What you should know about SUPERWASH WOOL YARN. 🐑

[@rachellikesbluejello]

As a knitter with a materials science/engineering degree, this was a FASCINATING video. Now I want a whole class about the material science behind yarn and yarn production! It takes a lot of work to distill a process down to an easily-accesible, 20-min video - nice job, Tayler :)

[@mollymollie6048]

Scientist also (but definitely not anything related to chemical processing) and I agree with you!! This was so well explained in how things work with the superwash process. There’s a fantastic book from about 10 years ago, I believe by Clara Parkes (?) perhaps “Knitters Guide to Yarn” or similar? (Sorry, not real helpful) But, it’s the book version of Tayler’s video…only about all the things yarn is made out of, how it’s grown, sheared, milled, spun, dyed…it’s fascinating to learn the “DNA” of the yarn and how it’s spun and how that impacts how your knitted (or crocheted) item will look…and understand exactly “why.” (I always want to know why. I remember making my 2nd sweater and I grabbed a bunch of worsted weight cotton to make it, and the LYS lady was like ‘nooooooo, that will not work! Too heavy!!’ And that made no sense to me…but she was right (cause I bought it anyway…who am I to listen to the expert, lol…and learned and expensive lesson.) Anyway, science isn’t scary when it’s explained well, and this video did just that, and that book does just that, also…and a science/construction/fiber person would love it!

[@maryfoster5189]

A big reason that I will buy super wash wool is knitting garments for children, which will need to be washed frequently. Using hand washable only yarn means that asking with the cute baby sweater you're also giving a big pain in the neck, especially if there are no knitters in the recipient's family. I'm always appalled when I hear people are giving new moms baby clothes that are hand wash only - a if she needs another think to do! Even when I'm giving a grown up a knitted item I will use super wash wool unless they are a knitter. I think it's just thoughtful. (to ' beg the question' means to avoid answering the question). This was an excellent presentation. Very clear and informative!

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Amen !

[@alicekelly4975]

I learned the hard way about super wash wool, that it grows when wet. I made a shawl from a pattern from Knit Scene mag early in my knitting life. I knew nothing about yarn, so I washed it as directed and then tried to block it. Lol, that thing could have covered the side of a barn it grew so big. 😂

[@genier7829]

I love the colors of superwash wools, but I don't like the way they stretch or lose their shape. I learned my lesson and only use the superwash yarns for smaller items, not adult sized garments. My first knitting project was superwash and I did swatch, but a small swatch does not accurately reflect the effect in a longer, heavier finished project.

[@nicola.p]

I never knew this about superwash yarn (I am a lockdown newbie knitter) but this explains why my first jumper comes down to my knees after washing 😂

[@jacquelinebryant2962]

This explains why the socks I made for my husband got so comically long! (They were crochet which already has more vertical stretch than horizontal)

[@maximumyarnage]

Negative ease helps

[@juliefriis6772]

You can knit in a silk/ mohair thread. Then your knitted garment won't stretch and lose the shape.

[@nl2766]

Thank you!

[@myusualnickwastaken]

It's worth noting that ISO 140001 "does not state requirements for environmental performance but maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective [environmental management system]". So compliance means that the organisation sets up *some* environmental goals for itself and assesses its performance on those goals, but doesn't guarantee that the goals are either meaningful or that they are met.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hiya! This was a fun video to put together and one that I think is important to share to provide valuable (and approachable) information to yarn consumers. Please know, wanted this to be fun and informative. For every bit of serious fact dropping, I wanted to add a bit of WNH sass and fun, so go with it. These sorts of topics can become unnecessarily heavy and when that happens, it’s harder for folks to relate. Take what you can use. Leave what you can’t. Enjoy the video! PS: I had fun editing this video and included the clips and additional visuals to keep things light, quirky, and fun. If that’s not for you, that’s ok. 👍 PPS: Bonus points if you stuck around till the very last second. 😘 SHOW NOTES:
www.woolneedleshands.com/show-links/march29 MERCH SHOP: www.woolneedleshands.com/wnh-merch

[@keturahspencer]

I loved the Freddie felted figure!

[@danicaburic8351]

Bravo Taylor! This was an excellent video! Clear, approachable, well-considered and researched. Looking forward to more :)

[@sarakilburn745]

I loved this video!! Thank you!❤

[@phoener]

Tayler, thanks for expanding my knowledge of Superwash. All I knew was not to use it in stranded colorwork.

[@thriftythreader5998]

I would very much like a link to your research that superwash yarns do not leach mircoplastics into the wash water. Test data done by an independent lab not contracted by the company treating or selling the wool, of course. Thanks.

[@curiousnetty534]

That was possibly the most useful knitting video I’ve ever watched. It explains why non super washed yarn makes me cough, why I struggle to set up super wash merino on sock needles ( super slippy) and why my last sweater knitted in luxurious super wash merino worsted went enormous when I washed it. Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@kimberlykelly7280]

HI Tayler-I am a new knitter and love your channel. I was really shocked when I opened the show notes to see all of the links to everything you spoke of during todays show! WOW! You really take your craft, channel, and job teaching us seriously. Thank you for your hard work. It has not gone unnoticed!

[@iliketoknit]

I recently encountered a happy accident with super wash. I finished a colorwork sweater with superwash (not knowing it was superwash) and it turned out rather small. My sweater fit fine but the sleeves were a little too short as was the body. I blocked it a few days later and it relaxed to the perfect fit!

[@rebekahchalkley3252]

I recently made my first sweater with superwash wool and didn't know about how it tends to grow when blocked. I carefully knitted the sleeves to the perfect length and was dismayed to realize that after blocking, the sleeves ended up several inches longer than the ends of my fingers. 😂 Whoops! Live and learn.

[@theoneandonlytyang]

This must’ve taken so much work but the richness of information was so amazing. Would love to see videos like this maybe once a month or once every two months. You’re so good at explaining it all!

[@PamKnitsToo]

This was an extraordinary video and the amount of research you did for it was impressive. It was a lot to take in so I will probably watch it a couple of times but I especially liked the environmental impact. I had never considered that before. Thank you so much for all your hard work and for inserting those short clips to help with the subject matter❤️

[@cathycarbone1598]

For gifts I try to use superwash wool for the ease of caring for the recipient. I use wool for me since I like to carefully wash my items. I appreciate the info you gave and the links. Another great topic!

[@desnayoung4704]

Absolutely bestest video! I have really struggled with the plastics-in -waters issue regarding superwash. When first learning sweater construction superwash was fun to play with. Every single sweater had a negative outcome and since that a hah moment Ive gone to being a 100 percent natural wool fiber artist. However, there are a few socks and their superwash wools that make a longer lasting garment. Oh well. I love both. Thank you so much for doing the research. Really appreciate it.

[@mollymollie6048]

My experience with using superwash wool for sweaters has been that you ABSOLUTELY must make that gauge swatch, wash it and dry it the way you plan to (and pin it out wet to stretch and squish it around…it is nicely malleable.) I almost never make gauge swatches but I do with superwash sweaters cause some will just really wimp out making the drape really change once it’s washed and blocked (or even not blocked.) I usually go down a needle size to make a tighter weave of fabric to give the final result a little more ‘structure’ and ‘oomph’ (if I want that.) It is good for a drapier sweater that you want in wool! All superwash isn’t the same in how it comes out from a gauge swatch (well, just like regular yarn) so I’ve had some that really pulls in, some that feels like it turns from Worsted to Sport weight, some feels fine…and it can depend on the same exact yarn only a different color way. Rowan superwash DK (at least from 5 or 6 years ago) swatched completely differently depending on the shade (made an afghan with a bunch of different colored blocks…that came out different sizes and densities…good times.) I really like that yarn a lot, but definitely gauge swatch the superwash, even if it’s the exact same yarn you just made a sweater with only a different color. (I’m glad superwash doesn’t hurt the environment, at least not horribly…I had always heard it was bad, so thanks for clearing that and my guilt over buying it up!)

[@debbydimeo8565]

Thank you for sharing this information. One aspect of superwashing you did not address is the impact of adsorption and absorption of water vapor once the scales are covered. Wool is a dynamic fiber, and will acclimate according to surrounding humidity levels. It also will generate heat with adsorbed vapor, thus "warm when wet." We did a little kitchen experiment for our fabric (WeatherWool).

[@bjcyak3061]

Lol - the "holy moly" at the end! That was a lot of information and very well presented - thanks for explaining it. I had recently been wondering what the heck superwash was all about - now I know! Well done, Tayler! Among knitting KZbinrs, your channel is by far the most informative and the most entertaining. 👏👍😀

[@streakyj2]

really liked the felted Freddie Mercury! 🙂 in fact,, all the little intercuts & music thingies ["Hallelujah!"] are so fun 🙂. and thx for all the good info.

[@cbs70]

It might just be my personal experience, I have had less shrinkage of non-superwash & less growth of superwash wool when I pair them with silk (mulberry silk yarn, mohair silk & suri-silk) yarns, since silk has very little growth or shrinkage. I discovered that when I added silk mohair to Letlopi yarn & accidentally washed it in the washer, but saved it (1minute in) from the dryer. It had not visibly shrunk nor visibly felt. On the other hand, when I add it to superwash, it keeps it from over-stretching...that I've experienced. I also experienced what happened to 70%wool, 30%silk, one ply yarn when you barely add it to the dryer (yarn hank, not knit item). It became a mess. I was able to save some of it, but it has areas with linty fluf. I am using it right now for a oversized pullover that I plan to use as a pijama, but you also have to find out how plies affect your finished object. Remember the exposure one ply vs 4 ply or 8 ply have to water, heat, use, etc those should also help you decide what superwash or non-superwash, plied yarn to choose. Taylor, you never disappoint! Thank you for always making your vlogs interesting, informative, thought provoking and fun!!!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

This is great information! And very true. Adding a strand of durable fiber to a strand of Superwash yarn will absolutely strengthen the overall fabric and add structure. Thank you so much for watching! ❤

[@jodioughton-schmidt2533]

All this information was very helpful. Thank you! I do have one question: when super wash, yarn is blended with other materials like nylon, is it reasonable to expect it will not stretch out as much?

[@katejohnson3206]

So interesting! I just love how you conveyed such complicated information in an approachable way and with a sense of humor to boot. The clips you picked were great. I love your channel.

[@vulffwardgarr4546]

That last quality of super wash yarn (its tendency to "grow" after blocking) was entirely new to me, and wasn't something I had considered when I bought a 10 ball sale priced bundle of super was sock yarn! I was so unobservant when making the purchase, that the only time I realized I had super wash sock yarn was AFTER washing several completed pairs! Still over all they were my most cherished (and well-fitted!) socks I have ever owned!

[@Ynnsie]

I know you are/were a teacher but, girl, you are a TEACHER! Brava. I won't retain a lot because .... well, because. But I'll ask the right questions and that's a start, right. Thanks.

[@jaynemeyer8277]

I hate sewing in ends and really love yarn that can be split spliced.. and yes I avoid poly.. anything.. great video.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Yeah.. I prefer the spit splice too… 😊

[@natalieglickman1445]

Very informative! Thanks. Now I’ve had hammered into me that I need to swatch and block the swatch as well before starting a project. But according to you blocking the swatch is not necessary for non Superwash wool? (Or maybe it’s just prudent to block a swatch always.) If it’s a good pattern that calls for a Superwash yarn it should be aware of this fact and take it into account within the pattern.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I rarely meet anyone who speaks faster than me! 😂. You packed in a lot of good info, very helpful, thanks! 🎉

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

😅 It’s all in the editing. I’m glad you found this helpful. ❤️

[@teresaharp]

Awesome video and awesome editing! Loved it and learned a whole lot 😊 Thanks Taylor!

[@rockstarkate78]

I think one of the major draws of superwash yarn is also how soft it is. A lot of people are sensitive to wool and superwash is all they can tolerate. If I'm gift knitting, the last thing I want is for the recipient to find the item itchy. I also find that people who knit are a lot more tolerant of "rustic" fabrics, but your average person is not. And that's ok, a lot of people just want to wear soft things! I love the look of more rustic wools myself, but honestly find many of them too itchy to wear next to skin. However superwash wool (or cotton or acrylic) is fine. So for me, that's one of the biggest differences.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Absolutely! 100%

[@colettegjuka9604]

I mostly only use superwash for sock knitting, and sometimes if I'm making an accessory as a gift for a non knitter. I like the grippiness of regular wool in general. I use superwash for socks so that I can easily launder them with my regular clothing.

[@feltlikeitbydebs]

Thanks for all the research, however, a point to consider...polimer is a plastic. Plastic is made from petroleum. I would love the name changed from 'superwash wool'. It makes it sound like it's special or better than a natural product. So appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Love your channel. Debs from Down Under.

[@nancyistenes7643]

I love the Knit Alphabet. How about note cards with the letters on it. I would love knitting themed note cards.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

I second this. 😁

[@mightbebatman3659]

Really awesome video! I'm a spinner and i love raw fiber with the lanolin still in it, but oh ! That super wash feels divine!

[@krisnugent1250]

Thanks - this was an important discussion and I appreciate the dive into it. I probably tend to want the real woolly stuff, but there are times a colorway calls to me and I know it's on a superwash yarn. Now I can make informed decisions and enjoy all the yarn!

[@tlowenbraun]

I always wondered about this. Because you provided the whys and hows of this topic I’m sure I will retain the information. Also my guilt level for using superwash is diminished with the ecological info in this video! Less guilt = a better community. Bravo!

[@half-caffcrochet]

Fantastic video - precise and easy to understand. I didn't realize that superwash was coated - I thought the scales were sort of 'stripped' - so that was interesting to find out too. Thank you! (Loved the "dip" clips)

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much for watching! I’m glad this hit the mark for you! ❤️

[@jduff171]

The clips you inserted in this episode.... *chef's kiss*. Thank you for the in-depth look at superwash.

[@VirgsB]

Thank you so much for researching this topic. I would not purchase superwash yarn mainly because of its negative environmental footprint. Thanks, once again, for explaining the process to us. 😊

[@emersonelizalde6536]

I wish I would have seen this sooner 😂 I’m already so far into an oversized cardigan. It’s going to be very oversized now I guess. But honestly that might work in my favor because I made the sleeves a tad smaller than I wanted

[@moonbasket]

I have been so curious about this. I thought originally that superwash was because it had nylon or acrylic added and not a treatment done to the wool fibers themselves. This is great knowledge. Thank you so much for doing the research and sharing it with us.

[@story.stitcher]

I use Superwash (or Cotton) for Gifts. I don't want to gift something that needs to be handwashed to a non-knitter.

[@nonnasstitchingloungewithr7281]

Excellent video. Thank you for the breakdown! I used to buy only superwash. But now, I am more likely to want something more rustic. Now I know why! Thanks

[@lesliefatout4731]

Excellent informational video - thanks so much!

[@yarnelfstudio]

Awesome information! I feel like this is a topic that is important for us all to make our own choices and you presented it so fairly. Thanks!

[@valerieconrad1005]

I have crocheted a couple of blankets. They were almost uncomforably heavy! It has been a huge turn-off for any more yarn blankets... but dang! I'm so tempted by some of these!!! We're finishing our basement to turn it into a cozy family room. Comfy cuddly blankets are just what we need! Also, your cozy counter made me laugh! Love it!!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I totally know what you mean about crochet blankets. It's a lot of yarn! However a lot of these seems like they wouldn't be too heavy. I think your basement reno is a perfect reason to cast-on a COZY blanket (we can add that to the count 😉). ❤️

[@lettyzane2720]

Your work area looks so pleasant- the light looks so warm

[@cathyjoly7704]

Thank you for explaining this! I had been told the scales were chemically removed, which didn't make sense why it felt so synthetic to me. The garment growth is similar to pure alpaca.

[@Susi1406]

Loved the video and all the fun clips. I found everything to be helpful including the fun little videos you inserted. It was so helpful in maintaining my interest. 😊 great job!! Thanks for all the information and sharing your sources. It’s really peeked my interest to learn more about the different suppliers and what they are doing. 😊

[@mandyfinkiewicz]

could you do the same break down of cotton yarns? please.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

And alpaca.😁

[@kkcliffy2952]

As a spinner who has bought super wash roving, I've always wondered how they did that. Also a filter, so I know about the scales in wool and assumed they removed them in some way, but kept forgetting to look it up

[@melitacarder]

Loved this outline of wools and their differences. I would like to add that there’s a trend to knit fingering weight yarns at quite a loose gauge for drape and “airiness” … but … this is where we need to be careful if using super wash as it can stretch out. But I don’t think all superwash are made equally!! I’ve made lots of superwash sweaters and cardigans and only a couple have stretched out. I think this is mostly due to my love of knitting at quite a firm gauge…. And I swatch to see how much they stretch out first. 💚 the superwash options from Australian hand dyers 💚

[@alicemerray]

Thanks Tayler, that was really interesting and useful. You have mentioned once or twice recently that a certain project would work best with a yarn which had memory & I had realised that though I understood the concept, I wasn't entirely sure I would know which yarns did and didn't qualify. It's probably not the whole story, but linking the idea of memory (or lack thereof) to super-wash has clarified things for me a bit.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Ahhhhh. Thank you for discussing this topic and putting the micro plastics argument to the test. I’m doing a project with superwash for washability for someone else, but if I’d known what I know now, I probably would have chosen a different yarn. Live and learn. The color is vibrant, though! 😁

[@rebecca-72]

Wow. Thank you for your incredibly comprehensive video and all the links! I have kept away from superwash wool after discovering it was heavily treated chemically out of environmental concern. Later when I learned how it grows so much and is not so warm, I felt even more “justified” in not using it for projects…. But I secretly drool over the gorgeous colors, especially from Indie dyers. Good to know if I decide to splurge on a beautiful sock yarn that I’m not causing mass pollution! One point of concern: it does seem a bit “off” to put so much industrial energy into taking the nature out of a natural product…. But I thank you for this informative video. It feels good to be able to make a better informed decision!

[@missmaria165]

Absolutely great video! 👍 This helped me understand why I haven't really enjoyed the Superwash yarn. I never really understood it until now. It is difficult to find pure non- superwash wool. Thank you Tayler. Great ramble! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@smittenforfiction]

I've been knitting 11 years and have learned so much from this video. Thanks!

[@dianegordon2702]

Really appreciate your ability and willingness to provide technical knowledge to your viewers. And not simply give...but delivery with a measure of humor along with a great deal if creative talent. Very nice.

[@melanyarmstrong9329]

Thank you for mentioning VeryPink, she has been my go-to for years.

[@den6001]

I could listen to you all day. Great video as usual. Thank you!

[@eugeniashen4819]

Thank you! It’s quite objective.

[@chrissy24-7]

Thank you for explaining the differences and processes of each, especially the environmental factors...I feel much more knowledgeable about it now and can make a more educated decision! 👏❤😊

[@Susie_F]

Hi Tayler, I was looking forward to seeing this video! Thank you for sharing all of this valuable information on the topic of superwash fibers and their environmental impact. Also, the clips are good! It’s nice to spice things up sometimes. 😀

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Susie! I’m glad you enjoyed this. The clips were a fun touch for this video. ❤️❤️

[@aprilfrank7084]

Well done Taylor!! I really appreciate you doing so much research on the subject of superwash yarns. You answered so many things that I have wondered about and put in a way that's easy to follow. I've never seen so much information on the subject in a single format. You should write an article and try to get it published in a craft magazine! Being someone that's sensitive to wool, I'm lucky if I can tolerate superwash. However, for me at least I can avoid 💯 plastics. Additionally, I stupidly bought a washer without a wool setting and have no interest in hand washing my sweaters and worsted weight socks.

[@ksymenabasinska5679]

Great video, filled with in-depth knowledge. Thank you for sharing it with us :). I swear I won't dry my superwash merino sweaters near the heater ever again 🤦‍♀

[@CookieSmut]

Uh oh, I've watched this in the middle of knitting a sweater in superwash. I swatched but didn't block the swatch and i actually sized up in needle. Pray for me

[@ginagee5627]

How did it turn out?

[@immahulagirl]

I’m just about to start a cardigan in super wash. I’ve swatched, blocked my swatch and have sized up my needle a 1/2 size. After watching this video I’m thinking I should choose to knit the sweater one size down.

[@nathaliebourre3578]

Credit to you, Tayler, for producing such an educational and vital episode albeit with a pinch of your usual humour to enable us to digest the lot better! Thinking about the impact of crafting on the environment must be as essential as in other aspects of life. Education is the key to make informed decisions and I thank you in advance for all the collated resources included in your show notes! 🧶🤗

[@helenstrickland3894]

Great video, didn’t know that superwash ‘grew more’ with washing than non superwash. I still think wool of all kinds is low impact compared to other warm fibres, partly because you just don’t need to wash it very often.

[@ccam504]

Superwash yarn is the original Shape Shifter 😮 omg , my head is spinning from the yarn info 😅

[@SarcasticShrubbery]

I recently read somewhere that superwash wool tends to shrink lengthwise after a while, and I finally understood why my socks always end up too small when they were perfect to start with! Also, I definitely need to block my swatches more often, I don't usually do that unless the type of yarn gives me the feeling that it's going to change a lot when blocked. I've never really considered that superwash treatment could make a difference here. A lot of info here and very interesting, thanks!

[@sharonquinn7045]

Thank you for the information. I like to be mindful of keeping the environment safe.

[@luannehovey1546]

Thank you, I learned so much. I have for most of my knitting gravitated away from super wash… except for socks, because I prefer the woollyness of untreated wool and do not love how sw grows. I agree they both have their place in the industry and I am sure I will use sw in the future . Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@MODellenification]

Dang, thorough!! Thanks for going through this for us all 😊

[@francespyne7316]

Thank you for a great presentation of the difference. Great job putting it in neutral frame

[@viktoriaszupiany5331]

Whew!! You packed in a ton of info in a fun and digestable way. Thank you!

[@virginiaschell886]

Thank you for this podcast. So much information. I was excited to watch this. I have a lot of superwash in my stash and with the possible ecological impacts had me concerned. I've knitted off and on for decades, but only after watching your podcasts, have started to do swatches. I've only completed one sweater. It grew beyond the oversize that I knitted. Now I know why. 😅

[@Wonderfullyknittedemily]

This was so informative!! I’ve been curious about superwash wool, especially with my background as a polymer and color chemist, so I’m grateful that I now have this information!

[@isabellerei5693]

Thank you Tayler for such an instructive podcast. I had to listen to it twice for better assimilation. Always very interesting material. Always looking forward to the next one.

[@annparsons6238]

Well put together episode 👏 I’ve just shortened the sleeves of a super-wash cardigan by 8cm after a few years of wear 😂! I mainly knit with natural fibres but both definitely have a place.

[@ccpperrett7522]

Thank you Taylor. This information explains a lot. I made some superwash wool socks for my Mom. I washed and dried them in the dryer with everything thing else. They felted down a bit. They still fit as they were slightly oversized. I made another pair for her with fingering weight superwash Malibrigo. These will be hand washed.😊❤

[@shawnkimadopting]

I've never made anything really large or fitted out of superwash wool. This was really, really informative! Thank you so much for putting this together. Another great ramble, as always.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Rewatching this for research… just thank you!! 💚💚💚

[@helenjessop5402]

Thank you very much for producing such a clear and well-researched explanation. This is definitely a video I will be recommending to others

[@debbieperea95]

Hi Taylor I love having the code on my tv to scan👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥰 I love all your knowledge and sharing of so much about yarn with us, TY! Love your videos 👍🏻🧶🥰🥰🥰

[@Mollydogdesigns]

Wow! This was chock full of valuable information! Thanks for sharing , I learned so much. Love your channel ❤️👏👍🧶🧶🧶

[@denisewells6856]

You are a rockstar! This video was an amazingly clear lesson about superwash and non-superwash yarn. I get it now.

[@TheWhitmore6]

I love the way you explain things. Really great information. Plus, I love your T-shirt!❤ I never understood why some people say to block your swatch and some say you don’t need to. The difference is Superwash and and Non-Superwash. Thanks!

[@Ampharb]

My heart sunk after watching this video. Last fall my husband asked if I would knit him a Norwegian style sweater. I found a Garn Studios pattern and used the yarn suggested by the pattern. It was Drops Karisma superwash yarn. I had never knitted with a superwash yarn before and had no idea about it’s tendency to „grow“ after wet blocking. I did not wet block it as I learned from a Couple of Norwegian knitters who also have a knitting channel on KZbin that they never use the wet block method for wool but instead use steam. I have not yet had to wash it and am wondering if I should just have it dry cleaned when it gets dirty. The instructions on the yarn label say NOT to put it in the dryer, but instead lay flat to dry. There is some seaming at the shoulders and the sleeves are also set in, so I‘m hoping that helps to stabilize it.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Ah Jean I understand how the information here may have left you with doubts. And I know very well the Norwegians you speak of (I love them). Don’t worry! It sounds like the sweater is seamed, which is going to help it retain its shape. And truly, wet blocking a swatch isn’t necessary if you don’t plan on wet blacking the garment. If you plan on using steam (which is totally great also), just stream the swatch. I know this sweater in question is already knit, but just for future reference. All in all, don’t worry. Just gently wash it and lay it out to dry. Or, like you said, have it dry cleaned. And should it grow a bit, toss the dry sweater in a WARM (not high heat) dryer for like 5 minutes. Sometimes it pulls things back together a bit.

[@summerruffini1932]

Great job Taylor! Thank you for giving lots of info every week 😊

[@lifelvr9509]

Kudos for providing factual, well researched information! It was very interesting. You have a wonderful talent for presentation as well and are a pleasure to listen to. Thank you!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much. This means a great deal to me. Glad you enjoyed this.

[@PaulaSimoes67]

I can only thank you, very very much!!!! And send you lots of love from Lisbon!!!😊🥰

[@BiblioChic]

So good to know that super wash wool doesn’t breakdown horribly.

[@laurengoodell757]

Thank you for the clear & concise explanation.

[@safiyab4767]

Well done, Tayler! Thank you for taking the time to research all this information about superwash and non superwash yarn , compile it, and deliver it in such a concise way. As knitters or crocheters we should all know these facts.

[@goswamigeeta]

Thank you for your detailed information. Knitters valuable guide to buy yarn and choose different yarn for different projects. Thank you once again.

[@nokesbob2256]

You are an awesome teacher! I've always wonder about just this. Thank you for taking the time to explain it to us. I just got a mental picture of the scene in Outlander where Clair is treating to a season of "wool wolking". I don't know if I spelled that right, but she is with the women in the community. They are peeing in the bucket, then sitting at a table with wool on it, they throw the bucket of pee on it, still warm and scrunch it with their hands! It makes me laugh and shutter at the same time.

[@alicemerray]

I haven't watched Outlander, but I would guess they meant wool *walking* (sometimes spelled waulking). It's the origin of the surname Walker, along with Fuller, which refers to the same process.

[@annikak.837]

What is the reason for doing that?

[@alicemerray]

@@annikak.837 Honestly, all I know is it's part of the processing of the wool prior to spinning. I think. I'm sure you can find more info online.

[@elizabethbradley7794]

love your scholarly treatment of this topic!

[@dm2836]

I was about to knit a cardigan in Malabrigo Rios…maybe I’ll just knit a size smaller and block it to fit lol

[@kithg]

Fascinating. And very admirable research. Thank you for all this information!

[@carol-annmatthew5296]

Thanks for the useful information. I'll make more informed choices when buying yarn ❤

[@rhondacutler6712]

Absolutely one of the most informative podcasts I've ever watched. I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@noelleparris9451]

This was a great class. I was knitting a sock (on the foot of sock #2) as I listened, and you made me think that perhaps I'll try a pair of socks using merino wool that's not superwashed. Just to see what the results are with washing and wear. Love your channel. You have super energy, enthusiasm and give super encouragement. Thank you!

[@melissaemery8686]

I’ve always wondered about Superwash vs untreated wool. This was very informative. Thank you for sharing.