This is a practical care guide for Yarn Atelier fibres and blends. The most important rule is simple: care is determined by the final composition of the yarn you bought, and then by how you turn it into fabric.
Below, the guidance is prioritised around the compositions we stock most often.
The foundational rules for every composition
Knit or crochet a small swatch, then wash and dry it exactly as you plan to treat the finished piece. This is the quickest way to confirm shrinkage, growth, drape, texture change, and colour release.
- Heat plus agitation is the enemy of luxury fibres
- Most of our blends include fibres that prefer cool water, gentle handling, and flat drying.
- Drying method matters as much as washing
- Handmade fabric can stretch when wet. Dry flat, reshape carefully, and avoid hanging.
- Treat blends as their most delicate component
- If a yarn contains cashmere or silk, care like it contains cashmere or silk, even if the percentage feels small.
Priority care by Yarn Atelier composition
Cashmere rich and cashmere silk blends
Includes:
- 95% Cashmere 5% Wool
- 75% Cashmere 25% Merino Wool
- 70% Merino Wool 30% Cashmere
- 80% Superfine Merino Wool 20% Cashmere
- 90% Merino Wool 10% Cashmere
- 50% Silk 50% Cashmere
- 55% Merino Wool 30% Cashmere 15% Silk
Best care method: gentle hand wash, always the default
Washing
- Fill a basin with cool to lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent and dissolve fully.
- Submerge and soak for around 10 minutes.
- Lift and press the water through the fabric. Do not rub, twist, or wring.
- Rinse in water at a similar temperature.
Drying
- Press out water using a towel.
- Lay flat, reshape to measurements, and dry naturally at room temperature.
- Avoid direct heat and direct sunlight.
Handling notes
Cashmere fibres are fine and can pill with friction. Handle gently and wash less often by airing between wears.
Silk adds lustre and drape, but it dislikes heat and rough handling.
Wool, silk, and cashmere blends
Includes:
• 70% Wool 20% Silk 10% Cashmere
• 62% Wool 18% Silk 10% Cashmere 10% Camel
• 70% Extrafine Merino Wool 30% Mulberry Silk
Best care method: hand wash, gentle shaping, careful drying
Washing
Use the same hand wash method above. Keep handling minimal to protect the silk surface and preserve stitch definition.
Drying and finish
Dry flat and reshape.
If you block, do it gently. Let the fabric settle without pulling it into place.
Handling notes
- Silk blends often show the effects of abrasion sooner, especially in high friction areas like underarms and cuffs.
- These blends can relax after washing. Your swatch test will tell you how much.
Wool with camel and yak blends
Includes:
- 80% Wool 20% Camel or Yak
- 70% Superfine Virgine Wool 30% Camel
- 70% Superfine Virgine Wool 20% Yak 10% Cashmere
Best care method: hand wash, low movement, flat dry
Washing
Hand wash as standard. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Drying
Dry flat, reshape gently. Do not hang, especially for heavier garments.
Handling notes
- Camel and yak fibres are warm and soft, but they can lose structure if over handled when wet.
- These blends are excellent for garments and accessories, and they look best when cared for quietly and consistently.
Pure merino and extra fine merino
Includes:
- 100% Merino Wool
- 100% Extrafine Merino Wool
- 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool
Best care method: gentle hand wash, with an optional careful machine approach for those who prefer it
Hand wash
Use the same hand wash method above for the most reliable results.
If you choose to machine wash:
- Use a gentle cycle with cool water.
- Keep the load small to reduce friction.
- Use mild detergent.
- Dry flat and reshape.
Handling notes
Merino can look and feel noticeably better when washed gently and dried flat, especially in finer gauges.
Merino with polyamide
Includes:
75% Merino Wool 25% Polyamide
Best care method: gentle machine washing is usually suitable, with careful drying
Washing
- Gentle cycle, cool to lukewarm water, mild detergent.
- Avoid heavy loads that increase friction.
Drying
- Dry flat to preserve shape and elasticity.
- Avoid high heat drying.
Handling notes
Polyamide improves durability, particularly for socks and hard wearing pieces, but the merino still benefits from gentle handling.
Mohair, alpaca, and polyamide blend
Includes:
35% Kid Mohair 35% Superfine Alpaca 30% Polyamide
Best care method: very gentle hand wash, protect the halo
Washing
- Cool water, mild detergent, minimal movement.
- Do not rub the surface. Rubbing is what causes matting and uneven halo.
Drying
- Dry flat. Reshape lightly, do not stretch.
Handling notes
- Airing is often enough between wears. Wash only when needed.
Fabric construction matters: knitting, crochet, weave, and stitch choice
Knitting
- Knitted fabric can relax and grow, especially in heavier fibres and looser gauges.
- Drying flat and reshaping to measurements is essential.
- Ribbing holds shape better than stockinette.
Crochet
- Crochet fabric is generally more stable and can be less prone to stretching.
- It can feel denser, so support it well when wet and dry flat.
Lace and open textures
- Blocking is part of the finished look.
- Pin to measurements if needed and allow to dry fully before unpinning.
Dense fabrics and cables
- They hold water and can be heavy when wet.
- Press water out in towels and support fully while drying.
Storage: keep fibres clean, dry, and protected
Best practice
Store finished items clean and fully dry.
Keep in a cool, dry place.
Use breathable storage for regular use, or sealed storage for long term keeping.
Protect natural fibres from moth risk with sensible storage hygiene.
Maintaining a premium finish: pilling and surface care
- Pilling is normal in softer fibres, especially cashmere rich blends.
- Remove pills gently with a fabric comb or a shaver used lightly.
- Reduce friction where possible, particularly from bags and rough outerwear.
- Airing between wears can reduce washing frequency for animal fibre garments.
Summary: the Yarn Atelier default care approach
For most of our compositions, the best baseline is:
- Swatch and test wash
- Hand wash in cool to lukewarm water with mild detergent
- Minimal movement, no rubbing, no twisting
- Press out water with a towel
- Dry flat and reshape to measurements
- Store clean, dry, and protected
This approach preserves softness, structure, and longevity across merino, cashmere, silk, camel, yak, alpaca, and mohair blends.
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