THIS IS A PODCAST I WILL DEFINTELY SAVE AS A LEARNING TOOL.Thanks so much for the detailed research you always do. I would like my yarn purchases to make less of an environmental impact, hopefully sooner rather than later.
This is the best knitting video I've ever listened to. I learned so much. I've heard bits and pieces about superwash wool but nothing as well researched, comprehensive and informative as this video. I gravitate to superwash wool because almost all other wool is so scratchy feeling that I can't bear it touching my skin. I'm not allergic to wool - it's just so scratchy and uncomfortable. I was disappointed to hear how environmentally harmful the process was and I look forward to the new less harmful processes even if the yarn is pricier. I once made some socks from a beautiful merino wool that I was sure I would always hand wash and somehow they jumped into the washer and were elf sized when I found them. I will definitely listen to your other videos. Thanks for all your hard work.
First and foremost, I love your hair in that wavy style! When making socks or items that will be given as gifts, I will only use superwash wools. This is largely due to the ease of caring for them and their durability, like you mentioned. None of my friends are knitters or crocheters and I wouldn't want to give them something that's really complicated to care for because I think that takes a lot of enjoyment out of wearing an item. I have made things for myself out of non-superwash wools because I know how much effort I'll need to put into caring for that item and it's usually worth having that finished object to me. I'm really glad you talked about the environmental impact of the superwash process. I had no idea! Thanks so much for the work you put into these episodes. This is one of my favorite podcasts!
Kristine, I am drawn to your teachings like a moth to a flame. You are truly a great teacher. You provide all the information about fiber and help your students make an informed decision as to what direction to take . Old fashioned say but true, 'information is power.'.
I just accidentally miniaturized a pair of socks this week! I was just going to cut them up and make handles for my cast iron pans because it’s a nice dense fabric!
Thank you for this very informative video! Environmental factors are very important to me. I plan to use the yarn in my stash - but will not be buying any more super wash yarn in the future. I appreciate the information on how to care for both types of wool. It looks like super wash is nearly as much trouble as non-superwash! I imagine I will use cotton for baby items.
I always use untreated wool for hats and sweaters, but make a lot of socks with superwash wool. I am not happy with the conventional superwash process. I hope these new eco friendly processes become the norm, because I love to knit socks! Thanks for the info.
Thank you for your informative videos from which I continue to learn about knitting, yarns and textile processes in general. I’m a weave designer by profession and have recently returned to hand knitting & crocheting as part of my creative practice as well as for the fun of it. Discovering the treasure trove of vlogs and tutorials that have mushroomed online has really kick-started my knitting again. Though I know about and keep up on new developments in yarn production I do appreciate the great technical information you research and share. I haven’t yet worked with superwash (as I’m trying to work through some of my existing stash) but may give it a try to take advantage of some of its favorable qualities. I look forward to more from you on all things knit and your book reviews.
❤️thank you for answering a question i have had for YEARS!! i crochet a LOT of charity items for my local VA and cancer centers. i've always been reluctant/afraid to use "wool" - now, i'm a better informed consumer about SUPERWASH wool!! thank you, again!! ;)
I had no idea how super wash wool was created. I'm so glad to hear there is research into cleaner methods. I use both unwashed and super wash wool depending on the project. I prefer to work with super wash because it's softer!
An amazing primer on superwash vs non superwash as well as care labels. As a lifelong learner, I look forward to your videos, and so appreciate the volume of research you must do to present your information clearly and concisely. Thank you 🙏🏼!
Very informative. Thank you. I recently made a yoked sweater with superwash and was surprised how much it stretched. I used a combination of brief time in the dryer and laying it flat to dry it. It turned out very well. I wore it several times before it got too hot for sweaters. Your comments on symbols was really helpful. I saved the video to refer back to it. Thanks again.
For me Superwash is the only Wool I can knit with. Some time ago while knitting with regular wool my hands and arms developed a rash so I immediately discontinued knitting with it. I even had a problem with a wool felt hat that was gifted to me and it burned the skin around my ears. So a knitting friend suggested trying Superwash Wool. I made a swatch and my hands and arms where ok with it, no rash. I made a pair of fingerless mitts and they worked out well. I then made a pair of socks and yeah they worked as well. So now all my socks are Superwash Wool/Nylon. I haven’t attempted any other type of garment with Superwash due to the additional expense of that type of yarn. But I’m happy having found Superwash for my socks.
Your videos are always so chock full of information. They are so helpful. I love learning new things about knitting and yarn. I also love your new format, and have followed some of your book recommendations, so please keep posting those as well.
When Dad got stationed in England back in the 60's Mom had to shop for her yarns in the small town near the base and purchased her first British yarn - 100 wool, She knitted matching sweaters for herself, me and my younger sister who was about 24 months old. Mom washed our sweaters the result I wore hers, mine was just shoved in the drawer and my sisters was worn by our Barbie dolls. Yes the 24 month old size could be used for our Barbie dolls. She never made that mistake again
This is so great! Your information is so complete, I feel much more able to make an educated decision about the type of wool I chose. Thank you so much for the time and effort into this subject. For me, superwash has only ever held the attraction of color, the feel and wear is too plastic-like for me to fall in love with and now I understand why. Environmentally, it’s a poor choice. My next endeavor is to try my hand at hand dyeing yarn, so I wonder if adding silk to the wool blend will add enough luster to make up for not using superwash?? It will be exciting to find out!! Thank you again for your hard work in this video!!
Wow, your research for this piece was second to none. I learned so much. Thank you for empowering me to make an informed choice when it comes to my yarn purchases. I prefer untreated wool, but definitely see the value of superwash in certain circumstances such as the ones you mentioned. The processes for creating superwash are fascinating.
Great info....thanks for all the research you do. I use primarily superwash for my socks and find I have to use a smaller needle so they don't stretch out too big. I inherited a lovely brown sweater from my brother when I was a kid. My mother knitted it for him, but he told me later it was too scratchy so he threw it in a hot water wash (in our wringer washer)....but it was felted and fit me perfectly. I loved it. Thank you for explaining all those laundry symbols. You made them very clear, not just for wool washing. Enjoy your week.
Thank You Thank You! Having only recently discovered that I am no longer allergic to wool, I've been working hard to learn it's proper uses, when not to use it, how to care for it etc. It has been a little overwhelming trying to make sure I don't use the wrong type of wool in a project, especially when I am so excited about the many many projects I want to make. This is so very helpful, and means less time researching and more time knitting. So incredibly helpful.
I learned a great deal from this video; thanks once again from all your effort and time. Sock knitting is my comfort knitting; the brighter the color the happier I am with the yarn. I will have to put more thought into the environmental impact this method has on our world before I purchase more superwash yarn. I have heard that superwash wool takes dye differently, making it possible to get intense colors in the finished product. It’s good to know that work on making this yarn more eco friendly is being done.
Great episode, thanks. The three negatives for superwash are the reasons I love non-superwash wool. I won't gift wool often, because of it's particular care needs, though.
Very informative! I thought I knew about the Superwash process, and yet I learned a lot. There was a lot of information packed in this episode- one I'll watch more than once, I bet! I use both Superwash and non-Superwash yarns. I prefer rustic, sheepy, non-SW for projects for myself such as sweaters, hats, and mitts. I generally use Superwash for socks or gifts. Thanks, Dr. Kelly!
Very interesting and informative. I use superwash wool a lot for making socks and baby items - blankets, cardigans, dresses etc. I was interested to hear about the process and the consequent loss of elasticity and possibility of excessive stretching of items. This has never happened to me but I always treat any wool with respect and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for laundry and aftercare! Perhaps that's why all has gone well so far! Thank you for yet another fascinating programs. x
Thank you so much, it is so refreshing to see Science applied to knitting. I am sitting here knitting socks on tiny circular needles (based on your recommendation) while watching. Have a nice weekend.
This is a great video. I love the science behind the process and microscopic pictures of the yarn. I've always wondered what the differences were between regular and superwash wool. I'm glad I now know about it's effect on the environment so I can make a conscious choice. Thank you so much!
Great information. I knew some of those symbols, but glad to learn about the others. I have used super wash yarn to knit socks. I feel better about gifting someone super wash socks so they don’t have to hand wash them. I hand wash all my knit knowing all the time invested in the knits. Thanks for your podcast
Just like to say that the new hair style really suits you and also, thank you for recommending the History of English podcast on a previous episode. I'm really enjoying it.
Is the superwash Merino just as itchy as regular wool? And, yes I did learn a lot. I thought superwash just meant it was able to be washed without shrinking. Thanks!
Hi Dr. Kelly! This video was so comprehensive and helpful! I especially appreciated your explanation of laundry symbols, and the new research on making superwash wool manufacturing more environmentally sound. I love superwash merino for kids' sweaters, and just about everything, to tell the truth. However, I make "coat toppers" out of untreated, rougher wool because I find that they withstand the elements better. Thank you so much for this video!
Great information. I had heard the term super wash wool but did not know what made it washable. I love learning new things which is why I love yoyr podcasts.
Thanks for your videos. I'm knitting my first pair of socks using Patons Kroy Sock yarn (is also the first time I'm using this yarn). I didn't know the difference between wool yarn....I was impress by the Environmental factors....it's very important to me and I didn't know. Thanks. I learned a lot today. I like your new concept of videos......great idea!!!
Thank you for doing all the research on all the topics you do. I personally like working with superwash yarn as it feels great when the item is knitted up.
Thank you so very much for going over all the care label symbols - it was really helpful! I try not to use much super-wash wool because of the environmental issue and hope that eco friendly processes will become the norm soon. Thanks for your always informative podcasts!
Very informative, thanks for sharing! I use superwash for most of my gift socks, especially for non knitters. They do grow so I usually make them at a tighter gauge and sometimes less stitches to combat that.
WOW!! Thanks for all the information! Your information is truly appreciated. I didn't have any idea on how superwash wool was made. I have been putting off knitting a sweater because I had heard that superwash stretches so much, but didn't take the time to research it. Now I will be more careful as to what yarn I'm going to be using. I will continue to knit socks with the superwash and hope that the industry will work more diligently on making the process more eco friendly. THANKS again!
I LOVE super wash wool! It definitely grew But I planned for it in my sweater. Its soft and squishy....and I use it for most of my garments and shawls. I wasn't aware of the environmental impact it creates however....I will prob be looking at labels in the future. Thank you for a great informative lesson.
I always use superwash wool when knitting a gift item because I want the item to be easy to care for. And I've never had an issue with a superwash item growing, though I have read many comments that it does do that. For socks I always use superwash with nylon.
Very good information, thank you. This subject has interested me for some time as I grew up in a non-superwash era and have not been quite as enamored by this yarn as some. I admit to having a generous stash of SW but have been de-stashing because the stretching and smooth feeling of the yarn outweigh any washing considerations. I have been having conversations with many yarn producers and distributors and want to pass along some into from Jeni, owner of Wool2Dye4 in an email this week. She went to see the SW treatment plant in the UK where most of their yarn is processed. It is a long post so I will paraphrase: in the 80s SW processing was unregulated and effluent was being dumped into water systems, this was also true for scouring wool. Because sheep wander in many places and eat many things, their wool could contain pesticides which ended up in the effluent. The UK now has strict regulations that processed water being returned to the system must be as clean as what was received. This led to a reduction in wool processing in the UK. The U.S. and South America have the same regulations although China does not. This company is a major wholesale supplier of bare yarns and Jeni has been very patient and
Lots of great information! I much prefer non super wash wool and I find it easy to care for. In fact I wash most of my wool items in the washing machine on the wool wash programme and dry them flat. I have knitted many pairs of socks in super wash but I don't think it's necessary and after seeing your explanations I will try to avoid it in future.
Thank you so much for the lesson! I knit 2 sweaters in 100% super wash wool and both stretched out and became unwearable almost immediately. I stopped knitting with super wash for over 10 years until recently when I began to see all those beautiful Indi dyed skeins of yarn. I started knitting socks with them (mostly 80l20 with nylon) and they seem okay. They stretch but shrink back a little in the wash and they fit again. Not like those 100% superwash sweaters. I really want to try knitting a sweater with them. But I’m very afraid a sweater would stretch. Since they have nylon mixed with the wool I might try it. Thanks again for the time and thought you put into this. -Randi
Awesome info and delivery as usual! I love your videos. Also, your hair looks great! I made a cardigan for my daughter with Drops Baby superwash merino wool when I first started knitting. It was a huge project (Joji Locatelli's Magnolia Cardigan) and I was so disappointed when I washed it and it stretched out to at least one or two sizes bigger. It just doesn't have good shape. Since then I have used Brown Sheep Nature Spun yarn, Wool of the Andes by Knit Picks and Holst Garn Supersoft. I love the look and feel after each of these yarns are knitted up and washed. I won't use superwash again because of this and because of the environmental impacts. It's also crazy to me to see some of the prices that Independent dyers charge for their superwash yarn!
Great podcast. Thank you for all the information. I make most socks with superwash merino and nylon. Toss in the washer and dryer and all is good. I make some socks with baby alpaca and nylon. Still ok in the washer but no dryer they lay on the kitchen counter to dry. I have one friend who has sweaty feet lol. Only wool for him as it helps wick away the moisture whereas superwash seems to make his feet hot and they sweat even more. Those, of course, are hand wash and lay flat to dry.
Thank you sooo much! I had no idea and I greatly appreciate this video. I just finished a top made from super wash and I was worried about washing and blocking.
I used super wash wool once and the item grew at least 2 sizes. I now use sock yarn with nylon added for my baby items. I use two strands and that gives me a DK guage.
Very interesting video, I have learn some things that I have no idea. Now I understand the difference between both yarns. I have to unravel a cardigan made with merino wool 100% because it gown so much after I washed, even when It was hand wash 😭 Thank you!
Hi. Good information. I'm allergic to shellfish and definitely is important for me to know about the different methods to treat the wool fiber. Now I understand the eco-friendly process. Thank you!
This is my second time watching this Video. I made really good notes to shop with. I don't know If I will use this wool or not. I will be making hats and scarfs and shawld and afghans. I guess I'll play around with yarns for my hats and move up to better yarns for my shawls, scarfs and Afghan's. Thank you again for this very informative learning experience.
This is a very interesting and informative video. Thank you for all the research you did and laying it out for us. I was watching it while knitting my first hat and the progress was great :)
Hi, this was a very interesting podcast. I most of the time knit superwash merino mix with nylon and I love it, but even knitting with it I learn a lot about it, and I will continue to use it.
Blocking and steeking are two issues that were not addressed in the video...I would be interested to hear thoughts on both. I am always concerned that superwash will not block and stay in the desired shape. Knitters do steek sweaters made of superwash but I believe it requires a secure seam on a sewing machine vs. the traditional method of securing with a crochet chain.
It's a balancing act. I knit a gift of house socks for a vip. Being a gift I could only get shoe size. I got gauge when knitting. Then, I hand-washed & blocked, but boy did they grow. They're way too big. So, I'm going to get measurements, but before I frog & reknit, I'm going to try shrinking. If it doesn't work, I'll reknit. Resolution: no more surprise gifts that are supposed to fit. Your "Laundress" vid was very good. RUclips is blocking "Likes" on this vid. I guess that wool is political now. :))
Receptive to my persistent questions. Although SW yarns are not my preference it is reassuring to know they are being produced with far less environmental impact and the decision to use this product can be made based on the merits of the yarn alone.
Great podcast! I accidentally felted a pair of socks that were made from superwash wool that was blended with alpaca and nylon. I knew when I bought the yarn that I'd have to wash these socks by hand because of the alpaca but threw them in the laundry basket and completely forgot about them on laundry day. It made for a good laugh when I took them out of the dryer! The thing is, what is the point of blending superwash with a non-superwash fiber if you have to wash them by hand anyway? In any case, lesson learned for me. :-)
Very informative. I made some lovely baby items for my grand daughter, that my son put in the washing machine - she will has some lovely doll items!!! I wasn't impressed! But I can laugh now - a bit. I wasn't aware of how superwash wool was manufactured will certainly think more about it now, Many thanks for the video. xxJane - ps. loving the hair
Family Clan I have heard that if you soak the items in cold water with hair conditioner, you soak the item in the cold conditioner and then stretch it gently, it might help.
I used Cascade Superwash 220 and it felted horribly. I have no experience with the idea that Superwash stretches. Thanks for all the work you do,always enlightening!
My grandma ruined my ultimate favorite sweater: it shrunk and changed color😭! She tried to stretch and dye it but to no avail. I was so sad, but now that she's not here with me I just laugh and love her more! I have used superwash wool for my socks, but one brand in particular (a famous brand with exciting colors) surprised me in a negative way: it is so smooth that I would say it feels more like a cotton-acrylic mix! It is supposed to be a sock yarn, but the fabric that produces it's so stretchy that now I use it only for shawls. Thanks for all the info!
So...how to shrink the superwash wool garment after it has grown? Going to try the usuals, but if it doesn't work, will just have to frog & reknit. Unless someone has a better idea. Anyone?
I looked this up today as well and found this video. I am about to make my first sweater. I didn't realize the loss of elasticity with superwash and Isaved up to buy a sweaters quantity and of course its in superwash wool. She mentions that you can put it in the dryer briefly but be cautious and only briefly to shrink it if it stretches. I'm making a shawl right now with superwash fingering weight and actually hope it stretches as it is finishing a bit small. I learned alot from this video.
@@jenniferannfox2316A couple of days ago I took this problem/discussion to Ravelry, to a group called "Rox Rocks". I started a new discussion called, "Superwash Wool PROBLEMS". It was a very helpful learning experience from the posters. Maybe it would help you?🙂
Shalom from mid Canada. thx for sharing your info my dear. I made a superwash hat and it grows a bit but still wearable . goof to know about needle size ! i never pay attn to that but now i will make a diff. between superwash and knitn a bit tighter. thx . i havent knit anything in pure wool cuz im scared of shrinking .
This video explained me why my colourwork leggings increased size when I washed them in machine. I taught me to never do it again. The leggings are still wearable but it was devastating.
After the first wash & air dry, the socks were loose, floppy, & too large. After the second wash & machine dry they were back to the intended size. I'm not sure why. What about 2nd washes & dries?
Thanks so much for your informative videos. I am a fan of superwash because I mistakenly felted a few items. And, then there were the few instances where my daughters were thoughtful enough to wash and dry all the laundry! Anyway, as I was watching this video I did notice how nice your makeup was and also how nicely it went with your top. I was pleasantly surprised to see that you'd included the info about your makeup. What about your top?
Hi Susan -- yes, I get questions about my makeup so I figured I would just start including the info. :) My top in this video was from Stitchfix, so I'm not sure where you could get it. Sorry! XOXO
Kelly, thanks for the great video. I don't like superwash wool yarn-it is not as squishy as nontreated yarn. Colorwork is more difficult, as stitches don't hug up to one another. I do like the drape of superwash wool, however. I made a sweater from superwash, and the drape is what I like the best. I am not a sock knitter, so superwash isn't particularly important to me (I always buy acrylic for baby knitting). Most of my stash is wool or blends (wool/alpaca, wool/silk).
I feel like I have less issues with felting if my untreated wool is a blend, even with another animal or plant fiber instead of a synthetic one. Wool and cotton blends are really nice, and I've never had an issue or had to worry too much about items that are wool and alpaca if I place them in the machine on a gentle cycle with wool wash and a bit of hair conditioner. I always worry about tumble drying anything though, as even if the heat isn't bad, a rogue bra may have made its way in and that could do a lot of damage with those pesky bra hooks/clasps.
To me sounds like sw wool would be good with acrylic yarn. And a good mix with natural wool. Probably won't buy sw wool to much cause it is expensive. Thank you for the information.
I can't believe how much I don't know about everything! I enjoy your podcast because when it's finished, I feel that much smarter! I have a question, what is "boiled wool"? I went shopping downtown Chicago with some friends and one of them bought a "boiled wool" jacket. I thought it was very expensive but she was so exited because just under $500 she felt she got such a bargain.
Sonia Guzman I believe that boiled wool is literally "boiled" which creates a slightly felted wool fabric. Boiled wool tends to be less felted than some extremely felted wool items but it is at least lightly "felted" by the boiling.
Boiled wool fabrics are just that -- the fabric is first woven or knitted, and then boiled! This causes the fibres to matt together. It is extreme fulling -- the correct term for the matting of fabrics -- and not actual felt. It happens faster than doing it by machine and regular agitation.
ok, so if I want to use felted wool as yardage, I can go and buy on sale or second hand the biggest wool item like a sweater that I can find and take it home, felt it and then cut out a pattern for any item as long as it fits on the felted wool? Also, I could just knit a huge flat piece of wool, felt it in the machine, then use it as yardage? Have you ever heard of anyone doing that?
Thank you. We hear so many negatives about acrylic (and to be fair, some are horrible) but it seems to me that superwash wool is not much better for knitting results or for the environment. I'll stick to non superwash wool for me and eco cotton or even a nice acrylic for baby gifts. Now socks, those may be a different story but at least I'm well-informed.
Hi Dr Kelly - As always, you present a very informative video. I'll have to file this one for later reference. I am an avid sock knitter always researching eco-friendly fibers for socks. I realize your video was on treating wool and I appreciated learning more about the eco-friendly processes. Do you know if the processing of nylon is harmful to the environment? It's also been suggested I use mechanically-processed bamboo, or mohair in place of the nylon for a more environmentally friendly sock. Can bamboo or mohair replace the nylon content in sock yarns? As you mentioned, it is very difficult to find the process used on yarn labels. Thank you for your opinion and insights.
Hi Valerie -- thank you so much. I did a video last year about synthetic fibers like nylon. You can watch it here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/9rnZ0hwPHa4/видео.html (Nylon is basically a plastic derived from petroleum, so not very environmentally friendly -- but it can be recycled.) I think mohair would be a great option instead of nylon. Bamboo would be ok, but my concern would be that it has no elasticity. Thanks so much for watching. XO
This was very informative for me, thanks! I’m fairly new to the “yarn snob 😁” obsession and didn’t know these detail differences with wool. I can see now why experienced yarn knitters are very careful in choosing the type of yarn they want for their projects. Perhaps super wash isn’t a good choice for a hard worked sweater project if it might stretch out. Thanks again. Always love your videos ❤️
I just finished a gansey type sweater for my husband out of Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK. I swatched, washed and blocked the swatch and measured for gauge. After finishing the sweater, it stretched about 10” when I blocked it. I did hand wash it and laid it flat to dry. I tried putting it in the dryer briefly on very low heat to see if I could get it to shrink up in length, but that didn’t work. I ended up having to cut off the bottom part of the front and back and reknit down. That worked. Originally it was knit in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. I did block before seaming so at least it wasn’t totally sewn together. So, my question is how best to treat a swatch in superwash wool to be sure the finished garment will be the size you intend? Weight the swatch and hang it up? Any other suggestions?
Hi Amy - sorry that happened. It is so frustrating. I think it would be a good idea to weight the swatch because the full-size garment is going to be so much heavier. Maybe that would emulate more realistically what will happen with the fabric once it's washed. 💚💚💚
Not too long ago, I knitted a scarf with a yarn that “lost” its label and tried to block it by steam and iron. Bad idea. The stitches were flattened. Oh well. I’ll remember that lesson.
Thank you for such a great discussion on superwash wool. If a person loves wool but find it harsh on their skin, is superwash wool more tolerable? I believe being informed helps with making choices.
Sharon, you are using the wrong wool if it is harsh to the skin! There are over one thousand different breeds of sheep! Most feel wonderful on the skin. Try another breed of sheep wool.
I bought a woman's wool sweater that had been washed by accident. It was a beautiful dress for my 5 year old!
THIS IS A PODCAST I WILL DEFINTELY SAVE AS A LEARNING TOOL.Thanks so much for the detailed research you always do. I would like my yarn purchases to make less of an environmental impact, hopefully sooner rather than later.
This is the best knitting video I've ever listened to. I learned so much. I've heard bits and pieces about superwash wool but nothing as well researched, comprehensive and informative as this video. I gravitate to superwash wool because almost all other wool is so scratchy feeling that I can't bear it touching my skin. I'm not allergic to wool - it's just so scratchy and uncomfortable. I was disappointed to hear how environmentally harmful the process was and I look forward to the new less harmful processes even if the yarn is pricier. I once made some socks from a beautiful merino wool that I was sure I would always hand wash and somehow they jumped into the washer and were elf sized when I found them. I will definitely listen to your other videos. Thanks for all your hard work.
First and foremost, I love your hair in that wavy style!
When making socks or items that will be given as gifts, I will only use superwash wools. This is largely due to the ease of caring for them and their durability, like you mentioned. None of my friends are knitters or crocheters and I wouldn't want to give them something that's really complicated to care for because I think that takes a lot of enjoyment out of wearing an item. I have made things for myself out of non-superwash wools because I know how much effort I'll need to put into caring for that item and it's usually worth having that finished object to me. I'm really glad you talked about the environmental impact of the superwash process. I had no idea!
Thanks so much for the work you put into these episodes. This is one of my favorite podcasts!
Kristine, I am drawn to your teachings like a moth to a flame. You are truly a great teacher. You provide all the information about fiber and help your students make an informed decision as to what direction to take . Old fashioned say but true, 'information is power.'.
I just accidentally miniaturized a pair of socks this week! I was just going to cut them up and make handles for my cast iron pans because it’s a nice dense fabric!
Thank you for this very informative video! Environmental factors are very important to me. I plan to use the yarn in my stash - but will not be buying any more super wash yarn in the future. I appreciate the information on how to care for both types of wool. It looks like super wash is nearly as much trouble as non-superwash! I imagine I will use cotton for baby items.
Very knowledgeable knitter, thanks for sharing and Happy Valentines 🌹🌹🌹
I always use untreated wool for hats and sweaters, but make a lot of socks with superwash wool. I am not happy with the conventional superwash process. I hope these new eco friendly processes become the norm, because I love to knit socks! Thanks for the info.
Thank you for your informative videos from which I continue to learn about knitting, yarns and textile processes in general. I’m a weave designer by profession and have recently returned to hand knitting & crocheting as part of my creative practice as well as for the fun of it. Discovering the treasure trove of vlogs and tutorials that have mushroomed online has really kick-started my knitting again. Though I know about and keep up on new developments in yarn production I do appreciate the great technical information you research and share. I haven’t yet worked with superwash (as I’m trying to work through some of my existing stash) but may give it a try to take advantage of some of its favorable qualities. I look forward to more from you on all things knit and your book reviews.
❤️thank you for answering a question i have had for YEARS!! i crochet a LOT of charity items for my local VA and cancer centers. i've always been reluctant/afraid to use "wool" - now, i'm a better informed consumer about SUPERWASH wool!! thank you, again!! ;)
I had no idea how super wash wool was created. I'm so glad to hear there is research into cleaner methods. I use both unwashed and super wash wool depending on the project. I prefer to work with super wash because it's softer!
An amazing primer on superwash vs non superwash as well as care labels. As a lifelong learner, I look forward to your videos, and so appreciate the volume of research you must do to present your information clearly and concisely. Thank you 🙏🏼!
Very informative. Thank you. I recently made a yoked sweater with superwash and was surprised how much it stretched. I used a combination of brief time in the dryer and laying it flat to dry it. It turned out very well. I wore it several times before it got too hot for sweaters. Your comments on symbols was really helpful. I saved the video to refer back to it. Thanks again.
For me Superwash is the only Wool I can knit with. Some time ago while knitting with regular wool my hands and arms developed a rash so I immediately discontinued knitting with it. I even had a problem with a wool felt hat that was gifted to me and it burned the skin around my ears. So a knitting friend suggested trying Superwash Wool. I made a swatch and my hands and arms where ok with it, no rash. I made a pair of fingerless mitts and they worked out well. I then made a pair of socks and yeah they worked as well. So now all my socks are Superwash Wool/Nylon. I haven’t attempted any other type of garment with Superwash due to the additional expense of that type of yarn. But I’m happy having found Superwash for my socks.
Thank you, yet again, for all the back ground research to enlighten me with interesting things I did not know. ✨
Your videos are always so chock full of information. They are so helpful. I love learning new things about knitting and yarn. I also love your new format, and have followed some of your book recommendations, so please keep posting those as well.
As always, thought provoking and informative. Thanks for all your deep research.
When Dad got stationed in England back in the 60's Mom had to shop for her yarns in the small town near the base and purchased her first British yarn - 100 wool, She knitted matching sweaters for herself, me and my younger sister who was about 24 months old. Mom washed our sweaters the result I wore hers, mine was just shoved in the drawer and my sisters was worn by our Barbie dolls. Yes the 24 month old size could be used for our Barbie dolls. She never made that mistake again
This is so great! Your information is so complete, I feel much more able to make an educated decision about the type of wool I chose. Thank you so much for the time and effort into this subject. For me, superwash has only ever held the attraction of color, the feel and wear is too plastic-like for me to fall in love with and now I understand why.
Environmentally, it’s a poor choice.
My next endeavor is to try my hand at hand dyeing yarn, so I wonder if adding silk to the wool blend will add enough luster to make up for not using superwash??
It will be exciting to find out!!
Thank you again for your hard work in this video!!
I learnt soooooo much about yarn and also how to care for them and other fabrics! Thanks so much :)
Wow, your research for this piece was second to none. I learned so much. Thank you for empowering me to make an informed choice when it comes to my yarn purchases. I prefer untreated wool, but definitely see the value of superwash in certain circumstances such as the ones you mentioned. The processes for creating superwash are fascinating.
Great info....thanks for all the research you do. I use primarily superwash for my socks and find I have to use a smaller needle so they don't stretch out too big. I inherited a lovely brown sweater from my brother when I was a kid. My mother knitted it for him, but he told me later it was too scratchy so he threw it in a hot water wash (in our wringer washer)....but it was felted and fit me perfectly. I loved it. Thank you for explaining all those laundry symbols. You made them very clear, not just for wool washing. Enjoy your week.
I learned so much watching this. I was trying to figure out the insulation factor but you taught me so much more!! Thank you for this!
Thank You Thank You! Having only recently discovered that I am no longer allergic to wool, I've been working hard to learn it's proper uses, when not to use it, how to care for it etc. It has been a little overwhelming trying to make sure I don't use the wrong type of wool in a project, especially when I am so excited about the many many projects I want to make. This is so very helpful, and means less time researching and more time knitting. So incredibly helpful.
You never were 'allergic' to wool! That is a myth -- you just never came across real wool, and there are so many different breeds.
I learned a great deal from this video; thanks once again from all your effort and time. Sock knitting is my comfort knitting; the brighter the color the happier I am with the yarn. I will have to put more thought into the environmental impact this method has on our world before I purchase more superwash yarn. I have heard that superwash wool takes dye differently, making it possible to get intense colors in the finished product. It’s good to know that work on making this yarn more eco friendly is being done.
Great episode, thanks. The three negatives for superwash are the reasons I love non-superwash wool. I won't gift wool often, because of it's particular care needs, though.
Very informative! I thought I knew about the Superwash process, and yet I learned a lot. There was a lot of information packed in this episode- one I'll watch more than once, I bet! I use both Superwash and non-Superwash yarns. I prefer rustic, sheepy, non-SW for projects for myself such as sweaters, hats, and mitts. I generally use Superwash for socks or gifts. Thanks, Dr. Kelly!
Hi Melissa, and thank you for watching! 😘😘😘
Very interesting and informative. I use superwash wool a lot for making socks and baby items - blankets, cardigans, dresses etc. I was interested to hear about the process and the consequent loss of elasticity and possibility of excessive stretching of items. This has never happened to me but I always treat any wool with respect and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for laundry and aftercare! Perhaps that's why all has gone well so far! Thank you for yet another fascinating programs. x
Thank you so much, it is so refreshing to see Science applied to knitting. I am sitting here knitting socks on tiny circular needles (based on your recommendation) while watching. Have a nice weekend.
Thank you so much! I'm really glad you are enjoying those needles. 💙💙💙
This is a great video. I love the science behind the process and microscopic pictures of the yarn. I've always wondered what the differences were between regular and superwash wool. I'm glad I now know about it's effect on the environment so I can make a conscious choice. Thank you so much!
Great information. I knew some of those symbols, but glad to learn about the others. I have used super wash yarn to knit socks. I feel better about gifting someone super wash socks so they don’t have to hand wash them. I hand wash all my knit knowing all the time invested in the knits. Thanks for your podcast
Just like to say that the new hair style really suits you and also, thank you for recommending the History of English podcast on a previous episode. I'm really enjoying it.
As always thank you for a super informative episode! I love the new hairstyle with the softer wispy bangs and waves! I think it’s very flattering 👍🏻
Is the superwash Merino just as itchy as regular wool? And, yes I did learn a lot. I thought superwash just meant it was able to be washed without shrinking. Thanks!
Hi Dr. Kelly! This video was so comprehensive and helpful! I especially appreciated your explanation of laundry symbols, and the new research on making superwash wool manufacturing more environmentally sound. I love superwash merino for kids' sweaters, and just about everything, to tell the truth. However, I make "coat toppers" out of untreated, rougher wool because I find that they withstand the elements better. Thank you so much for this video!
Super useful data!!! I feel like a much more educated consumer, as a result. Great episode!!!
Great information. I had heard the term super wash wool but did not know what made it washable. I love learning new things which is why I love yoyr podcasts.
Thanks for your videos.
I'm knitting my first pair of socks using Patons Kroy Sock yarn (is also the first time I'm using this yarn).
I didn't know the difference between wool yarn....I was impress by the Environmental factors....it's very important to me and I didn't know. Thanks.
I learned a lot today.
I like your new concept of videos......great idea!!!
Thank you for doing all the research on all the topics you do. I personally like working with superwash yarn as it feels great when the item is knitted up.
Thank you so very much for going over all the care label symbols - it was really helpful! I try not to use much super-wash wool because of the environmental issue and hope that eco friendly processes will become the norm soon. Thanks for your always informative podcasts!
Very informative, thanks for sharing! I use superwash for most of my gift socks, especially for non knitters. They do grow so I usually make them at a tighter gauge and sometimes less stitches to combat that.
WOW!! Thanks for all the information! Your information is truly appreciated. I didn't have any idea on how superwash wool was made. I have been putting off knitting a sweater because I had heard that superwash stretches so much, but didn't take the time to research it. Now I will be more careful as to what yarn I'm going to be using. I will continue to knit socks with the superwash and hope that the industry will work more diligently on making the process more eco friendly. THANKS again!
Thanks for doing all of this research and educating your viewers. We certainly learn a great deal and we appreciate your hard work and dedication.
I LOVE super wash wool! It definitely grew But I planned for it in my sweater. Its soft and squishy....and I use it for most of my garments and shawls. I wasn't aware of the environmental impact it creates however....I will prob be looking at labels in the future. Thank you for a great informative lesson.
I always use superwash wool when knitting a gift item because I want the item to be easy to care for. And I've never had an issue with a superwash item growing, though I have read many comments that it does do that. For socks I always use superwash with nylon.
Nice info. Love Learning the symbol reading thanks so much👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Katherine Clairmont i
Very good information, thank you. This subject has interested me for some time as I grew up in a non-superwash era and have not been quite as enamored by this yarn as some. I admit to having a generous stash of SW but have been de-stashing because the stretching and smooth feeling of the yarn outweigh any washing considerations.
I have been having conversations with many yarn producers and distributors and want to pass along some into from Jeni, owner of Wool2Dye4 in an email this week. She went to see the SW treatment plant in the UK where most of their yarn is processed.
It is a long post so I will paraphrase: in the 80s SW processing was unregulated and effluent was being dumped into water systems, this was also true for scouring wool. Because sheep wander in many places and eat many things, their wool could contain pesticides which ended up in the effluent.
The UK now has strict regulations that processed water being returned to the system must be as clean as what was received. This led to a reduction in wool processing in the UK. The U.S. and South America have the same regulations although China does not.
This company is a major wholesale supplier of bare yarns and Jeni has been very patient and
Yes, that's great information. Thanks so much for sharing it. 💚💚💚
Lots of great information! I much prefer non super wash wool and I find it easy to care for. In fact I wash most of my wool items in the washing machine on the wool wash programme and dry them flat. I have knitted many pairs of socks in super wash but I don't think it's necessary and after seeing your explanations I will try to avoid it in future.
Thank you so much for the lesson! I knit 2 sweaters in 100% super wash wool and both stretched out and became unwearable almost immediately. I stopped knitting with super wash for over 10 years until recently when I began to see all those beautiful Indi dyed skeins of yarn. I started knitting socks with them (mostly 80l20 with nylon) and they seem okay. They stretch but shrink back a little in the wash and they fit again. Not like those 100% superwash sweaters. I really want to try knitting a sweater with them. But I’m very afraid a sweater would stretch. Since they have nylon mixed with the wool I might try it. Thanks again for the time and thought you put into this. -Randi
Awesome info and delivery as usual! I love your videos. Also, your hair looks great! I made a cardigan for my daughter with Drops Baby superwash merino wool when I first started knitting. It was a huge project (Joji Locatelli's Magnolia Cardigan) and I was so disappointed when I washed it and it stretched out to at least one or two sizes bigger. It just doesn't have good shape. Since then I have used Brown Sheep Nature Spun yarn, Wool of the Andes by Knit Picks and Holst Garn Supersoft. I love the look and feel after each of these yarns are knitted up and washed. I won't use superwash again because of this and because of the environmental impacts. It's also crazy to me to see some of the prices that Independent dyers charge for their superwash yarn!
Just a note - You have beautiful hair that looks better when it's been smoothed down. Wish I had hair like yours 😊
Thanks, just trying something new. 😊
Great podcast. Thank you for all the information. I make most socks with superwash merino and nylon. Toss in the washer and dryer and all is good. I make some socks with baby alpaca and nylon. Still ok in the washer but no dryer they lay on the kitchen counter to dry. I have one friend who has sweaty feet lol. Only wool for him as it helps wick away the moisture whereas superwash seems to make his feet hot and they sweat even more. Those, of course, are hand wash and lay flat to dry.
Superwash is essentially wool with an acrylic coating. Still acrylic to me!
Thank you sooo much! I had no idea and I greatly appreciate this video. I just finished a top made from super wash and I was worried about washing and blocking.
I used super wash wool once and the item grew at least 2 sizes. I now use sock yarn with nylon added for my baby items. I use two strands and that gives me a DK guage.
Very interesting video, I have learn some things that I have no idea.
Now I understand the difference between both yarns.
I have to unravel a cardigan made with merino wool 100% because it gown so much after I washed, even when It was hand wash 😭
Thank you!
Wow this is really valuble information. Thanks.
Hi. Good information. I'm allergic to shellfish and definitely is important for me to know about the different methods to treat the wool fiber. Now I understand the eco-friendly process. Thank you!
Pamela be careful with yarn that contains chitin (a fiber made of shellfish).
This is my second time watching this Video. I made really good notes to shop with. I don't know If I will use this wool or not. I will be making hats and scarfs and shawld and afghans. I guess I'll play around with yarns for my hats and move up to better yarns for my shawls, scarfs and Afghan's. Thank you again for this very informative learning experience.
Phyllis Stevens my second time watching as well--so informative!
Thanks, Phyllis. Glad you found the information useful. 💖💖💖
This is a very interesting and informative video. Thank you for all the research you did and laying it out for us. I was watching it while knitting my first hat and the progress was great :)
Very great and well documented video !
Very informative video as usual. Love your new hairstyle. Thank you!
Hi, this was a very interesting podcast. I most of the time knit superwash merino mix with nylon and I love it, but even knitting with it I learn a lot about it, and I will continue to use it.
Blocking and steeking are two issues that were not addressed in the video...I would be interested to hear thoughts on both. I am always concerned that superwash will not block and stay in the desired shape. Knitters do steek sweaters made of superwash but I believe it requires a secure seam on a sewing machine vs. the traditional method of securing with a crochet chain.
When you tested strength of the yarn, where both the yarns of equal fiber length and fiber diameter (what fiber length and diameter were they?)
Very informative! Thinking I might want to try some natural wool!
Love your new hair style! Its very flattering!
It's a balancing act. I knit a gift of house socks for a vip. Being a gift I could only get shoe size. I got gauge when knitting. Then, I hand-washed & blocked, but boy did they grow. They're way too big. So, I'm going to get measurements, but before I frog & reknit, I'm going to try shrinking. If it doesn't work, I'll reknit. Resolution: no more surprise gifts that are supposed to fit. Your "Laundress" vid was very good. RUclips is blocking "Likes" on this vid. I guess that wool is political now. :))
Receptive to my persistent questions. Although SW yarns are not my preference it is reassuring to know they are being produced with far less environmental impact and the decision to use this product can be made based on the merits of the yarn alone.
Great podcast! I accidentally felted a pair of socks that were made from superwash wool that was blended with alpaca and nylon. I knew when I bought the yarn that I'd have to wash these socks by hand because of the alpaca but threw them in the laundry basket and completely forgot about them on laundry day. It made for a good laugh when I took them out of the dryer! The thing is, what is the point of blending superwash with a non-superwash fiber if you have to wash them by hand anyway? In any case, lesson learned for me. :-)
Very informative. I made some lovely baby items for my grand daughter, that my son put in the washing machine - she will has some lovely doll items!!! I wasn't impressed! But I can laugh now - a bit. I wasn't aware of how superwash wool was manufactured will certainly think more about it now, Many thanks for the video. xxJane - ps. loving the hair
Family Clan I have heard that if you soak the items in cold water with hair conditioner, you soak the item in the cold conditioner and then stretch it gently, it might help.
Thank you so much for the information I spin non super wash wool
I used Cascade Superwash 220 and it felted horribly. I have no experience with the idea that Superwash stretches. Thanks for all the work you do,always enlightening!
Oh that's awful! I've used that yarn and never had that happen. I wonder if they mislabeled it. 💙💙💙
Very interesting and educational.
Thanks for all the great information.
My grandma ruined my ultimate favorite sweater: it shrunk and changed color😭! She tried to stretch and dye it but to no avail. I was so sad, but now that she's not here with me I just laugh and love her more! I have used superwash wool for my socks, but one brand in particular (a famous brand with exciting colors) surprised me in a negative way: it is so smooth that I would say it feels more like a cotton-acrylic mix! It is supposed to be a sock yarn, but the fabric that produces it's so stretchy that now I use it only for shawls. Thanks for all the info!
So...how to shrink the superwash wool garment after it has grown? Going to try the usuals, but if it doesn't work, will just have to frog & reknit. Unless someone has a better idea. Anyone?
I looked this up today as well and found this video. I am about to make my first sweater. I didn't realize the loss of elasticity with superwash and Isaved up to buy a sweaters quantity and of course its in superwash wool. She mentions that you can put it in the dryer briefly but be cautious and only briefly to shrink it if it stretches. I'm making a shawl right now with superwash fingering weight and actually hope it stretches as it is finishing a bit small. I learned alot from this video.
@@jenniferannfox2316A couple of days ago I took this problem/discussion to Ravelry, to a group called "Rox Rocks". I started a new discussion called, "Superwash Wool PROBLEMS".
It was a very helpful learning experience from the posters. Maybe it would help you?🙂
very informative. i so appreciate the research you do!
Shalom from mid Canada. thx for sharing your info my dear. I made a superwash hat and it grows a bit but still wearable . goof to know about needle size ! i never pay attn to that but now i will make a diff. between superwash and knitn a bit tighter. thx . i havent knit anything in pure wool cuz im scared of shrinking .
This video explained me why my colourwork leggings increased size when I washed them in machine. I taught me to never do it again. The leggings are still wearable but it was devastating.
I knitted a pullover with a superwash wool worsted wt and it felted. It was Ella Rae Classic Superwash.
Dawn -- awwww, so sorry to hear that. What an unfortunate experience. 😘
Thank you for this info!
After the first wash & air dry, the socks were loose, floppy, & too large. After the second wash & machine dry they were back to the intended size. I'm not sure why. What about 2nd washes & dries?
Thanks so much for your informative videos. I am a fan of superwash because I mistakenly felted a few items. And, then there were the few instances where my daughters were thoughtful enough to wash and dry all the laundry! Anyway, as I was watching this video I did notice how nice your makeup was and also how nicely it went with your top. I was pleasantly surprised to see that you'd included the info about your makeup. What about your top?
Hi Susan -- yes, I get questions about my makeup so I figured I would just start including the info. :) My top in this video was from Stitchfix, so I'm not sure where you could get it. Sorry! XOXO
I had never heard of Stitchfix before, but you were good advertisement--I signed up for it.
Kelly, thanks for the great video. I don't like superwash wool yarn-it is not as squishy as nontreated yarn. Colorwork is more difficult, as stitches don't hug up to one another. I do like the drape of superwash wool, however. I made a sweater from superwash, and the drape is what I like the best. I am not a sock knitter, so superwash isn't particularly important to me (I always buy acrylic for baby knitting). Most of my stash is wool or blends (wool/alpaca, wool/silk).
I feel like I have less issues with felting if my untreated wool is a blend, even with another animal or plant fiber instead of a synthetic one. Wool and cotton blends are really nice, and I've never had an issue or had to worry too much about items that are wool and alpaca if I place them in the machine on a gentle cycle with wool wash and a bit of hair conditioner. I always worry about tumble drying anything though, as even if the heat isn't bad, a rogue bra may have made its way in and that could do a lot of damage with those pesky bra hooks/clasps.
Is super wash yarn recyclable? I mean it was treated with chlorine and plastic, so can we recycle it later or not?
To me sounds like sw wool would be good with acrylic yarn. And a good mix with natural wool. Probably won't buy sw wool to much cause it is expensive. Thank you for the information.
Yes I do like a wool acrylic blend yarn. 💙💙💙
I can't believe how much I don't know about everything! I enjoy your podcast because when it's finished, I feel that much smarter! I have a question, what is "boiled wool"? I went shopping downtown Chicago with some friends and one of them bought a "boiled wool" jacket. I thought it was very expensive but she was so exited because just under $500 she felt she got such a bargain.
Sonia Guzman I believe that boiled wool is literally "boiled" which creates a slightly felted wool fabric.
Boiled wool tends to be less felted than some extremely felted wool items but it is at least lightly "felted" by the boiling.
Boiled wool fabrics are just that -- the fabric is first woven or knitted, and then boiled! This causes the fibres to matt together. It is extreme fulling -- the correct term for the matting of fabrics -- and not actual felt. It happens faster than doing it by machine and regular agitation.
You probably could've felted that jacket for her for a lot less than $500! Ha ha! 💙💙💙
ok, so if I want to use felted wool as yardage, I can go and buy on sale or second hand the biggest wool item like a sweater that I can find and take it home, felt it and then cut out a pattern for any item as long as it fits on the felted wool? Also, I could just knit a huge flat piece of wool, felt it in the machine, then use it as yardage? Have you ever heard of anyone doing that?
Thank you. We hear so many negatives about acrylic (and to be fair, some are horrible) but it seems to me that superwash wool is not much better for knitting results or for the environment. I'll stick to non superwash wool for me and eco cotton or even a nice acrylic for baby gifts. Now socks, those may be a different story but at least I'm well-informed.
Great information ....thank you!!
Hi Dr Kelly - As always, you present a very informative video. I'll have to file this one for later reference. I am an avid sock knitter always researching eco-friendly fibers for socks. I realize your video was on treating wool and I appreciated learning more about the eco-friendly processes. Do you know if the processing of nylon is harmful to the environment? It's also been suggested I use mechanically-processed bamboo, or mohair in place of the nylon for a more environmentally friendly sock. Can bamboo or mohair replace the nylon content in sock yarns? As you mentioned, it is very difficult to find the process used on yarn labels. Thank you for your opinion and insights.
Hi Valerie -- thank you so much. I did a video last year about synthetic fibers like nylon. You can watch it here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/9rnZ0hwPHa4/видео.html (Nylon is basically a plastic derived from petroleum, so not very environmentally friendly -- but it can be recycled.) I think mohair would be a great option instead of nylon. Bamboo would be ok, but my concern would be that it has no elasticity. Thanks so much for watching. XO
Thank you! I will watch your video on nylon again. I definitely try to avoid petroleum products., which is very difficult.
This was very informative for me, thanks! I’m fairly new to the “yarn snob 😁” obsession and didn’t know these detail differences with wool. I can see now why experienced yarn knitters are very careful in choosing the type of yarn they want for their projects. Perhaps super wash isn’t a good choice for a hard worked sweater project if it might stretch out. Thanks again. Always love your videos ❤️
Great video. Thank you for the information.
Love your hair and make-up.
What eyeshadow and lipstick are you wearing?
I added my makeup info to the information box for anyone who is interested, LOL! And thank you so much for your sweet comment. 💜💜💜
I just finished a gansey type sweater for my husband out of Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK. I swatched, washed and blocked the swatch and measured for gauge. After finishing the sweater, it stretched about 10” when I blocked it. I did hand wash it and laid it flat to dry. I tried putting it in the dryer briefly on very low heat to see if I could get it to shrink up in length, but that didn’t work. I ended up having to cut off the bottom part of the front and back and reknit down. That worked. Originally it was knit in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. I did block before seaming so at least it wasn’t totally sewn together. So, my question is how best to treat a swatch in superwash wool to be sure the finished garment will be the size you intend? Weight the swatch and hang it up? Any other suggestions?
Hi Amy - sorry that happened. It is so frustrating. I think it would be a good idea to weight the swatch because the full-size garment is going to be so much heavier. Maybe that would emulate more realistically what will happen with the fabric once it's washed. 💚💚💚
Hi and very interesting
Not too long ago, I knitted a scarf with a yarn that “lost” its label and tried to block it by steam and iron. Bad idea. The stitches were flattened. Oh well. I’ll remember that lesson.
Superwash....means I can handle wool without breaking out!!
TFS! ❤
Thank you for such a great discussion on superwash wool. If a person loves wool but find it harsh on their skin, is superwash wool more tolerable? I believe being informed helps with making choices.
Sharon, you are using the wrong wool if it is harsh to the skin! There are over one thousand different breeds of sheep! Most feel wonderful on the skin. Try another breed of sheep wool.
Hi Sharon - many people who think wool is prickly feeling actually prefer the feel of super wash because it's softer. 💜💜💜
Lots of info. Bottom line: read the label! Thanks again.