Superwash Wool Yarns Do's and Don'ts | Off Our Needles

When yarn is labeled “superwash”, what does that even mean? Tracie & Jodi, aka the Grocery Girls, welcome special guest Sunne Meyer to demystify superwash yarn from creation to care. Learn about this amazing yarn that is created to be soft and felt-free. Discover what projects its best for and how to care for any superwash garment.
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[@virginiajayhudgins8277]

I've been knitting for over 60 years, and I really "learned" a lot about super wash yarns by watching this video...just hope I can remember it all. This was a GREAT teaching tool. Thank you all so much!

[@valejandra255]

It was a nice thought to have a superwash-themed episode but can you give us more info next time? This is a really interesting and controversial issue at the moment. I'd like to know more specifics about the 2 processes for obtaining a superwash yarn

[@Studenta64]

What I love about knitting is that you are always learning something new, however technically advanced you are! I just received my Cloudborn Worsted Splash which I waited 2 months for and was going to knit a child's sweater. But now I'm thinking maybe I'll change that to a hat and scarf set. I appreciate these tips and tricks videos. Keep them coming!

[@sloppyjoe3617]

This is why my superwash sweater is now down to my knees, however, a warm tumble in the dryer usually brings it back to a wearable size. It gets a lot of pills but nothing a Gleener can't handle. I still love and use superwash wool for gifted items but, for stuff I make for myself, I only use natural fibers.

[@auburnberry1]

I appreciate this video. I have a love/hate/learning relationship with superwash wool, mainly because I was unaware a "wash & dry" product still requires special care. Superwash wool tends to get a little fuzzy when undergoing the standard wash & dry process and out of control when I wet block. I have the most success when I steam or spray block. When I hand wash, I do not handle the item in any way that would put weight on or stretch the stitches. (I really screwed a wet hat up when I placed it in the washing machine and used the spin cycle to remove excess water. The g-force really stretched it out.) After hand washing/soaking, I gently squeeze out the water, place item between towels on the floor, and compress as much water out as I can. I do not block the item until it is almost dry. That being said, I LOVE the softness of superwash wool. I really notice a difference when a superwash scarf or shawl is wrapped around my neck. I gladly continue use it for accessories. I love how superwash wool has boosted the American wool and ranch industries. I acknowledge the concerns about the processing of superwash wool, but am hopeful industry standards will improve when these concerns are presented in a constructive, respectful manner. All new industries have a learning curve.

[@tedpartridge1205]

I did the peacock feather beret from Knits of a Feather in superwash and it turned out HUGE. As in I could easily fit a 13” serving platter in it, placed that on top of a 33 ounce cup, and it still touched the counter. I threw it in my washer, on a sanitize cycle (as hot as it can get), then threw it in a hot dryer. I was terrified it might felt, but lick was with me; it shrank to the PERFECT size for me to wear.

[@reecsayz151]

Skip to 03:49 if you want to skip to the actual do's and don'ts

[@raysunshine830]

I have spun super wash merino with nylon for sock yarn. Love my ankle socks and haven’t had any problems washing them in the machine. Took dye great too. I’m thinking about a blend with Bison down to try next.

[@rowenaphilbeck1919]

Love this episode. Great tips on superwash that I really never thought of. Thanks so much.

[@coldlakecrew]

Love the info in this episode! Another tip from Craftsy....don't use superwash wool for Brioche projects. Can't wait for the next episode!

[@juliehertel21]

This was a great episode! Very useful info, so we can make better choices of fiber for each project. I like super wash but did not realize it would grow like it did. My pretty first pair of socks became perfect sleep socks, but that's okay. I still love them - super wash merino/nylon blend and all. But now i know.

[@articulatemoves-feldenkrai6871]

I had no idea! I also knit a sweater and it became a caftan. That yarn is on its way to becoming shawl as we speak. Thank you for this info!

[@kathyfitz151]

Wish I'd seen this before I knitted a sweater in Malabrigo Washted. After wetting it, it probably doubled in size. Then I tried washing and drying it. I used two colors in the sweater and one of the colors felted. Lesson learned.

[@juliehertel21]

Right now, I am knitting my second pair of superwash socks - this time in merino (last time was highland) wool. Love this episode.

[@barbarak1850]

This was interesting but I was a bit disappointed that the "don't" were not elaborated on. Why "don't use it for steeked projects?" and why "don't knit large projects"

[@mortiscia]

"Don't knit large projects" because it will not hold its size, that was said in the video later. I don't know why you would not steek though.

[@denisejeffries2675]

Many find super wash wool to be more difficult to steek as it does not have the natural "stickiness" that regular wool has. The super wash process glues or shaves down the fibers. When you cut to steek your super wash wool stitches could run down your knitting where as regular wool will natural hold their place for a bit. Thus making it easier to do the work of steeking. Hope this is somewhat helpful.

[@mortiscia]

You can steek with many kinds of yarn, not just wool. That means there are more "slippery" yarns and they still work, it might just take a bit more precaution.

[@kathygoodman6159]

Great information! I didn't know anything about superwash yarn before this. Now what to do with all the sweater quantities of superwash that I bought. Ugh.

[@grimmssocalledlife4140]

Thank you so much for this video I just started making my own yarn and I was so confused

[@byteangelxi9178]

I'm crocheting a tank top with a 50% super wash merino wool, 50% mulberry silk. Is it going to stretch out?

[@jburch8309]

I love making superwash shawls. Right now I'm making the Debut

[@chrisb5391]

What great information. Thanks for these wonderful videos.

[@JanKellis]

Oh no. I'm knitting a sweater right now, with Pure Superwash Merino Wool. It's Malabrigo, Arroyo, in the Indiecita colorway. It's sport weight. I'm using a size 8 needle. The pattern is bottom-up, and so far I have about 12" of the body knitted. I looked on Ravelry and it looks like there are a few sweaters knit from this yarn, but they used smaller needles. Should I continue, or should I rip it out??? Please help!

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

My mom used to make Raggedy Ann dolls. She used non superwash wool to make the hair. It was right around the time acrylic was coming to the market. She must have mixed up some yarns because washed the doll in the machine. Ann was very different, my sistet wasn't very happy. It's so hilarious now though! Right?

[@mariavicente6787]

Olá de Portugal e estou a adorar o programa de hoje!!

[@sayshagreene7365]

What is the reason it’s recommended not to put in the dryer? Is it just so the garment lasts longer or other reasons?

[@teresaprice5070]

Absolutely LOVE that plaid poncho pattern...but could only find it available within a kit, but I'd rather use natural yarns; is the pattern not available a la carte?

[@Loostyc]

I was going to knit a steeked cardigan with superwash merino. :/

[@cmaur811]

At the 2018 VKL two amazing designers talked against knitting with superwash Wool . I’m a hand spinner so I do not use it . I see so many indi dyers use it as their base.

[@carolanncooley3738]

This is beautifully clear and I am tempted to purchase some Superwash. The shawls Tracie and Jodi are wearing are beautiful. Is there a pattern for the beige and brown capelet or something similar for a newbie to knitting squares, similar to Mondrian's painting, easy please? Thank you. From Carol

[@sandygrogg1203]

Really good information! Thsnks.❤️❤️😎

[@nancymarchefka3244]

Great info I love superwash I am knitting a superwash from ToadHollownj etsy colorway Time Traveler from thier Book Club 1 love this yarn

[@cherylthresher3470]

I avoid super wash because of environmental impact. What yarns are made in United States, and what is the new process for making them superwash that doesn't harm the environment?

[@LoveoftheDarkFiberArts]

That whole part was a lie. I'm really disappointed with the misinformation given in this video.

[@valejandra255]

+LoveoftheDark Fiber Arts I agree! A large part of the subject was simply avoided

[@nicoledeman2170]

This should help you begin your research. www.pigeonroofstudios.com/from-the-studio/2017/9/5/superwash

[@debnew6195]

Nicole DeMan Well written article, thanks for sharing!

[@auburnberry1]

Thank you for the link to this article, Nicole.

[@hakunamatata1352]

Hi, love this approach to knitting. I live in a cold climate where wool would be my first choice for mittens and hats etc. However, doctors say to avoid any wool for eczema patients. What can I use that would have the same "warming" properties, when wool is no longer an option? Preferably one that stays warm even when wet, like wool does (needed for e.g. mittens)

[@basilrose]

Try making a mitten liner out of silk, or if all protein fibers are contraindicated for eczema, then try linen or cotton. Then you can enjoy all the fine properties of wool -- such as staying warm when wet -- for the outer mitten :-)

[@basilrose]

Everything about this video says "damage control". So much misinformation. Even the yarn production manager has to apologize for it. But word is getting out about toxicity of the superwash process. And why even bother when what's left after all that harsh processing and plastic- (a.k.a "resin")-coating isn't wool anymore if it doesn't have springiness, elasticity, memory, crimp, loft, wicking ability, dirt repellency, etc. etc. It's a manufactured solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Why the phobia over occasionally (okay more frequently for socks) placing knitwear in a basin of warm suds?

[@rajulshah768]

I like your shawl. Where can I find this pattern? Thanks.

[@toynama]

Tracie where is the pattern for the throw you have on? that is lovely.

[@wandapeitz1544]

kim woods I made that poncho a year ago. It was a kit on Craftsy. It's made as two rectangles and then they are sewn together. The thin stripes are created afterwards using a crochet hook and and chaining the color through. One of my first projects and it was very easy. I get a lot of complements.

[@joanneleighton2017]

The pattern is available on Ravelry www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/plaidaptation

[@laurienorton7422]

Looking through Knit Picks catalogue, they have sweater patterns using super wash wool.... Is their superwash wool different than what you are talking about?

[@darialay3472]

I'm enjoying these little OoN 'bite sized' episodes! So much fun packed into a super quick watch! =)

[@Novometix]

but superwash merino does exist?

[@aliciaspilde676]

This was so helpful! Love the GG!

[@staceygambettimakeup]

Hi ladies, What pattern is the shawl on the lovely lady with short brown hair on the left? Thank you x

[@am_and_pm]

I love superwash for socks!! But the rest of my garments I prefer nonsuperwash.

[@debnew6195]

I’m feeling a little in two minds regarding this episode. I’ve read through the comments and I’ve read an article someone shared about superwash. I like your episodes and love you guys but am really disappointed that this episode didn’t get more time e.g. a longer episode or information poured into it to help inform us. Like someone said below it was too short to really touch on what superwash is about.

[@Carol-Bell]

Deb New Maybe a good idea is for Craftsy to have a whole informational article about superwash in their Blog.

[@debnew6195]

Gerrie Louden Bell great idea! ❤️

[@cindyhansen9228]

What sweater is sunne wearing?

[@neonelishuax1962]

Great video ladies. You have saved me the error of using merino superwash wool to knit a bath towel. I say this respectfully but you ladies don't have to cover up so much. You are beautiful and have nothing to hide. All the best!

[@susansendelbach7761]

nice episode learned what I shouldn't have knitted

[@dhurd4099]

Yeah, bought an expensive well known dyer’s super wash for a sweater. It started out fine then stretched and stretched (at Rhinebeck no less!) as the day wore on. It grew several sizes in a matter of hours! NEVER again! 😡

[@carolanncooley3738]

We make progress by experimenting but with information readily available to more consumers via the mass media, we can decide whether to purchase or not. Manufacturers respond quickly. HOWEVER, I must ask this of all knitters with sincerest apologies: Silkworms - are they treated humanely - this is not advertised, but I will not purchase silk unless sure it has been treated in an humane fashion. Please spare a thought for this issue. A few websites have not answered my question so is there an alternative for the unsure?

[@laurienorton7422]

Can you explain "Grocery Girls"?

[@jeanivory5456]

Where can I find the pattern for the shawl in the super wash video. It was white with a light teal and I think it was called 5 line something.

[@karenz7059]

If you click on the I in the top right corner you should be able to find the link for that and other information...if not..here it is. www.craftsy.com/knitting/kits/5-lines-shawl-knitting-kit/498277?cr_linkid=YT_OON_20180209_SuperwashFAQs_card_ecomm_5lines&cr_maid=108610&cr_source=youtube&cr_medium=social%20engagement

[@22SeaJay]

Thank you - I won't be buying superwash again! It just grows and grows. I got a good deal. On some superwash merino, and bought a lot for a blanket. Regretting it now!

[@22SeaJay]

2 years later, and I've found some block better than others. That tip about making sure your superwash sweaters are seamed to hold their structure is invaluable.

[@andychen7390]

I disagree with the idea of not machine drying superwash wool. Superwash wool does not hold its shape very well because those scales are removed, which in normal wool helps wool keep its shape and add strength. When superwash wool gets wet, it gets stringy and it grows and it becomes shapeless. The dryer will help fluff back the fibers and return the project back to its original shape. That being said, it's necessary that a low or even a no heat cycle be used. Superwash wool isn't as sturdy as normal wool; it needs to be treated gently.

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

Can we make Afghans with Superwash wool?

[@TheManseHen]

Not recommended as the fabric stretches and loses its shape.I would also guess that as it is less fluffy due to those scales being flattened, it won't be as warm either.

[@kjlouisi4630]

super wash labels say machine drying is possible. Now I don't know what to believe! :-(

[@kristinkiel8890]

I can’t get the link to work for the superwash projects.....is it just me? Love your videos!

[@truwoolston]

I can’t either :(

[@CraftsyYouTube]

Oops, thanks for the heads up - give it another try! craftsy.me/2C5BGDX

[@truwoolston]

Craftsy: perfect! Thank you

[@kristinkiel8890]

Thanks! Yay!

[@fcseow5177]

Kristin Kiel ?hip

[@TheGabygael]

guess who is almost done knitting a somewhat intricate stranded colored norwegian cardigan in fingering weight superwash wool that is a bit more oversized than i planned (before blocking), knitted in the round and that will be heavily steeked... my bf is bigger than me i hope he likes setesdal jackets

[@kjlouisi4630]

I should say "some" super wash labels include machine drying for care :-) and not all. sorry.

[@VickyShawcooksalot]

I can't felt to save my life. Let my husband wash something that is superwash and you can just sell it as doll clothes. The man even felted my hat made from Wool-ease!

[@kimberlypenney7216]

I don’t even like superwash for hats!

[@zensoulfire]

As I have aged my hearing is still good, UNLESS there is a combination of sounds, such as music in the background, I find this most annoying, as usually the music itself is not pleasing and also because it makes listening over top of it frustrating. Please either make a music video or leave it out, it is only distracting and irritating.

[@loislehner790]

Zap

[@darialay3472]

I'm enjoying these little OoN 'bite sized' episodes! So much fun packed into a super quick watch! =)