How to Wash and Care for Crochet Items (Toys, Blankets & More)

Handmade crochet pieces are made to be loved — hugged, carried, hung on car mirrors and displayed on shelves. With a little care, they'll stay soft, bright and in shape for many years. Here's how to wash, dry, store and repair crochet items, from amigurumi toys to blankets.

Step 1: Check the fiber first

Care depends almost entirely on what the yarn is made of. If you made the piece yourself, check the yarn label (keep one in your project notes!). If you bought it, check the care card or product description.

Step 2: Washing amigurumi and stuffed toys

Most crochet toys only need spot cleaning:

1. Mix a drop of mild detergent or wool wash with cool water.
2. Dab the stain with a soft cloth or toothbrush — don't rub hard.
3. "Rinse" by dabbing with a cloth dampened in clean water.
4. Press with a dry towel and let it air-dry completely.

For a full wash: hand wash in cool, soapy water, gently squeezing (never twisting). Rinse, then roll the toy in a towel and press to remove water. Reshape it and dry in a well-ventilated spot, turning it occasionally so the stuffing dries all the way through — damp stuffing can develop odors.

If you must machine wash a toy, put it inside a zipped pillowcase or mesh laundry bag on a gentle, cold cycle. Toys with safety eyes may get scratched eyes, and glued details won't survive the machine.

Step 3: Washing blankets, clothing and bags

• Turn garments inside out and use a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging.
• Use cool water and a gentle cycle (or hand wash for anything precious).
• Skip fabric softener on cotton if you want crisp stitch definition; a little is fine on acrylic blankets for extra softness.
• Never hang heavy wet crochet — the weight of the water stretches it out of shape.

Step 4: Drying the right way

The golden rule: dry flat, away from direct heat.

1. Roll the item in a thick towel and press to squeeze out excess water.
2. Lay it flat on a dry towel or blocking mat, gently patting it into its original shape and size.
3. Keep it out of strong sunlight, which fades colors, especially reds and pastels.
4. Avoid the tumble dryer unless the yarn label specifically allows it.

Step 5: Storage tips

• Fold, don't hang crochet garments — hangers create stretched shoulders.
• Store in a breathable cotton bag or box, not sealed plastic, which traps moisture.
• For wool items, add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths.
• Keep seasonal decor (Halloween and Christmas pieces) in a labeled box with tissue paper so they come out looking fresh next year.
• Store amigurumi away from dust — a glass shelf or a lidded box keeps them bright.

Step 6: Quick fixes and repairs

Pilling (little fuzz balls)

Gently remove them with a fabric shaver or sweater comb. Don't pull them off by hand, which can loosen fibers.

A loose end sticking out

Thread it onto a tapestry needle and weave it back through the stitches in two directions. Never cut it flush — it may unravel.

A snag or pulled loop

From the inside, gently ease the extra yarn back into the neighboring stitches with a blunt needle.

A loose limb on a toy

Re-sew it with matching yarn using small stitches through both layers, and bury the tail inside the body.

A flattened toy

Open a small section of a seam, add a little stuffing, and sew it closed again.

Caring for DanSan handmade pieces

Every piece in our Handmade Crochet collection is decorative and made to last. We recommend spot cleaning with cool water and mild soap, drying flat, and keeping them out of direct sunlight. Treat them gently and they'll be part of your home — or your holiday traditions — for years.

Making your own? Pick up a storage organizer for your supplies, and keep yarn labels with your finished projects so you always know how to care for them.

Happy stitching from the DanSan Crochet team! 🧶