Natural Fibre Care Guide for Cosy Knitwear

A favourite merino jumper rarely needs a wash after every wear. In fact, giving it a little breathing room is often the kindest thing you can do. This natural fibre care guide is here to help you look after merino and possum knitwear properly, so it stays soft, warm and ready for many cool New Zealand seasons.

Natural fibres work hard. Merino helps regulate warmth and manage moisture, while possum fibre adds exceptional loft and cosy insulation. They are beautifully practical materials, but they reward a gentler routine than your everyday cotton tee or synthetic fleece. A few simple habits will protect the shape, feel and finish of the pieces you reach for most.

Start by washing less

The best care often happens between washes. Wool fibres naturally resist odour better than many man-made fabrics, so a quick air outdoors or near an open window can freshen a jumper after a day out. Keep it out of direct, harsh sun for long periods, as this can affect colour over time.

If your knitwear has only been lightly worn, hang it over a clean chair for a few hours rather than tossing it straight into the wash basket. Avoid leaving it scrunched in a damp bathroom, on the floor, or bundled in the boot after a weekend away. Airflow helps natural fibres recover and keeps your garment feeling fresher for longer.

This approach also makes good value sense. Less washing means less friction, less stretching and less chance of colour fading. For a premium New Zealand-made knit, that is care worth taking.

Natural fibre care guide: washing merino and possum

Always begin with the care label inside your garment. Different yarn weights, stitch styles and blends can have different needs. If the label recommends dry cleaning or hand washing, follow that instruction over general advice.

For washable knitwear, use cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle wool wash. Regular detergent can be too harsh, particularly if it contains enzymes, bleach or brighteners designed for tougher laundry jobs. Choose a product made for wool or delicates instead.

Turn your garment inside out before washing. This reduces rubbing on the outer surface, helping to keep the finish looking tidy. If hand washing, press the item gently through the water rather than scrubbing, twisting or wringing it. Let it soak briefly if needed, then rinse in water at a similar temperature. Sudden temperature changes can cause wool to shrink or felt.

Some garments can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle, but only if their care label says so. Use a wash bag for extra protection and keep the load small. A jumper needs room to move gently, not to be rubbed hard against jeans, towels or garments with zips.

Spills are best dealt with promptly. Blot liquid with a clean cloth rather than rubbing it further into the fibres. For food or mud, allow the mark to dry first if it is likely to spread, then gently lift away what you can before washing. For a stubborn stain, professional cleaning may be the safer option, especially on pale colours or treasured pieces.

Skip the fabric softener

Merino and possum fibres are naturally soft, so fabric softener is unnecessary. It can leave a coating that affects the natural feel and performance of the yarn. Bleach is also best avoided, as it can damage wool fibres and alter colour.

Dry flat to hold the shape

How you dry a knit matters just as much as how you wash it. Never wring out a wet woollen garment. Instead, lift it carefully from the water, supporting its weight, then lay it on a clean towel. Roll the towel and garment together and press gently to remove excess moisture.

Next, lay the item flat on a dry towel or drying rack and reshape it while damp. Smooth the sleeves, align the side seams and gently return the body to its original proportions. This is particularly helpful for ribbed cuffs, collars and hems, which can stretch if left hanging while wet.

Keep knitwear away from radiators, heaters, tumble dryers and intense sunlight. Fast, direct heat may shrink fibres or leave them feeling less supple. Drying naturally takes a little longer, but it is the dependable choice for warmth that lasts.

Hangers have their place for coats, woven shirts and scarves, but not for most knitwear storage. A heavy jumper can pull out at the shoulders when hung, especially after repeated wear. Fold it once it is fully dry instead.

Deal with pilling gently

Small balls of fibre, known as pills, can appear where there is friction: under the arms, along the sides of a jumper, or where a crossbody bag sits. Pilling does not mean your knitwear is poor quality. It is a normal part of wearing soft natural yarns, especially during the first few wears while shorter loose fibres work their way out.

Remove pills gently with a wool comb or fabric shaver designed for knitwear. Lay the garment flat and use light, even strokes. Avoid pulling pills off by hand, as this can tug at the yarn and create more stress on the surface.

It also helps to think about what your garment meets during the day. Rough bag straps, seatbelts and abrasive outer layers can all add friction. You do not need to save your favourite knitwear for special occasions, but a little awareness will help it keep its polished look.

Store knitwear clean, dry and folded

Before putting woollens away for summer or between trips, make sure they are clean and completely dry. Food traces, body oils and moisture can attract insects and create marks that are harder to remove later.

Fold garments rather than hanging them, then place them in a breathable storage bag, drawer or lidded container. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets can help keep a storage space fresh, although they should not sit directly against delicate fabric. For long-term storage, avoid plastic bags that can trap humidity.

Check stored knitwear now and then, particularly in older homes, holiday houses or wardrobes that tend to feel damp. A cool, dry cupboard is ideal. If you notice any musty smell, air the garments before wearing them again.

Travelling with natural fibres

When packing, fold knitwear around softer items rather than tightly rolling it into a hard bundle. A light merino layer is ideal for travel because it offers warmth without bulk, but it will appreciate being aired after a long flight, road trip or day on the slopes.

If you are giving knitwear as a gift, pass on these care tips too. Looking after a quality scarf, beanie, cardigan or baby layer is part of enjoying it, and it helps a thoughtful gift become an everyday favourite.

At Hanmer Woolshed, we believe great natural fibre knitwear should be worn often, not kept hidden away. Treat it kindly, let it rest between adventures, and it will keep bringing that extra snugness when the temperature drops.