a basic color then have fun with the poms!

[@jdkleinsorge]

Love your videos!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you, Jim! I'm just so happy to have people to share this stuff with! People who "get it," if you know what I mean! Thanks for hanging out with me!

[@theHookdudewest]

great tips Margaret on these items ... I seem to have more time on my hands now and have been making many hats for the local children's shelters & use all 100% acrylic .. so I will definitely try out these washing/drying tips thumbs up !!! thanks

[@sheepishlysharing]

+theHookdude west This works for me and it's easy, too! Have fun!

[@CocotheNut]

Super helpful video, thanks!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're so welcome! This is an old video but I've never found another way that works better!

[@Luvnanna21]

Hi Margaret I love your videos. I'm a 24 hour caregiver, last year my son asked me if I could make hats for the homeless for Christmas. So I of course said yes. I've been asked if I could make more but with scarves to. You have in courage to up my goal 100 hats and scarves. and no Addie machine. Great job keep it up. Thanks

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Carol Ann Johnston Go, Carol Ann!! This is just a drop in the bucket compared to the overall need out there. BUT... look what we're doing ALL TOGETHER! We're doing a test version of a Charity Along on the Ravelry Group if you have time to check it out! We'd like to keep something going all year long.

[@Luvnanna21]

+Margaret Olander (Sheepishly Sharing) Sorry I'm not sure how to do things on rivalry. I don't have a computer just my trusty phone to the outside world. lol

[@robertastewart2083]

Thank you for the useful information. I’m so impressed by the number of hats that you have made! I’d be interested in knowing how many hours a day you spend making hats.

[@rosie01ism]

Thank you always good info.

[@sheepishlysharing]

+rose fragale You're welcome, Rose... it works for me!

[@desertmumm]

You briefly mentioned the wool dryer balls that go in the dryer. I made 6 and use them in every load. I love them. I'll have to show mine in my next vlog. Also, putting vinegar in the fabric softener part in the washer softens things a bit as well. Love watching you!

[@sheepishlysharing]

+desertmumm I love my wool dryer balls and I only briefly mentioned them here because I did a whole video about just them! (Link was in the description box.) I mostly use vinegar but not for this purpose.

[@desertmumm]

+Margaret Olander (Sheepishly Sharing) Oh, awesome! Can't believe I missed that! I need to go check it out. I love dryer balls. By the way, I agree with you on front loaders- I don't think they work as well as the toploaders. Thanks, Margaret.

[@agapetou100]

For some reason I have been concern about washing. I am fairly new on crochet and knitting that it scare me to think that I will destroy what took some good time to make....you just gave me the courage to jump in there and do it. Thanks....Blessings

[@sheepishlysharing]

Make sure your ends are secured AND watch the fiber content and you're good! You can see how I inspect things in the end and can fix any issues and I've never had any problems!

[@rosie01ism]

Thank you so much.

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're welcome! It works well for me!

[@angelastofflet3729]

Thanks for the tips. For a blanket would you block it first and then wash after that?

[@ALFIE263]

ThankYou!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're welcome! Easy method and it really DOES make a difference!

[@jennyknopps1291]

If one doesn't have fabric softener, vinegar is a good substitute.

[@aliacleaver4248]

Won’t strip color?

[@jennyknopps1291]

@@aliacleaver4248 Nope, it won't strip color, bleach does that.

[@sandygrogg1203]

Girl, you are fun... Just discovered you this am...it's 5:45 here... I'm a quilter, who is relearning to knit and crochet... Having fun rediscovering great yarns,,,

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you, Sandy! (I'm an early riser, too. It's 6:23 as I write this but I was up before 5 this morning!)

[@gingerjohnson3734]

For extra protection of the eyes, all you have to do is turn the sox inside out before washing and out side back out after they dry.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Actually, that was a scarf. The ends are sewn shut but your advice would work well for a sock puppet!

[@kumaknits3603]

Never thought of that I'll have to check that out!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You never thought of what?! Washing/drying your acrylic or something else I said in this video? Sometimes when people try something from my videos they end up discovering something even better to share with me! I love being able to learn from each other!

[@kumaknits3603]

I never thought of the fabric softener!! See what I do is I do the conditioner, and there is also a type of washing method where I would scrub it in one of those lingerie bags and beat the heck out of it in the tub to un-toughen the fibers. So you can imagine how funny it was slamming a bag of yarn against a hard surface and beating the brains out of it. But also, the fabric softener and the type of wash you used you're right it's going to soften it up MUCH more and then I also saw the dryer ball video!!! I am buying some for my new home, throwing those in there with the acrylic for a few rounds and maybe doing this 2x will give the yarn much more fluffy lovableness!!!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Well, I'm not convinced the fabric softener actually does anything since acrylic is a plastic but I throw some in there for good measure. It smells good anyway. It's the agitation of the wash/dry process, kind of like your pioneer method! (I'm now picturing you squatting by a stream beating your acrylic with a rock!)

[@kumaknits3603]

Hahaha it's almost true if I had to that's what I'd do!!! It makes it super soft.

[@LoraKnutson]

Love you videos. I would love to see some tutorials. Also addi tutorials would be awesome too. Bye for now, Lori

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Lora Knutson Thanks for the kind words, Lora! I have a few tutorials our there already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYjKkJeCetd-f8U You can find my Addi Tutorials here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqbRpqOZd6yJhLs

[@popparoc46]

Thanks, Margaret. Good tips! - roc

[@sheepishlysharing]

+popparoc46 You're welcome! It works for me!

[@desertmumm]

Thanks! Great information.

[@sheepishlysharing]

+desertmumm It works for me! (LOVE your profile pic!)

[@desertmumm]

Thanks, its my lil girl Abby. She also helped me out on my Accent Tag video. Her other sisters think she's famous.

[@vanessanda]

Thank you sooooo much! I bought lots of acrylic yarn to knit for a coming new grandchild! I regretted it so much. It even hurts my hands when I'm crocheting with it!!! But as a beginner, I had no idea how rough acrylic yarn is! I just bought it all thinking I'd found a bargain! Thank you Margaret! I'm going to try this out right now!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Not all acrylic yarn is alike! There are plenty that are very soft on their own. (Caron Simply Soft, Red Heart With Love, Red Heart Soft, Bernat Softee Baby, just to name a few!) You'll eventually discover which ones you prefer but in every case, washing and drying makes them even better!

[@vanessanda]

@@sheepishlysharing I'll write those down, thanks! Ive heard others say that acrylic yarn doesn't need blocking etc. The little cardigan I tried your method on was so mangled I seriously thought of just throwing it out. But it's so much work!!! I used your method to soften it and then I pulled and tugged on it. Eventually I got it fairly straight but it has only softened a very little. I got all this yarn from a local craft supplier but because of covid, the store was closed and my daughter ordered it online! So I never got the chance to feel it. I knitted a little short legged jumpsuit and it literally stood up. My hands are so sore handling it. Does it improve if I use your method more than once on the garment? Should I wash it again?

[@joycesmith53]

Thanks

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're so welcome, Joyce!

[@missbridjety]

you could also wash your decorative items inside out: socks inside out sweaters inside out jackets or button/zip items close them then flip them inside out (keeping it closed) while washing n drying I keep my special items arms inside too

[@sheepishlysharing]

Yes, inside out is an option for some things but unfortunately not for the snake scarf! It's sewn closed and I still worry about the eyes getting scratched as they bump into the sides of the washer. However, that's a super rule of thumb to remember for all the other items! Thanks!

[@brandonmcneill3635]

i have a baja hoodie that’s fairly soft inside but i want to soften the outside, is it the same process

[@tashainjena]

The hair conditioner worked for me on a granny blanket, but I applied it to each square and massaged it then soaked it for several hours in a tub of water before putting it in the washer.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Well, it's kind of hard to tell if it worked since you put it in the washer, too! (Remember science class... only 1 control at a time!) I'm glad you ended up with a soft result, no matter how it got there!

[@tashainjena]

Good point. LOL. Didn't think about that.

[@sandygrogg1203]

When I have a few hats, or something small..like a scarf... I wash it by hand, in Dawn..After a good rinsing, I soak everything in a fabric softener.. This seems to work pretty well with acrylics. The items become noticeably softer.. I agree that hair conditioner is better suited to natural fibers...It makes perfect sense. 👍

[@TheBlueberryBee]

Thanks for your video & for sharing your tips. I do things the same way, with the exception of the wool dryer balls. I wasn't sure if they would cause allergies for chemo patients at the Cancer Center. Would you happen to know? I also use perfume-free, dye-free soap and softener because of the nature of the donations.

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Grace Hood (The Blueberry Bee) YIKES! I never thought of that! I know that the plastic/rubbery dryer balls give off chemicals all over the clothes but I have no idea about the nature of the wool. My guess is that it would be the severity of the allergy. If it's really, really bad it could bother them but nothing that a wash at home wouldn't cure. Hmmm..... Good thinking, Grace!

[@TheBlueberryBee]

+Margaret Olander (Sheepishly Sharing) Thanks for your reply. That's what I was thinking, too. It's just something that crossed my mind, because I was told that I shouldn't use anything but acrylic for babies or chemo patients. Anyhow, thanks for your great video & taking the time to share. I always enjoy your videos! :) Take care.

[@carolinestewart532]

Hi do you use a colour catcher to stop colours from running? Is great job for your charity donation collections

[@sheepishlysharing]

No I don't. Most of this is 100% acrylic so there not a color running problem.

[@juliemontoya5476]

Great tips! You certainly did a lot of items, wow! I think you shared the idea about the "Helping Hands Walker bag"? I got the pattern because it seems so practical, have u made one yet? It's on my to do list! Let the fun begin!

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Julie Montoya I DID share that pattern but only because I've seen the concept before... I've never done it. Is it single crochet? I would think it would need to be a tight weave so nothing would fall through or get caught on the stitches. I've also seen sewing patterns, too.

[@juliemontoya5476]

Yes it uses worsted weight yarn and a smaller crochet hook, all done in sc.

[@beck9365]

Thank you for your tips! I do have a question, though: what if you have tassels on your piece? I have two Harry Potter-themed scarves and I'm afraid that if I shove them in the washer/dryer, they'll get all tangled up. Should I go through with it anyway?

[@sheepishlysharing]

It depends on the yarn so you may want to wash a "test tassel" first. In most cases you can re-wet and the loose parts and they'll dry straight. But if you're actually referring to fringe, you obviously can't test that first. (Usually, I wash the scarves before adding the decorations.)

[@jaydonnelly6628]

Yep, anything that may get tangled needs a delicates/lingerie bag or a hand wash.

[@w0rmf0od]

Would these methods work with store bought acrylic and wool sweaters? A sweater I have is almost half of acrylic and wool.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Ooo...that much wool could be tricky. I wouldn't put it in the dryer for sure and if it's not what we call "washable wool" like a Superwash Merino, then I wouldn't wash in in a washer. Wool "felts" and can shrink if not treated properly. I would probably hand wash a 50/50 sweater, rinse and soak in fabric softener. The wool will respond to the fabric softener very well.

[@DenVaagheid]

Good video, but I don't really have a fancy washing machine like that. Do you know what the proper heat setting is?

[@sheepishlysharing]

Hot/Warm/Cold is what most American machines have on them. You can google it to see what "warm" may be for your machine. Honestly, I don't think that's important. I bet it would soften on any temperature setting.

[@sarahhepworth]

I don't have a dryer - I wash items in washer and then hang out to dry. Does the dryer make a difference in making acrylics softer?

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Sarah Hepworth You know... I really think the dryer DOES play a part in fluffing the fibers up. In my little mind, I picture the explanation being something like a person with curly hair... picture them getting out of the shower and letting their hair dry naturally. Now picture what their hair would look like if they dried it with the blow dryer with no brush or styling product! I don't know if it's the heat or the constant agitation while drying. To further complicate matters... all acrylics are different and some soften better than others. Here's a thought.... (here I go with my little mind again)... IF they don't soften enough for you, I bet if you tossed them in for a second wash cycle, the added agitation could make a difference. (Now remember... this advice is worth about as much as you paid for it! Hahahaha! I'm always full of theories!)

[@LyndaThomasflymefree54]

Great!! Is there any yarn brand you prefer to NOT use?

[@sheepishlysharing]

Good question, Lynda! In my humble opinion, all acrylics I've tried (and I feel like I've tried a LOT) wash up well enough to make me like them! However, working with them is a different story. I can crochet with anything but have a hard time finding any acrylic I really like to knit with. And then there are the Addi machines who can be particular about what THEY want to work with and that seems to be unique with the machine/user combo so it's difficulty to make any recommendation! It's complicated! What about you??

[@katiobrien7854]

I don't know if you're still answering questions on this video, but I'm kind of confused. I'm a new knitter and crocheter, and my first blanket is almost done. I'm all into learning how to block it. It's 80% acrylic 20% wool and I don't know if I need to block it before putting it in the washer and dryer.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Blocking involves wetting your work and affixing it into the position you want it to dry in. So no, you don't block before you wash. You block AFTER you wash and it has to be done after ever wash if you want it to look that way every time. Usually, this is only necessary with 100% natural fibers and is more important with garments. Most people don't block acrylic. You CAN block acrylic but it has to be done with steam but it's tricky because you could also melt it during the process! (I used the term loosely in this video. While it was still warm from the dryer, I make sure it cools without creases.)

[@Sayrahthepirate]

I made a lovey for my niece, (so it's you know a small blanket with a little poly fil stuffed toy in the middle) and I've washed it twice but on the gentle cycle by itself and it's still scratchy. I did not use fabric softener, we don't usually buy any. Should I try again with the fabric softener?

[@sheepishlysharing]

Well... as I said in this video... I really don't think the fabric softener does anything for acrylic. It's pretty much the agitation and dryer heat that does the trick. I would wash it in a lingerie bag on a regular cycle with other clothes (for agitation... you have to bend those plastic fibers that make up the yarn) and toss in the dryer. It's a lovey so the gentle cycle isn't necessary! It needs to be able to take the toughest wear and tear and come out looking like a champ!

[@Sayrahthepirate]

Margaret Olander Thanks a bunch!

[@kittycarter522]

This was very helpful! Any tips for washing and drying a blanket? (100% acrylic yarn in a moss stich, if that matters)

[@sheepishlysharing]

Personally, I'd do it the same way... wash and dry!

[@kittycarter522]

@@sheepishlysharing what about as far as laying it flat afterwards? I don't have a big enough surface and I have cats so I can't lay it on the ground.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I'm not sure why you'd want to! Take it out of the dryer, fold it up and put it away!

[@janecameron5808]

If the yarn has Alpkca, is the process the same or would you just lay flat to dry.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Definitely lay alpaca flat to dry!

[@tpot2003]

Do you use safety eyes with your knitting?

[@sheepishlysharing]

Yes. Those were safety eyes that I was protecting with the lingerie bag.

[@Ima_Tron]

I have some 100% acrylic items that need to be hand washed and left out to dry. If I just put them into a bucket with detergent and liquid fabric softener, what is the best process? Does the detergent get mixed in with the liquid softener for example, or do I add one first, rinse, and then the other? After mixing them around in the detergent, how long should I let them set before rinsing and drying?

[@sheepishlysharing]

You add detergent and be sure to rinse out ALL the detergent then cover with water and add a bit of fabric softener. But in truth, fabric softener doesn't do much because acrylic is plastic. (I think you could leave it in the fabric softener all day and it wouldn't make a difference other than adding a pleasant smell. The secret to softening acrylic is the agitation of the washer/dryer. Soooo...Why do you have to hand wash/dry flat your acrylic? Being able to toss it in the washer/dryer is one of it's best selling points!!

[@Ima_Tron]

@@sheepishlysharing Ok, skip the fabric softener. If Im using a decent quality acrylic, is there a particular detergent I should use? Thanks for the information!

[@Jmcfadden]

How to avoid fuzzies on the crochet baby blankets after I washed them the yarn I use is acrylic different brands

[@sheepishlysharing]

For me, this only happens after several washes and it also happens on nicer-quality knits as well even if you hand wash! It especially occurs in places where the fibers rub together (like under the arms of a sweater). There are a million clothes shavers on the market (like this one amzn.to/2w8L4Xv ) that will easily remove the fuzzies. I don't think there's a way to totally avoid them.

[@lainalain7163]

If I had a pair of crochet slippers, would it be safe if I just put them in a pillowcase wash and dry them?

[@sheepishlysharing]

If you're sure they're made of acrylic and they're in good condition, then yes.

[@bettygordon7997]

Can you wash and dry the one pound skins before you use them. Thank you

[@sheepishlysharing]

Unopened skeins are too tight in the center to get the softening benefits from the washer/dryer. (It’s the movement and friction that softens acrylic.)

[@rnbrineg]

Red Heart Super Saver yarn has gone downhill in a bad way since the 90s. My grandma had some old acrylic Red Heart that was actually very soft, and the new stuff is like working with twine. They compensated with With Love and Soft lines and there are lots of competitors now at least. Makes me sad that really afforable yarn is nearly impossible to wear without a lot of fabric softener.

[@mom57-54]

I recently started crocheting again after 30 years. I totally agree. Red Heart didn’t used to be so stiff . I tried everything to soften my acrylic Red Heart shawl I just made. But nothing worked. They have such beautiful colors too. I am very disappointed.

[@lisapully9274]

Margaret, I have made poncho's for a friend granddaughters. can they be dried out is it best to flat dry? the yarn is acrylic.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I would treat them just as I did in this video. Wash, dry in the dryer, take out while warm and straighten out to cool with no wrinkles.

[@lisapully9274]

thank you! i will be doing this today :)

[@JulietteReacts]

@@sheepishlysharing hi, thanks for the video. I don’t have a dryer, how would you recommend I dry my scarf? :)

[@ashley35242]

You mean before you knit or after? I think that should be obvious but I'm having problems untangling yarn so wanting to make sure you mean after

[@sheepishlysharing]

Yes, after the project is finished. If you continue watching the video, you'll see me put the finished projects into the machines and what to do with them when you take them out of the dryer.

[@marniekatzbeck5856]

Can the scarf be turned into a toy? Been looking for s video on snake toys? Thanks a lot

[@sheepishlysharing]

+OwlnLoomnCrazy katzbeck I suppose... if you do a tight stitch so the stuffing doesn't show through.

[@brittanylightner1423]

would this method work for red heart super saver i have a whole load that was donated to me by my grandma and its a little scratchy

[@sheepishlysharing]

Yes... any acrylic should be improved by washing and drying. Results may vary between brands and even colors (maybe different dyes play a role?) but all seem to get some level of improvement.

[@kim-hh8wf]

will this make a 100% acrylic sweater not itchy?

[@sheepishlysharing]

Depends on the yarn and the person wearing it! It will definitely soften it but personal sensitivity is another issue. Give it a try

[@laurakelly5612]

Does the colour not run because I'm in the middle of making a blanket of different colours and I was afraid the pink or blue would transfer to the white

[@sheepishlysharing]

As long a it's 100% acrylic the colors won't run.. not even a tiny bit. Acrylic is a form of plastic so the color is mixed into the melted mixture before it's spun into yarn.

[@laurakelly5612]

@@sheepishlysharing I bought a big pack of wool in aldi so I think there about 70% acrylic

[@marniekatzbeck5856]

How do you do the snake scarfs?

[@sheepishlysharing]

+OwlnLoomnCrazy katzbeck Ahhh.... a question easily answered! Here's all you need to know to make a snake scarf: sheepishlysharing.com/2013/08/10/snake-scarf/

[@vanessanda]

Anyone in Australia who wants to know which Acrylic yarn not to buy, I'm happy to tell you!

[@jmason8883]

Go on then ………..

[@Myahcreationz]

can anyone plzz tell me is acrylic thread good for summer top

[@hopejohnson6347]

I wouldn't recommend it. You'll sweat viciously and it won't smell nice. use Cotton or linen (or blends thereof) for a summer top. You'll be a lot happier with that. Trust me. Plus: there are some cotton yarns out there that are almost as inexpensive as acrylic. Go for one of these, if money is an issue. Just keep in mind: cotton can get VERY heavy, especially if it's wet. So I'd recommend fingering weight (of the cheaper ones for example Alize Bella, Lana Grossa Classico, SMC Catania, Four Seasons Gründl Cotton Quick, or you could use one of these 3ply Cotton/acrylic blend gradient skeins - offered by various companies and private businesses)

[@Myahcreationz]

thank you sooo much for your reply...great information...money is not the problem the problem is that It is a bit difficult to find these types of yarns in INDIA...I was looking on local websites and there are only few blends available

[@hopejohnson6347]

Ah ok sorry, I had no Idea of your whereabouts... I just named a few brands that are popular here in central Europe ^^

[@Myahcreationz]

😊it's okay...thanx though...for the information

[@miniskillet0587]

I accidentally stained a white 100% acrylic scarf I have with makeup, I washed it in a lingerie bag I layed it flat and now that it's dry I can completely tell it feels stiff. I did not dry it in the dryer I'm wondering If I Sprits it with water and put it a lingerie bag if the softness would come back?? or what can I do!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Teresa Mills Hmmm... you've stumped me. I've NEVER had an acrylic come out of the wash stiffer than it went in! The dryer definitely makes a difference for me but since you had such a unique experience, I don't know! Do you remember exactly what yarn you used?

[@miniskillet0587]

It was a New york & company 100% acrylic scarf that I was selling but in modeling it for the buyer I got makeup on it :c . I used powder detergent and I think that's where my mistake was! lol after It came out I panicked and came across your video, I ended up just spraying it down with water and putting it in the dryer with a damp hand towel and it did fluff back up as it was originally!! Thank you! haha. :D

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Teresa Mills Yay! You solved the problem! Good to know a new trick, too!

[@bellaann518]

I always use the washer and dryer 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Me, too! But so many people are afraid to simply because it's YARN... and also because they're worried it would mess up their hard work!

[@bellaann518]

It’s a scary feeling at first.

[@MasudRana-jp4uf]

please tell me softener category name such as- cataionic, non ionic etc.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I have no earthly idea what you’re talking about! Sorry!

[@dollyj77]

so with 100% I should definitely wash them.

[@sheepishlysharing]

+Dolly Johnson If you're donating them, yes, you should wash them. (I explain more in depth in the video I referenced about Charity tips... link in the description box.) But softening is icing on the cake.

[@dollyj77]

Right now I sell them but I would love to have more info on being a charity giver

[@janetschiffman31]

Turn your items with eyes inside out.

[@katiemarinou1725]

Can anyone help me. The baby had a accident and my husband boil washed his crochet blanket. Its gone like string😭😭 can i do anything to bring it back to life and fluffy again. Looked the Internet up and down and cant find any help. My bubba cant sleep without his fav blankie 💔

[@sheepishlysharing]

Hmmm... You tried the hair conditioner method? While it doesn't work on acrylic, it DOES help natural fibers. Not sure what "gone like string" means exactly but this is worth a try: nancyonthehomefront.com/restoring-a-wool-sweater/

[@beccakingsbury2937]

Why not just turn the eyed socks inside-out? Just curious.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I don’t remember having any socks in this video. I think you’re referring to the snake scarves maybe? Once completed, you can’t turn them.

[@michellelewis1090]

Why not turn the snake scarf inside out, eyes in.

[@sheepishlysharing]

My items are for donation so I wash them when completed and bag immediately. (I have pets so I don't want hair or dander to get on the items.) The Snake Scarf is closed at both ends so you can't turn it inside out when finished.

[@Tanacarroll]

I just washed 100% cotton and 100% acrylic hats I crocheted. Washed as directed and all of my hats came out huge. Instead of shrinking, they got bigger!?!? 😂 I’ll never wash again. Everything was ruined.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Oh no! I was about to write how unusual this was but the better question is how is this possible?! Wet cotton shrinks in the dryer! It's one of those science-y facts! BUT maybe they're not ruined... 1) people with big hair like thick braids, etc. need really big hats so donate them or 2) conduct another experiment: wash them again on HOT water and dry in a HOT dryer and tell me what happens! I'm now totally intrigued with this mystery!

[@Tanacarroll]

Margaret Olander Both of them. One was RHSS strips Polo and the other was Caron Cotton Cakes in Hydrangea. Beautiful hats. I’ll donate as they are so pretty. I’m a petite woman and my head is small. I stop increasing my beanies at 16-17cm across. Then I stop. They fit and I was expecting them to SHRINK. I’ll wash on HOT as my washer gets super hot and why I washed on warm and rinsed warm on gentle. I think I’ll just wash by hand any future items I wash. I’m doing to put them both in the washer on HOT and I’ll dry them til they are DRY as well. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Fingers crossed. Thank you sweet lady! 😊💗

[@mamaannerichard1207]

Using fabric softener may work, and I'm sure the intention is great, BUT SHOULD NOT BE USED ESPECIALLY FOR HOSPITALS AND OTHER CHARITIES! MANY PEOPLE, LIKE MY SON AND I ARE VERY ALLERGIC TO FABRIC SOFTENER, SCENTED DRYER SHEETS, AS WELL AS SCENTED LAUNDRY DETERGENTS! We can only use UNSCENTED DETERGENTS AND DRYER SHEETS! The dryer sheets do a pretty decent job of softening tho. (I just really miss that fresh scent​!). FABRIC SOFTENER COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE REACTIONS IN PATIENTS WHO WEREN'T ALLERGIC BEFORE THEY GOT SICK. IT COULD ALSO MAKE REACTIONS WORSE IN PEOPLE WHO ALREADY HAD THESE ALLERGIES!! Meanwhile, I've heard that vinegar is a great fabric softener, but I don't have the directions as to how much to use etc… . As well, I don't know if the vinegar smell lingers ,😱! I'm going to look up the info on the vinegar and ask my, hubby to try it when he does laundry. FIRST, i'm going to check with my HE washer's mfg to make sure it's safe! I've heard, so many reports of machines exploding from using wrong detergents etc… lol I JUST WANTED TO GET THIS ALLERGY INFO POSTED ASAP!!! In the interim, if anyone has anymore info on using vinegar, please post it😀 Thx!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Vinegar IS safe to use in your machine and there is no lingering scent if rinsed well. Unfortunately, I don't notice that it does anything for softening. Oh well!

[@mamaannerichard1207]

Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate the reply. I'm gonna give it a shot - just because - can't hurt LoL! Maybe it will feel better to me since I'm used to wearing relatively rough clothes! HaHa🙃

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're exactly right... softness can be a relative observation!

[@hayleyteresa4553]

When she said Pyrex was cheap detergent😭 poor people problems

[@sheepishlysharing]

Not sure what you mean?! It IS inexpensive detergent here in the U.S. (And it's "Purex." Pyrex is a baking dish!)

[@christinephillips3435]

I wouldn't donate my crochet items if I can't sell I keep.

[@selmarubio7951]

Acrylic not just for homeless folks though ha!

[@sheepishlysharing]

I agree! In this case, my charity requires acrylic. (Non-allergenic, easy-care) On the other hand some charities can't take acrylic at all! Here's this if you're interested: Charity Donation Tips and Guidelines: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXfSi6ODdrdritE