Why Is Handmade Crochet Hand-Wash Only?
Kate Fox(And How I Actually Wash Mine as a Busy Mum)
Let’s talk about the question I get asked all the time:
“Why does this say hand-wash only?”
Totally fair question. Most of us are juggling kids, work, life admin, and about twelve half-finished loads of laundry at any given time. If something can’t survive the washing machine at all, it’s probably not realistic for everyday life.
Here’s the honest answer:
Hand-wash only is the safest care advice — but it’s not the only way crochet can be washed.
A lot comes down to yarn choice.
Scroll to bottom for the TL/DR ;)
Handmade Crochet Isn’t Factory Made (But That Doesn’t Mean Fragile)
Crochet is made stitch by stitch. There’s no industrial stitching locking everything in place and no chemical finishes reinforcing the fibres.
That’s what makes handmade items softer, more flexible, and nicer to use. But it also means they respond differently to washing than mass-produced items.
Crochet relies on tension. Washing machines rely on movement.
Whether those two things get along depends heavily on the yarn.
The Truth About Washing Machines and Crochet
Washing machines aren’t automatically the enemy of crochet.
The problem is using the wrong yarn, the wrong cycle, or too much heat.
What can damage crochet:
- Hot water
- Heavy agitation
- Fast spin cycles
- Tumble dryers
What often works just fine:
- Cold water
- Gentle or hand-wash cycles
- Low spin
- Air drying
This is exactly why, as a busy mum, I’m very picky about the yarns I use.
The Yarn Rule I Live By as a Busy Mum
Here’s my personal rule:
If it can’t handle a gentle washing machine cycle, I won’t use it.
I love handmade items, but I also love not creating extra work for myself or anyone else.
One of my go-to yarns is washable acrylic, especially the Cozy Cloud Legacy range from Paige’s Crochet.
I’ve used it for:
- Clothing
- Home décor
- And very heavily used Zooper Dooper holders
These items have been washed many times on a cold, gentle cycle. I don’t separate them from my whites (no judgement please — I have three kids), and they’ve held up beautifully over time.
No stretching. No colour bleeding. No sad, fuzzy results.
That durability is exactly why yarn choice matters just as much as how you wash something.
How I Wash Crochet in Real Life
Here’s what actually happens in my house.
Option 1: Gentle Machine Wash (Most Common)
This works well for sturdy, washable yarns like acrylic.
- Cold water
- Gentle or hand-wash cycle
- Laundry bag if the item is small
- Low spin
- Always air dry
This is my go-to because it fits into real life.
(and yes, when I am in a rush I will throw the rules out the window). For small items like my Zooper Dooper holders, they dry and block perfectly fine hanging on the line.
Option 2: True Hand Wash
I still recommend hand washing for:
- Delicate fibres
- Decorative pieces
- Items you want to keep in perfect shape
Cool water, gentle detergent, light swishing, press out water, lay flat to dry. You can see with my daughter's Hexi Cardi I still use the line, and it holds shape nicely when laying it flat across the line.
Why I Still Say “Hand-Wash Only”
When you see “hand-wash only” on a handmade item, it’s not about being precious or difficult. It’s about giving the safest, most universal advice for all yarn types.
Some yarns are incredibly forgiving. Others really aren’t.
If I know an item is made from a yarn that handles machine washing well, I’ll always tell you. And if you’re ever unsure, you can always ask.
The Busy Mum Bottom Line
Handmade crochet doesn’t need to be high-maintenance to be special.
Choose good yarns. Use gentle settings. Skip the dryer. Don’t overthink it.
Craft should add joy, not more rules or more work.
If you ever want advice on how to wash or care for a Tall Foxes piece in a way that actually fits into your life, I’m always happy to help. I make things to be used, loved, and lived with — not stressed over.
TL/DR
Hand-wash only is the safest advice, but gentle machine washing can absolutely work depending on the yarn.
Cold water, gentle cycles, and smart yarn choices make handmade items realistic for busy lives — and that’s exactly how I approach my own makes.