Short answer: crochet flowers and toys need almost no looking after. Keep them out of strong direct sunlight, dust them gently now and then, and if a piece ever truly needs a wash, do it by hand in cool water and let it dry flat. That is it.
I get asked this a lot by customers who want their gift to stay lovely, so here is exactly what I tell them.
Everyday care
- Keep them out of direct sun. Yarn colours are tough, but months of harsh sunlight on a windowsill will slowly fade any fabric. A shelf away from the window keeps colours bright for years.
- Dust them gently. A soft dry cloth, or a quick pass with a hairdryer on the cool setting, is all a bouquet needs. Flowers do not need water, which is rather the point.
- Reshape with your fingers. If a petal or an ear gets bent in a move, just ease it back into shape with your fingers.
If a piece needs a proper wash
- Fill a bowl with cool water and a little mild soap or baby shampoo.
- Press the piece gently under the water. Do not scrub or twist it.
- Rinse in clean cool water.
- Press the water out softly between your palms or in a towel. Never wring it.
- Reshape it and leave it to dry flat on a towel, away from sun and heat.
For soft toys and amigurumi
Stuffed pieces are best spot cleaned: dab the mark with a damp soapy cloth rather than soaking the whole toy, because the stuffing takes a long time to dry inside. If a toy does get a full wash, be patient and let it dry completely before it goes back on the bed or shelf.
What to avoid
- No washing machine and no tumble dryer. Hand wash only.
- No wringing or twisting, which pulls the stitches out of shape.
- No hanging while wet. A wet piece stretches under its own weight, so always dry flat.
- No iron. If something looks creased, a light steam held well away is plenty.
- No bleach, ever.
How long do they last?
Looked after like this, a crochet piece lasts for years and years. That is honestly the best part of giving one: the bouquet from a birthday two years ago is still sitting on the shelf, looking just as it did on the day.
If you have a piece from me and you are ever unsure, just message me on WhatsApp and ask. Browse the bouquets or the soft toys to see what all this care protects.