Acrylic yarn is one of the most popular choices for crochet and knitting projects because it’s affordable, durable, and comes in many colors. But when it comes to taking care of your acrylic yarn creations, you might wonder—can you wash acrylic yarn?

The good news is, yes, you can! Acrylic yarn is machine washable and easy to care for, making it a great option for items like blankets, scarves, and coasters. However, there are some simple tips you’ll want to follow to keep your projects looking great and lasting longer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to wash acrylic yarn, how to dry it, and some common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, these care tips will help you keep your acrylic yarn creations in tip-top shape!

Understanding Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn is one of the most commonly used types of yarn for knitting and crochet projects. It’s made from a synthetic fiber, which means it’s not made from natural materials like cotton or wool. This gives it some unique benefits.

Acrylic yarn is soft, lightweight, and comes in a huge variety of colors, making it perfect for many different kinds of projects. One of the best things about acrylic yarn is that it’s very easy to care for. It’s machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about hand-washing your items.

It’s also durable and resists shrinkage, fading, and stretching, so your projects can look new for a long time. Whether you’re making cozy blankets, scarves, or even stuffed animals, acrylic yarn is a great choice because it’s affordable, versatile, and simple to work with.

Is Acrylic Yarn Machine Washable?

Yes, acrylic yarn is machine washable, which makes it a popular choice for many crafters. The good news is that you can easily clean your acrylic yarn projects without too much hassle. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your items stay looking great after washing.

1. Check the Care Label: Always check the care instructions on the yarn label or the finished item. While most acrylic yarns are machine washable, some brands or blends might have specific care needs.

2. Use a Gentle Cycle: To avoid wear and tear, wash your acrylic items on a gentle cycle. This setting is slower and gentler on your projects, helping prevent stretching or distortion.

3. Cold or Lukewarm Water: Hot water can cause the fibers to weaken or shrink, and we definitely don’t want that! Cold or lukewarm water helps keep the yarn in its original condition and preserves its vibrant color.

4. Mild Detergent: Use a mild, gentle detergent to wash your acrylic projects. Harsh chemicals or strong detergents can damage the fibers over time, leading to fading or weakening. Stick to a detergent that’s designed for delicate fabrics.

5. Avoid Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners can leave a residue on your acrylic yarn, making it feel greasy or less breathable. It can also affect the softness and shape of the yarn.

6. Don’t Overload the Washer: When washing larger items, like blankets or sweaters made with acrylic yarn, make sure to leave enough room in the washing machine. Overloading the washer can cause the yarn to get tangled or misshaped.

Washing acrylic yarn in the machine is easy and convenient, but it’s important to follow the right steps to keep your projects looking new. With these simple care tips, your crochet and knitting projects will stay in great shape and continue to look beautiful wash after wash!

Hand-Washing Acrylic Yarn

While acrylic yarn is machine washable, there are times when hand-washing is a better option. Hand-washing is gentler on your yarn and can help protect delicate items like scarves, baby clothes, or handmade gifts.

Step 1: Fill a Basin with Water and Add Mild Detergent

Start by filling a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the fibers to shrink or lose their shape. Lukewarm water is the perfect temperature to gently clean your yarn without damaging it.

Pour a small amount of mild detergent into the water. You don’t need much—just enough to create a little foam. Make sure the detergent is gentle and suitable for delicate fabrics. This helps to clean the yarn without harming the fibers.

Step 2: Submerge the Item and Rinse Thoroughly

Place your acrylic item into the water and gently move it around. Avoid scrubbing or twisting it, as this could stretch or damage the yarn. Just let it soak for a few minutes to allow the detergent to lift dirt and stains.

After soaking, rinse the item thoroughly with clean, cool water. Be sure to remove all the detergent, as leftover soap can make the yarn feel stiff or greasy.

Step 3: Press Out Excess Water & Lay Flat To Try

Once your item is rinsed, gently press out the excess water. Never wring or twist the yarn, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape. Instead, press it gently between your hands or lay it flat on a clean towel to soak up the water.

Finally, lay your acrylic item flat to dry. Reshape it if necessary and make sure it’s lying on a surface where air can circulate around it. Avoid hanging the item to dry, as this can cause it to stretch. Let it air dry completely before using or storing it.

Hand-washing acrylic yarn is a great way to take extra care of your projects, especially if they are delicate or have special designs. By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your handmade items looking fresh and soft, without worrying about damage.

How to Dry Acrylic Yarn

Drying acrylic yarn properly is important to make sure your crochet or knitting projects keep their shape and look great. While acrylic yarn is easy to wash, it needs a little extra care when it comes to drying. Let’s go over the best ways to dry your acrylic yarn creations, whether they’ve just been washed by hand or in the machine.

1. Air Drying

The safest and most recommended way to dry acrylic yarn is by letting it air dry. This method helps keep the shape and texture of your project intact.

• Step 1: After washing, gently press out any excess water. Never wring or twist the yarn, as this can stretch it out of shape.
• Step 2: Lay your item flat on a clean towel or a drying rack. Make sure the item is reshaped to its original form to avoid any unwanted stretching.
• Step 3: Allow the item to dry completely at room temperature. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading or weaken the fibers over time.

2. Using a Towel to Speed Up Drying

If you need to speed up the drying process, you can press your item with a towel to soak up excess water.

• Step 1: Lay your wet item on a clean towel.
• Step 2: Roll the towel up with the item inside and gently press to absorb the water. Do not twist.
• Step 3: Lay the item flat on another dry towel or drying rack to finish drying.

This method is great for removing extra moisture before air drying.

3. Using a Low Heat Setting in the Dryer

While air drying is always best, if you’re in a hurry, you can use a dryer on a low heat or air fluff setting. This setting is gentle and helps avoid any damage.

• Step 1: Place the item in the dryer with no heat or on a low heat setting.
• Step 2: Set the timer for about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get too hot.
• Step 3: Once it’s slightly dry, remove it and let it air dry the rest of the way.

This method is faster, but you should always use low heat to avoid any risk of melting or shrinking the acrylic fibers.

4. Avoid Hanging to Dry

It’s tempting to hang your projects to dry, but hanging can cause acrylic yarn to stretch out of shape. Always lay your items flat to maintain their form. If you hang them, gravity could cause the yarn to stretch, especially if it’s a larger item like a blanket or sweater.

Drying your acrylic yarn projects the right way ensures that they stay soft, vibrant, and in the shape you want. With proper drying, your acrylic yarn creations will stay looking great and be ready to enjoy!

How to Store Acrylic Yarn and Make It Softer

Properly storing your yarn helps keep it in good shape, so it’s ready for your next project.

1. Store Yarn in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your yarn in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. This helps prevent fading and keeps it from getting damaged. Use clear plastic bins or storage bags to protect it from dust and dirt.

2. Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t stuff your yarn into tight spaces. Give it room to breathe so it doesn’t get squished or tangled.

3. Make Yarn Softer: To make your yarn softer, give it a gentle wash with a fabric softener that’s safe for yarn. After washing, let it air dry flat. For added softness, you can also use a wool conditioner on acrylic or wool yarn.

With these simple tips, your yarn will stay in great condition and be soft for your next project!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with yarn, there are a few common mistakes that can cause frustration or damage to your projects.

1. Washing with Hot Water: Using hot water can cause yarn to shrink or lose its shape, especially with acrylic or wool yarn. Always use cold or lukewarm water to prevent damage.

2. Using High Heat in the Dryer: Avoid using high heat in the dryer, as it can melt or distort the fibers in your yarn. If you must use a dryer, choose a low-heat or air fluff setting to keep the yarn safe.

3. Not Following Care Instructions: Each yarn has its own care instructions, so be sure to check the label before washing. Ignoring the care instructions can lead to fading, shrinkage, or texture changes.

4. Overcrowding Yarn Storage: Storing yarn in overcrowded spaces can cause it to get tangled, squished, or misshapen. Give your yarn room to breathe and keep it organized in clear containers.

5. Skipping Softening Steps: If your yarn feels rough or stiff, don’t skip the softening process. A gentle wash with a fabric softener or conditioner can help improve the feel of the yarn for your projects.

Avoiding these mistakes will help your yarn stay in great condition and make your crafting easier and more enjoyable!

Conclusion

Taking care of your acrylic yarn is key to keeping your projects looking great for a long time. Whether you’re machine-washing or hand-washing, following the right steps, such as using a mild detergent, cold water, and avoiding high heat, will ensure your creations stay soft and durable.

Don’t forget to dry your items properly, either by air drying or using a low heat setting in the dryer. Storing your yarn correctly also plays a big role in keeping it in top shape, so be sure to store it in a cool, dry place and avoid overcrowding.

By following these simple tips, your acrylic yarn projects will stay looking fresh, vibrant, and ready to enjoy. Proper care will help your handmade items last longer and keep them soft and comfortable.

Once you’ve finished washing your acrylic yarn project, you may want to consider blocking it to set the shape. For more details on how to properly block your acrylic yarn creations, check out our guide on blocking acrylic yarn.