Crochet Care Guide

Every piece from CraftsByMamaKim is handmade with care — and deserves a little care in return. Because I use a variety of yarns and construction methods, there is no single care rule that fits every item. Please read the tag or listing notes for your specific item, and use this guide as a reference.

🧼 Washing

Always check your item's tag or listing description first. General guidelines by fiber type:

Acrylic yarn: Machine wash on a gentle/delicate cycle in cool or cold water. Use a mild detergent. Place in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
Cotton yarn: Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water, or hand wash. Cotton can shrink slightly in hot water — always use cold.
Wool and wool-blend yarn: Hand wash ONLY in cool water with a wool-safe detergent (such as Eucalan or Woolite). Do not agitate, wring, or soak for long periods. Wool can felt (permanently mat together) with heat, friction, or sudden temperature changes. Even one machine wash cycle can cause irreversible felting.
Blended/specialty yarns: Follow the most delicate fiber in the blend. When in doubt, hand wash in cool water.
Amigurumi (stuffed toys): Most amigurumi should be spot-cleaned only with a damp cloth and mild soap, especially if they contain button eyes, wire armatures, or non-washable embellishments. Check your item's listing notes before submerging in water.

🚫 Avoid Heat

No hot water — hot water causes shrinkage and felting in natural fibers.
No tumble drying on high heat — even acrylic items can warp or lose their shape. If machine drying, use the lowest heat setting or air-dry only.
No ironing directly on crochet — if blocking or smoothing is needed, use a steamer held several inches away, or press lightly through a damp cloth. Never iron wool crochet directly.
No dry cleaning unless specifically noted on your item's listing.

💧 Drying

Gently squeeze out excess water — never wring or twist crochet items, which can distort the stitches.
Roll in a clean dry towel and press lightly to absorb moisture.
Lay flat to dry on a clean surface or blocking mat, reshaping the item to its original dimensions while damp. Hanging wet crochet can cause stretching, especially for garments with weight.
Allow to air dry completely before storing or wearing.

📦 Storage

Store flat or loosely folded — avoid hanging crochet garments long-term, as gravity can stretch the fabric over time.
Keep in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
For wool items, store with cedar blocks or lavender sachets (not mothballs) to deter moths.
Amigurumi and stuffed toys can be stored upright or in a container — just avoid compression that could distort their shape.

🧸 Child Safety Notes (Amigurumi & Toys)

Handmade crochet toys are crafted with love, but please read these important safety notes before giving one to a child:

Not suitable for children under 3 unless specifically listed as safe for that age group. Small parts (button eyes, sewn-on noses, yarn tails, wire armatures) can present a choking or injury hazard.
Button and safety eyes: Even "safety eyes" used in amigurumi are secured mechanically and can loosen with rough play. Supervise young children during play and inspect toys regularly.
Embellishments: Bows, felt pieces, sewn decorations, and other add-ons are intended for display or older-child use unless noted otherwise. Check your item's listing for specific age guidance.
Wire armatures: Some poseable figures contain internal wire. These are for decorative/display use only and are not toys for children.
Fiberfill stuffing: If a seam opens, repair promptly and keep fiberfill out of reach of young children.
Inspect toys regularly for loose parts, open seams, or wear, and remove from play if any are found.

✨ General Tips

When in doubt, hand wash in cold water — it's the safest method for almost any crochet item.
Pilling is normal for some yarn types with regular use. A fabric shaver can gently remove pills.
Have a question about a specific item? Contact me — I'm happy to give personalized care advice!