Like someone else mentioned, I, too, just wash my projects in the washer on the delicate cycle. I then dry them on low with several softener sheets. Everything comes out SUPER soft. I mostly use Red Heart for my projects and it's crazy soft when washed and dried. Can't speak for other yarns :)
Poenut it is surprising how much Redheart does soften up in the washing machine. Our water is very hard here in FL. I have a very good water softener, but in addition I use better yarn that isn’t red heart now… I do put things in the washing machine on cold water only. And I dry for a bit on low heat.
I can't tell you how much you help a girl out and enjoy your videos so much!!! I love you brain Claire your so smart and sweet and thoughtful and kind!
There have been so many projects I have had to pass up because I just didn't have yarn that was soft enough. Thank you so very much for showing this!!!!! I have so much yarn (like $300 worth I got from a friends yard sale) but a lot of it is older and just seems so rough! I will definitely use this tip!!!!!
OMG! that idea of putting the projects in the spin cycle is genius. I used the conditioner method before and it does work. Thanks for your amazing videos.
I've used this same method with great results. Then a friend told me to just use a steam iron on it and it will soften right up. I had two scarves, did your method on one and the steam iron on the other - both came out very soft. I couldn't tell the difference! Just don't press the iron onto your project, especially if it's acrylic - it will fuse together! I just lightly run the iron over it on the steam setting.
thanks for this. i make lots of woolen items including blankets and jerseys for dog shelters and vet clinics so knowing how to make them super soft when i finish them makes for added comfort. thanks for all your great tutorials!
Clare! You are so dedicated!! My eyes watered when your hands got so cold! I can't bear freezing water..it's total torture on my hands. And it's WINTER!? Eeeeeeek! Lol You are a trouper! And you're great fun to watch and a great teacher. Thanks for everything! XO
Just made several baby projects from your tutorials, now going to soften them with your instructions before I gift them. Hope you are feeling better Clair. Miss you & your excellent tutorials, hope you come back.
Claire thank you so much. my favorite niece is having a baby girl in April. When I finish the next blanket from your tutorials I will be doing this for both of them. You are totally awesome!!
Thank you. I also used liquid fabric softer and let it soak for approximately 3 hours, then rinse. I placed in a garment wash bag when I did my whites in the washing machine and used fabric softer in dry. I was very soft
Thanks for the fantastic idea! I usually use Red Heart Acrylic so it's always a tad scratchy....I'll be doing this with all my shawls/beanies etc soon!
You're so very welcome... if I had bigger home, I would have a special room just of all your own patterns & tutorials so it would be easier for me to find then I would be more productive..ha!
I am currently crocheting a hat and the yarn that I'm using is extremely scratchy. I am definitely going to try this and I will post my results after. Thank you
Yes, I know what you mean! I have a scarf I crocheted that is super scratchy. So much so, I don't want to wear it even though I love how my scarf turned out. But, right now it's most uncomfortable around the neck!
After I finish your Daisy Blanket I may try this in my front loading washing machine, but try using a baby detergent instead of the shampoo. That way when I give it to my little granddaughter it'll be soft. As always Thanks for another great tutorial!🖒💖👏👏👏🌼
I love the colors of the Red Heart Super Saver! I'd made 2 big, oversized Shawls and a scarf that is a mixed stitch stripey style of a size they're now calling "Super Scarves". I loved the look I got with the gorgeous array of colors Super Saver offers...but was all pouty about how stiff and scratchy all 3 were. After a few years of very little use I decided to wash them. Good old washer and dryer! I put liquid softener in the wash and a dryer sheet in the dryer. They came out of that dryer snuggly soft with no fuzz or pilling 😶. I am not afraid to use this yarn any more!! And I'm super sensitive to things touching my skin because I have Fibromyalgia.
+maschelle mashburn What exactly does the feel of yarn have anything to do with your Fibromyalgia? I've been diagnosed with it for 15+ yrs, and you're the 1st person I've ever heard of that has a problem with Yarn sensitivities. Something so light as yarn shouldn't have any effect on Fibro. I'm on heavy-duty meds for pain that would kill most people. Maybe you have an allergy to the yarn, its just unlikely that yarn has any effect on Fibro. I'm not trying to be rude just don't see the correlation of the two.
I am so glad you posted. I love, love, love all the colors available with SS yarn and the price is pretty awesome too - but after making a few projects a few weeks ago I became a bit wary of using that yarn because of the stiffness and scratchiness I felt, so they've just been sitting in the closet waiting. I'm so glad this works well, going to throw them in now.
Mzdiana Well, I know many people with Fibromyalgia that have skin sensitivities. The way things feels on certain parts of their skin drives them mad. My arms are really sensitive and I go sleeveless when indoors. I can't lay on sheets because of how it feels on my skin. I lay on a brushed acrylic throw. It's a fact that the nerve endings in Fibro Patients are overloaded with "Substance "P"". It is the substance or whatever that gathers info on what we feel,, and then carries the sensory information it just gathered to the brain for it's interpretation. Nerve endings for the skin are also overloaded and swollen with excess "Substance "P"" . Things that shouldn't feel intense DO because the nerve is getting hammered with excess sensory information, and sending it to the brain which interprets all that extra information as TOO MUCH. like lukewarm water vs scalding hot water on our hands. one is harmless, the other can hurt you and your nerve endings, via "Substance "P" sends the input of excessive heat causing burning pain to the brain, which makes us yank our hand back to protect our flesh. Substance "P" is sometimes called "P for pain". Excessive amounts of this substance at our nerve endings is causing the brain to erroneously believe we are in pain. The naturally occurring Casein protein in peppers is what makes us register the heat in the pepper. Topical Capsaesein creams ease the pain of Fibro (how can you have Fibromyalgia and not feel pain?) because for some reason it absorbs the excess Substance "P" from the overloaded nerve endings near hypersensitive areas of the skin in Fibromyalgia. Less Substance "P", the smaller the sensory input goes to the brain. I have had Fibromyalgia for 20 years. I am proactive in my own health care and keep myself informed. I took a three month long class over the internet on Surviving Fibromyalgia and ME-CFS which I became sick with 12 years ago. I found my experiences with things touching my skin was a very common symptom of Fibromyalgia based on the curriculum and shared information with classmates AND my online support group. That information is still an acknowledged fact by experts in the field. It just is what it is.
Maschelle Mashburn So do you have sensitivities to hot water also? The reason I ask is because I have a lot of Musco-Skeletal pain, and hot showers and heating pad work wonders for me. I'm a medically retired nurse and have seen scores of patients with Fibro, so I'm very knowledgeable about it. I prefer 100% cotton sheets on my bed in the Spring/Summer months and Brushed Flannel in the Cold months. I suffer from severe IBS-D, and CFS, severe pain all associated with Fibro, and some other medical issues. Everyone is different, but I really haven't heard about certain fabrics bothering someone's skin, unless its a bra you're talking about then I understand, because of the intense pressure it puts on my back leaves me wanting to Cry from the Pain. Substance P is neuro-peptide, that releases in the brain, and yes with Fibro patients it can release more peptides than normal people. Best of luck to you battling Fibro. As Clare says Happy Crochet!
I love this. I prefer to use this method or the steam method because it is more gentle and I can actually see what is going on. In the washer you never know what is happening to your project.
Hi Claire, glad I found this video! I live in the United States, and unless I try to find a specialty yarn shop (and sell a kidney to buy yarn at one, lol!), most of the fabric/craft stores here have huge selections of the Red Heart Super Saver yarns. I've found lovely solids, as well as the best variegated yarns. They are also quite affordable. The problem with the yarns available by Red Heart, here, is that they feel itchy! I simply cannot stand the feel of them against my skin and I'm sure that any babies receiving hats or blankies would be even more sensitive to the yarn than I am! I'm going to try your method of softening for the adult projects that I am working on, but my question for you is this...I know that babies have very sensitive skin and usually the new mommies purchase a special detergent made specifically for baby clothes and blankets so as not to irritate the little ones skin. Do you #1. use the super saver yarns at all for crochet baby items? & #2. Are the same shampoos and conditioners gentle enough for the baby items you make? If not, do you have something different that you use specifically for the baby items? Thanks ever so much for your opinion on the matter. I greatly appreciate your time and any advice you have to give me on the subject! I'd welcome comments from any other crocheters/knitters, as well!
Fantastic! I've been working on a beautiful scarf for a friend, the only problem is it knitted up VERY scratchy! I'll be doing this the minute I finish! P.S. You have GORGEOUS hands! You should be a hand model!!!
Thank you for another awesome video Clare! My daughter is a cosmetologist so I'm thinking discount on shampoo and conditioner at the beauty supply store!! Yay! Lol
I know what I'll be doing tomorrow. Have madeSomeBaby things to donate and did not realize how stiff the yarn was. Now I can soften them before donating and it opens up the door to what yarn I can buy/afford.
If I remember correctly, a tablespoon of original dawn dish soap mixed in while washing is suppose to keep the dyes from running. I don't know if it works on yarn or not. I have also heard vinegar will do the same thing.
G'day Serpie thank you and you are very welcome, thank you so much for watching my video and for supporting my channel. You can share all of your Crochet with Clare projects here. Instagram https: instagram.com/crochetwithclare/ Facebook facebook.com/groups/338449986970915/ Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@crochetwithclare Check out my website for more patterns www.crochetwithclare.com/
I've never tried using hair conditioner when washing my knits and crocheted items. Nor have I left them to soak in the rinse that long. I'm going to try your method on my next finished project. Thank you Clare.
I too use my washer on delicate cycle, however, I like to use baby detergent. You never know if the recipient has any allergies and baby detergent is so nice and fresh smelling.
This is how I get my 100% acrylic piece soft...I add 1/4 -1 cup of white vinegar (depending on the size of the piece), to a wash tub, same size as the one you used, of coolish water; along with 1 tbsp of clothes detergent...I let the piece soak for about 15 minutes...Rinse until there is no more soap in the piece...Once I have all of the soap rinsed out, I fill the tub back up with warm water and 1/4 cup of fabric softener...I let the piece soak until the water feels cool...Rinse again, and dry in whatever manner best suits the piece...If I am doing a afghan, blanket, etc, I do it in my front-loader washing machine, and then put it in the dryer to dry...Works like a breeze...
+Brenda Wash I have been doing this for about 20 years now; with no problems...I have a front-loading machine...I don't know if that makes the difference...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you also have a safe Holiday Inn have a great time thanks for your tutorial they are so great and I live in Phoenix Arizona it is so cool to see that you're in Australia bye-bye
woolite is actually pH neutral (7) which is too alkaline for fine wools, which like animals and people, need an acidic wash. So shampoo or Dawn is good for that, as Aussie conditioner. Much lower pH.
I'm definitely going to try this when I finish my mittens, I use wool from a local sheep farm so it's really stiff and itchy, hopefully this will help.
Thank you so much for this tip, I had dye acrylic knitted top with acrylic color and after it dry all the out side has acrylic paint do not want to remove even after five time washing it , it is rough and so not soft at all, do you know what i should do to remove the dry paint from it?
Depending on your water this may work. Where I am the water is harder a bit and the shampoo condition method did not work. I will return to the Woolite-like product wash and dry in dryer with softener sheet warm or low heat for short cycle softens just fine. I made a large cowl last year and treated this way. It sold at yard sale recently. People want to feel the softness of a knit/crochet item I see. Must get to the bargain store and stock up for the season. Thanks for the video. Red Heart stands up to permanent press cycle in some dryers with cool down cycle. In the summer I would dry partially and take out and hang (no shaping issues) to save electric.n thanks for video. Handwash too fatiguing for me.
Can i make chemo hats out of red heart super savor and then soften the yarn up like u are doing and donate them that way? Or do i need to use a different brand of yarn?
Hi 😃 Thanks for all the wonderful videos. I've learned lots from your tutorials. I have crochet a poncho with 100% acrylic yarn but the poncho feels stiff. Will the method of this video helps to soften my poncho?
That seems like a lot of extra work. I just wash in washing machine on delicate cycle, add liquid fabric softener and dry in dryer! Comes out extremely soft!
I agree. I've never had a problem with red heart still being scratchy after a wash and dry. I always thought it had something to do with the heat "breaking down the fibers" because it comes out so soft lol I totally made that up tho 😉👌
I machine wash and line dry and still don't have a problem with modern yarns. Fabric softener generally, but it's usually not necessary; I just like the smell.
That's exactly what I do. I use all allergy friendly products that are perfume and dye free. I have an old early HE model, so I can stop, start, drain, add more water, rinse and add softener as many times as I need! Sometimes older is better!!!
Good idea but does it last or do you have to repeat that every time it needs to be washed? also could this be done with a washing machine? btw love ur crochet tutorials they are so easy to follow (if only I could figure out what I'm doing wrong whin I'm trying to make a hat they always turn out miss shaped or too small for some reason even when I follow the instructions crectly XD)
Is there a reason you hand wash (shampoo) and condition your pieces rather than wash and condition (laundry detergent and fabric softener) it in the washing machine?
No reason, its just the way that I do it :) If you read all the comments on this video there are all different ways and suggestions on how to get soft yarn, some of I will be trying myself :)
I just wash in a general cycle add softener to last cycle and air dry in dryer. I figure the person I am giving it to will end up doing it that way anyway.
Is there a way to soften yarn BEFORE you make something with it?? I don't like the feel of the stiff, scratchy yarn to work with to make anything. Can I soften it while still in a skein??
I was wanting to say I love all your videos and to say thank you for uploading. Also was wondering if you cod do a knights hat and post a good of it go slow thou lol . Again thank you .
Once I read about how to soften your yarn, before crocheting your project, while it is still in the skein . Sorry to say I do not remember the directions. Do you know how it is done?
yes, it was a lot of shampoo. you don't need as much shampoo. lol! you also should not agitate your finished item as much either. you also don't need that much conditioner. I would not use more than what you would normally use on the hair. about a quarter size. less if your item is smaller
Claire, please wear glove when you are using the really cold water! I know it won't take all the cold away, but it should help some -- especially if you use the gloves that are made for dish washing. I just hate to see your hands become so red from the cold.
I usually do. Also, you may have something in your house that someone else may have a reaction to like animals or scents. always best to wash and block your items before gifting them.
can I do this to 50% or 100% wool sweaters? wool has the soft hair & it's pretty itchy but I love the warmth of wool. I kinda wait for your updates too, I hope you're doing better 🤗❤
G'day ursula konstantin thank you for your comment, thank you for watching. Yes you can but a wool wash is better if you ca get your hands on some, you should be able to find it with the laundry/clothes detergent at the grocery store
G'day Glendon Wagers thank you for your comment, thank you for watching. I wash like this every time, I have had many people say that they put there in the washer and dryer. I would read the label that the yarn has ans see the washing instructions to see if it recommends the washer and dryer
Would I use this exact same method for a pair for crochet slippers because I wouldn't want them to misshapen. Then again I dont know if they would or not. The brand is red heart yarn btw.
hello Laina, red heart super saver projects can usually just be thrown into the wash with your normal clothing and they will benefit from the softener in the wash (liquid) and you can either dry them on low with dryer sheets or lay flat to dry.
I use the washer & dryer method as well. May I suggest using cleaning gloves in winter water, Clare. You hands are much too pretty to have them so red cold burned.
I have used your method for Red Heart Super Saver and it works well. But now I have a few 100% wool scarves that are "itchy". Will this work on wool with lukewarm or cold water?
Hey ! I feel a bit lost here :) you all seem to know verry well what you are talking about. I came here because I have a problem with one of my sweaters. I have hand washed it (?) and put it to dry, the problem is that it became wayyy to big ! (I have learned know that you have to put it to dry In a flat position). So the mother of my boyfriend advised me to put it in the dryer in order to make it shrink. I did and my sweater now has almost the same size as before :) the problem is that it became a lot more itchy after I had put it in the dryer. So I wanted to know if that technique will help to soften it again or if there's is something else that I can do :) it is made of 64% of acrylic, 26% of nylon, 8% and 2% of another stuff. Can someone help me out and give me some advise ? :) sorry for my bad English, I'm Belgian !
you can soak it in warm water with fabric softener in it. you would then rinse it out a bit and then lay it out to dry. do not hang it as it will stretch it out.
Like someone else mentioned, I, too, just wash my projects in the washer on the delicate cycle. I then dry them on low with several softener sheets. Everything comes out SUPER soft. I mostly use Red Heart for my projects and it's crazy soft when washed and dried. Can't speak for other yarns :)
Such great suggestions coming in because of this video
Thank you for your feedback :)
bobwilson123
Poenut it is surprising how much Redheart does soften up in the washing machine. Our water is very hard here in FL. I have a very good water softener, but in addition I use better yarn that isn’t red heart now… I do put things in the washing machine on cold water only. And I dry for a bit on low heat.
I can't tell you how much you help a girl out and enjoy your videos so much!!! I love you brain Claire your so smart and sweet and thoughtful and kind!
aww! thank you so much for your kind words. thank you for watching my videos
There have been so many projects I have had to pass up because I just didn't have yarn that was soft enough. Thank you so very much for showing this!!!!! I have so much yarn (like $300 worth I got from a friends yard sale) but a lot of it is older and just seems so rough! I will definitely use this tip!!!!!
OMG! that idea of putting the projects in the spin cycle is genius. I used the conditioner method before and it does work. Thanks for your amazing videos.
I've used this same method with great results. Then a friend told me to just use a steam iron on it and it will soften right up. I had two scarves, did your method on one and the steam iron on the other - both came out very soft. I couldn't tell the difference! Just don't press the iron onto your project, especially if it's acrylic - it will fuse together! I just lightly run the iron over it on the steam setting.
thanks for this. i make lots of woolen items including blankets and jerseys for dog shelters and vet clinics so knowing how to make them super soft when i finish them makes for added comfort. thanks for all your great tutorials!
Clare! You are so dedicated!! My eyes watered when your hands got so cold! I can't bear freezing water..it's total torture on my hands. And it's WINTER!? Eeeeeeek! Lol You are a trouper! And you're great fun to watch and a great teacher. Thanks for everything! XO
Crochet Christmas dec
C
Just made several baby projects from your tutorials, now going to soften them with your instructions before I gift them. Hope you are feeling better Clair. Miss you & your excellent tutorials, hope you come back.
G'day Donna Kelly thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. I hope to come back sooner rather than later
Claire thank you so much. my favorite niece is having a baby girl in April. When I finish the next blanket from your tutorials I will be doing this for both of them. You are totally awesome!!
Congratulations on your new soon to be addition
Thank you so much for your fabulous feedback :)
Thank you. I also used liquid fabric softer and let it soak for approximately 3 hours, then rinse. I placed in a garment wash bag when I did my whites in the washing machine and used fabric softer in dry. I was very soft
Thanks for the fantastic idea! I usually use Red Heart Acrylic so it's always a tad scratchy....I'll be doing this with all my shawls/beanies etc soon!
if you ue acrylic you can wash and dry like normal in a machine. it will tend to pill though
Hi! OMG finished softening a scarf in your recipe and it is really soft! Thank you! Happy holidays!
Yvonne Okamoto
That shawl is beautiful ! I enjoy your tutelage and find you oh so talented. Thank you for your patterns and all your help.
You are so awesome!! Thank you so much for all your hard work, dedication, patterns & instructions you provide for millions of us crafters!
Thank you so much Kimberly, thank you for watching my video
You're so very welcome... if I had bigger home, I would have a special room just of all your own patterns & tutorials so it would be easier for me to find then I would be more productive..ha!
I am currently crocheting a hat and the yarn that I'm using is extremely scratchy. I am definitely going to try this and I will post my results after. Thank you
Yes, I know what you mean! I have a scarf I crocheted that is super scratchy. So much so, I don't want to wear it even though I love how my scarf turned out. But, right now it's most uncomfortable around the neck!
Oh I am all over this tip!!!! I made a great poncho last year that I have not really worn due to it being stiff. Problem solved!!!!!
After I finish your Daisy Blanket I may try this in my front loading washing machine, but try using a baby detergent instead of the shampoo. That way when I give it to my little granddaughter it'll be soft. As always Thanks for another great tutorial!🖒💖👏👏👏🌼
I love the colors of the Red Heart Super Saver! I'd made 2 big, oversized Shawls and a scarf that is a mixed stitch stripey style of a size they're now calling "Super Scarves". I loved the look I got with the gorgeous array of colors Super Saver offers...but was all pouty about how stiff and scratchy all 3 were. After a few years of very little use I decided to wash them. Good old washer and dryer! I put liquid softener in the wash and a dryer sheet in the dryer. They came out of that dryer snuggly soft with no fuzz or pilling 😶. I am not afraid to use this yarn any more!! And I'm super sensitive to things touching my skin because I have Fibromyalgia.
+maschelle mashburn What exactly does the feel of yarn have anything to do with your Fibromyalgia? I've been diagnosed with it for 15+ yrs, and you're the 1st person I've ever heard of that has a problem with Yarn sensitivities. Something so light as yarn shouldn't have any effect on Fibro. I'm on heavy-duty meds for pain that would kill most people. Maybe you have an allergy to the yarn, its just unlikely that yarn has any effect on Fibro. I'm not trying to be rude just don't see the correlation of the two.
I am so glad you posted. I love, love, love all the colors available with SS yarn and the price is pretty awesome too - but after making a few projects a few weeks ago I became a bit wary of using that yarn because of the stiffness and scratchiness I felt, so they've just been sitting in the closet waiting. I'm so glad this works well, going to throw them in now.
Would love to know how you go :)
Mzdiana Well, I know many people with Fibromyalgia that have skin sensitivities. The way things feels on certain parts of their skin drives them mad. My arms are really sensitive and I go sleeveless when indoors. I can't lay on sheets because of how it feels on my skin. I lay on a brushed acrylic throw. It's a fact that the nerve endings in Fibro Patients are overloaded with "Substance "P"". It is the substance or whatever that gathers info on what we feel,, and then carries the sensory information it just gathered to the brain for it's interpretation. Nerve endings for the skin are also overloaded and swollen with excess "Substance "P"" . Things that shouldn't feel intense DO because the nerve is getting hammered with excess sensory information, and sending it to the brain which interprets all that extra information as TOO MUCH. like lukewarm water vs scalding hot water on our hands. one is harmless, the other can hurt you and your nerve endings, via "Substance "P" sends the input of excessive heat causing burning pain to the brain, which makes us yank our hand back to protect our flesh. Substance "P" is sometimes called "P for pain". Excessive amounts of this substance at our nerve endings is causing the brain to erroneously believe we are in pain. The naturally occurring Casein protein in peppers is what makes us register the heat in the pepper. Topical Capsaesein creams ease the pain of Fibro (how can you have Fibromyalgia and not feel pain?) because for some reason it absorbs the excess Substance "P" from the overloaded nerve endings near hypersensitive areas of the skin in Fibromyalgia. Less Substance "P", the smaller the sensory input goes to the brain. I have had Fibromyalgia for 20 years. I am proactive in my own health care and keep myself informed. I took a three month long class over the internet on Surviving Fibromyalgia and ME-CFS which I became sick with 12 years ago. I found my experiences with things touching my skin was a very common symptom of Fibromyalgia based on the curriculum and shared information with classmates AND my online support group. That information is still an acknowledged fact by experts in the field. It just is what it is.
Maschelle Mashburn So do you have sensitivities to hot water also? The reason I ask is because I have a lot of Musco-Skeletal pain, and hot showers and heating pad work wonders for me. I'm a medically retired nurse and have seen scores of patients with Fibro, so I'm very knowledgeable about it. I prefer 100% cotton sheets on my bed in the Spring/Summer months and Brushed Flannel in the Cold months. I suffer from severe IBS-D, and CFS, severe pain all associated with Fibro, and some other medical issues. Everyone is different, but I really haven't heard about certain fabrics bothering someone's skin, unless its a bra you're talking about then I understand, because of the intense pressure it puts on my back leaves me wanting to Cry from the Pain. Substance P is neuro-peptide, that releases in the brain, and yes with Fibro patients it can release more peptides than normal people. Best of luck to you battling Fibro. As Clare says Happy Crochet!
I love this. I prefer to use this method or the steam method because it is more gentle and I can actually see what is going on. In the washer you never know what is happening to your project.
Wow that is a great idea using conditioner for soften yarn
G'day Tiffany Cobbs thank you so much for your wonderful feedback
Hi Claire, glad I found this video! I live in the United States, and unless I try to find a specialty yarn shop (and sell a kidney to buy yarn at one, lol!), most of the fabric/craft stores here have huge selections of the Red Heart Super Saver yarns. I've found lovely solids, as well as the best variegated yarns. They are also quite affordable. The problem with the yarns available by Red Heart, here, is that they feel itchy! I simply cannot stand the feel of them against my skin and I'm sure that any babies receiving hats or blankies would be even more sensitive to the yarn than I am! I'm going to try your method of softening for the adult projects that I am working on, but my question for you is this...I know that babies have very sensitive skin and usually the new mommies purchase a special detergent made specifically for baby clothes and blankets so as not to irritate the little ones skin. Do you #1. use the super saver yarns at all for crochet baby items? & #2. Are the same shampoos and conditioners gentle enough for the baby items you make? If not, do you have something different that you use specifically for the baby items? Thanks ever so much for your opinion on the matter. I greatly appreciate your time and any advice you have to give me on the subject! I'd welcome comments from any other crocheters/knitters, as well!
+Leigh Ann Dalton maybe you can use baby shampoo and conditioner on it, or use hypoallergenic ones :)
thank you so much you are so much fun to watch thanks for doing these videos they help me so much
Fantastic! I've been working on a beautiful scarf for a friend, the only problem is it knitted up VERY scratchy! I'll be doing this the minute I finish! P.S. You have GORGEOUS hands! You should be a hand model!!!
Ty 4 your info ,very helpful, as I can only us acrylic yarn, I am allergic to wool, and I donate to to hospitals .
Yay... going to try this right now on a chemo cap I made my aunt. 😁
Thank you for another awesome video Clare! My daughter is a cosmetologist so I'm thinking discount on shampoo and conditioner at the beauty supply store!! Yay! Lol
I know what I'll be doing tomorrow. Have madeSomeBaby things to donate and did not realize how stiff the yarn was. Now I can soften them before donating and it opens up the door to what yarn I can buy/afford.
anne Duncan hey just wondering if you tried this already as I've got some baby stuff I crochet with 100% cotton yarn...catania...did it work for you?
Wow this is easy and doable. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much and thank you for watching
You can use your salad spinner for a gentle but effective way of removing excess water
+sherryanne farr What a perfect tip ! Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much. Getting ready to do this. Love your shawl color and pattern.
thank you so much for your kind words and happy crochet
I soak mine in fabric softener, but I will try this too
Yay! I am going to do this asap! I've got a bad case of scratchy yarnitis and this looks to be the cure! Thanks for the handy tip :)
+Ell Ess **giggles** yarntitis ! LOVE IT !
If I remember correctly, a tablespoon of original dawn dish soap mixed in while washing is suppose to keep the dyes from running. I don't know if it works on yarn or not. I have also heard vinegar will do the same thing.
Thank you! I have a beanie I wear all the time and it’s really scratchy and uncomfortable, I’ll definitely try this
G'day Serpie thank you and you are very welcome, thank you so much for watching my video and for supporting my channel.
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I've never tried using hair conditioner when washing my knits and crocheted items. Nor have I left them to soak in the rinse that long. I'm going to try your method on my next finished project. Thank you Clare.
it can help acrylic and some wools quite a lot. it doesn't take that much conditioner or fabric softener works as well.
I learned something new. Great tutorial, thank you!
I too use my washer on delicate cycle, however, I like to use baby detergent. You never know if the recipient has any allergies and baby detergent is so nice and fresh smelling.
Love your tutorials! You have a lovely accent too!
I am sorry for your loss. Chin up and take it a day at a time.
Thank you Phyllis
I love your accent.
This is how I get my 100% acrylic piece soft...I add 1/4 -1 cup of white vinegar (depending on the size of the piece), to a wash tub, same size as the one you used, of coolish water; along with 1 tbsp of clothes detergent...I let the piece soak for about 15 minutes...Rinse until there is no more soap in the piece...Once I have all of the soap rinsed out, I fill the tub back up with warm water and 1/4 cup of fabric softener...I let the piece soak until the water feels cool...Rinse again, and dry in whatever manner best suits the piece...If I am doing a afghan, blanket, etc, I do it in my front-loader washing machine, and then put it in the dryer to dry...Works like a breeze...
+Denise N, Fortney Great information, thank you for sharing !
+Denise N. Fortney how long have you been doing this method in your machine? You haven't had any problems with your washing machine?
+Brenda Wash I have been doing this for about 20 years now; with no problems...I have a front-loading machine...I don't know if that makes the difference...
Denise N, Fortney
Thank you for this tip! I've totally shared it in my crochet pages!! :)
+Aileen Ortega You are very welcome, thank you for sharing
So glad I found you! Great video, and lots of good ideas.
Thank you Jane ! Hope you can share some of your ideas too
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you also have a safe Holiday Inn have a great time thanks for your tutorial they are so great and I live in Phoenix Arizona it is so cool to see that you're in Australia bye-bye
woolite is actually pH neutral (7) which is too alkaline for fine wools, which like animals and people, need an acidic wash. So shampoo or Dawn is good for that, as Aussie conditioner. Much lower pH.
Thanks for sharing. I've been hearing about the conditioner part or vinegar...I'll be suggesting this too!💌
I'm definitely going to try this when I finish my mittens, I use wool from a local sheep farm so it's really stiff and itchy, hopefully this will help.
It should help, 100 % wool is like hair, so it will get softer :)
I have a few scratchy projects, I must remember to try this :) thank you for sharing :)
You are very welcome Maggie, thank you for watching
Thank you so much for this tip, I had dye acrylic knitted top with acrylic color and after it dry all the out side has acrylic paint do not want to remove even after five time washing it , it is rough and so not soft at all, do you know what i should do to remove the dry paint from it?
Depending on your water this may work. Where I am the water is harder a bit and the shampoo condition method did not work. I will return to the Woolite-like product wash and dry in dryer with softener sheet warm or low heat for short cycle softens just fine. I made a large cowl last year and treated this way. It sold at yard sale recently. People want to feel the softness of a knit/crochet item I see. Must get to the bargain store and stock up for the season. Thanks for the video. Red Heart stands up to permanent press cycle in some dryers with cool down cycle. In the summer I would dry partially and take out and hang (no shaping issues) to save electric.n thanks for video. Handwash too fatiguing for me.
Great idea............Have to try it.
Thank you. I wondered how to soften coarse yarn.
will we have to repeat this process each time we wash the item or does this trick keep it soft forever ?
most times you only have to do it once for the initial time. there are only a few that i have had to do multiple times
Can i make chemo hats out of red heart super savor and then soften the yarn up like u are doing and donate them that way? Or do i need to use a different brand of yarn?
Kristen H Hello, I would try to use a softer yarn, maybe the with love range and then wash them :)
Hi 😃 Thanks for all the wonderful videos. I've learned lots from your tutorials.
I have crochet a poncho with 100% acrylic yarn but the poncho feels stiff.
Will the method of this video helps to soften my poncho?
I just thro mine in the washer and dryer like a regular wash and it turns out so soft it's like expensive yarn when it comes out.
Great tip Kim thank you so much for sharing oh, happy crochet to you
That seems like a lot of extra work. I just wash in washing machine on delicate cycle, add liquid fabric softener and dry in dryer! Comes out extremely soft!
I agree. I've never had a problem with red heart still being scratchy after a wash and dry. I always thought it had something to do with the heat "breaking down the fibers" because it comes out so soft lol I totally made that up tho 😉👌
I machine wash and line dry and still don't have a problem with modern yarns. Fabric softener generally, but it's usually not necessary; I just like the smell.
Thank you for your great tip :)
qhsperson Thank you for your great tip :)
That's exactly what I do. I use all allergy friendly products that are perfume and dye free. I have an old early HE model, so I can stop, start, drain, add more water, rinse and add softener as many times as I need! Sometimes older is better!!!
I love all your videos. Thank you for them 💜👍
Thank you so much !!
Great. I will try this!
Thank you Sandra :)
Good idea but does it last or do you have to repeat that every time it needs to be washed? also could this be done with a washing machine? btw love ur crochet tutorials they are so easy to follow (if only I could figure out what I'm doing wrong whin I'm trying to make a hat they always turn out miss shaped or too small for some reason even when I follow the instructions crectly XD)
+Maru Shard 27 Yes I do this each time :) You can do this in the washing machine but mine has too much agitation for handmade items
Hey dear I've got some baby items I've made with catania yarn which is 100% cotton and very stiff...will it work as well?
Such mercerized cotton becomes soft and open once its washed .
Is there a reason you hand wash (shampoo) and condition your pieces rather than wash and condition (laundry detergent and fabric softener) it in the washing machine?
No reason, its just the way that I do it :) If you read all the comments on this video there are all different ways and suggestions on how to get soft yarn, some of I will be trying myself :)
thanks for sharing. why not use the dryer? does the item last longer without the heat? thanks
Hello debra s I do not use one because i do not own one :)
cool idea thanks clare
Thanks I will give it a go
i JUST PUT A WET TOWEL ON MY PROJECT AND STEAM WITH AN IRON. WORKS FINE
Great idea ! Will have to try that one next time
I just wash in a general cycle add softener to last cycle and air dry in dryer. I figure the person I am giving it to will end up doing it that way anyway.
Roberta Hubert
Can you wash crochet items in the waher using the gentle and the gentle cycle on them both.
Yes I think so :) as long as your yarn label says you can
Is there a way to soften yarn BEFORE you make something with it?? I don't like the feel of the stiff, scratchy yarn to work with to make anything. Can I soften it while still in a skein??
I am not sure as i have never tried to do that
I've seen people was the skein itself in a lingerie bag. try to loosen it first. they said it worked
Is there an easy way to soften a big afghan? I can't wash it by hand it's too big.
if your afghan is made in acrylic you could actually put it in the washing machine
I was wanting to say I love all your videos and to say thank you for uploading. Also was wondering if you cod do a knights hat and post a good of it go slow thou lol . Again thank you .
Sorry I do not know what this is or how to make one
Once I read about how to soften your yarn, before crocheting your project, while it is still in the skein . Sorry to say I do not remember the directions. Do you know how it is done?
+marylou culver I guess you can put the whole skein into soak, it will take much longer to. You may be able to put it into a tumble dryer
That was a huge amount of soap n conditioner, are you certain that much is needed? Have you tried a bit less? Thanks for sharing
yes, it was a lot of shampoo. you don't need as much shampoo. lol! you also should not agitate your finished item as much either. you also don't need that much conditioner. I would not use more than what you would normally use on the hair. about a quarter size. less if your item is smaller
can i do this with wool with softening it
Yes this works great with 100% wool
Claire, please wear glove when you are using the really cold water! I know it won't take all the cold away, but it should help some -- especially if you use the gloves that are made for dish washing. I just hate to see your hands become so red from the cold.
Would this be safe on 100% cotton yarn? I would think so.
Hi. If you're giving someone a gift should you wash out the garment before you give it to them?
I usually do. Also, you may have something in your house that someone else may have a reaction to like animals or scents. always best to wash and block your items before gifting them.
can I do this to 50% or 100% wool sweaters? wool has the soft hair & it's pretty itchy but I love the warmth of wool. I kinda wait for your updates too, I hope you're doing better 🤗❤
G'day ursula konstantin thank you for your comment, thank you for watching. Yes you can but a wool wash is better if you ca get your hands on some, you should be able to find it with the laundry/clothes detergent at the grocery store
@@CrochetwithClare thank you for your reply, i'll try to find one. hope you'll have a good day!
What about washing after? Do you put it in the washer or wash it this way everytime?
G'day Glendon Wagers thank you for your comment, thank you for watching. I wash like this every time, I have had many people say that they put there in the washer and dryer. I would read the label that the yarn has ans see the washing instructions to see if it recommends the washer and dryer
Does this change the size of the project at all?
Yes it will make the project bigger because the stitches relax
Okay - Thank you! I will remember to use this for all my scarves and cowls! I'm very excited to try it out, so thank you for sharing!
I just put mind in washer and dryer as usual when Washing clothes I wash it separate and then put in the dryer
Would I use this exact same method for a pair for crochet slippers because I wouldn't want them to misshapen. Then again I dont know if they would or not.
The brand is red heart yarn btw.
hello Laina, red heart super saver projects can usually just be thrown into the wash with your normal clothing and they will benefit from the softener in the wash (liquid) and you can either dry them on low with dryer sheets or lay flat to dry.
@@CrochetwithClare Thank you
Would this work on mercerised cotton yarn?
Hello, I am not sure, I have never tried this method on cotton before. If you go ahead with it I would love to here your feedback.
I use the washer & dryer method as well. May I suggest using cleaning gloves in winter water, Clare. You hands are much too pretty to have them so red cold burned.
Great idea !! Now why didnt I think of that hahahaha always next time :)
Can I do this with just the yarn, before using it?
Yes absolutely
thanks for that, what wool did you use on the shawl lovey? it is gorgeous :D
Hello, I use Red Heart yarn in the boutique range
You can find the shawl here and it shows you the yarn :)
th-cam.com/video/-gadloHvl3Q/w-d-xo.html
Why can't you use warm water to soften the wool?
Catherine Whittaker i have not used this method before, but the conditioner makes it smell pretty as well :)
Hope your haveing a wonderful day and God Bless Aleta Sneed
thanx that was so helpful.
Thank you so much for the tutorial! It's perfect for when i make baby items!
Do you wash the project before or after you have blocked it?
You block after, while it's drying from washing. If you wash it after you'd have to re-block it :)
They do make a y mixer hose that would solve the problem.
No need to worry now, i am in a different house that has a mixer, YAY !
I have used your method for Red Heart Super Saver and it works well. But now I have a few 100% wool scarves that are "itchy". Will this work on wool with lukewarm or cold water?
Yes it will, or you can buy special wool wash :)
Thank you sooo much. I have tons of 100% Wool yarn (good quality) but it is so scratchy no one wants to wear it.
When washing baby’s clothes do we have to worry about them being allergic to the shampoo and/or conditioner?
if you are making or washing baby items i would use a baby-safe detergent or shampoo only. you can also use a baby safe softener
thks for this video i think I JUST MIGHT NEEEEEED to use this :)
great tip! thanks!
Hey ! I feel a bit lost here :) you all seem to know verry well what you are talking about. I came here because I have a problem with one of my sweaters. I have hand washed it (?) and put it to dry, the problem is that it became wayyy to big ! (I have learned know that you have to put it to dry In a flat position). So the mother of my boyfriend advised me to put it in the dryer in order to make it shrink. I did and my sweater now has almost the same size as before :) the problem is that it became a lot more itchy after I had put it in the dryer. So I wanted to know if that technique will help to soften it again or if there's is something else that I can do :) it is made of 64% of acrylic, 26% of nylon, 8% and 2% of another stuff. Can someone help me out and give me some advise ? :)
sorry for my bad English, I'm Belgian !
you can soak it in warm water with fabric softener in it. you would then rinse it out a bit and then lay it out to dry. do not hang it as it will stretch it out.
can you skip the wash and do only the condition?
Yes I think that could work too, maybe just give the item a quick rinse before the condition
Can I just use fabric softener? instead of conditioner
Hello GixxerRider101 I have not tried it myself, but I think it should work :)
bobwilson123 ok thanks
has anyone had an issue with this stretching out the project or anything like that ?