Tucking in Your Sweaters for Summer

As the days stretch longer and the air grows warmer, our winter rituals begin to shift. Windows open a little wider and the soft knits that have carried us through chilly mornings and blustery evenings are ready to rest. Just like gardeners prepare their beds for a long, peaceful slumber under the earth, it's time for us to tuck in our heaviest sweaters until the leaves turn again.

Think of it as putting your knitwear to bed after a hardworking season. This is a how to guide on how to care for your sweaters.  This guide can be used whenever you need to refresh your knits but high quality knitwear should not need to be washed in between every use.  I tend to wash my sweaters twice a year total and I wear sweaters often.

1. Give Them a Good Wash (But Gently!)

Before any sweater goes into storage, it deserves a bath. Dirt, oils, and even invisible traces of perfume or sweat can attract moths and cause damage over time. Washing instructions below:

• Hand wash using a wool detergent.  We love Soak  because you simply get the garment fully immersed in a tub of water, drop in some Soak, and let the garments sit there for 15 minutes.  We love that this wool wash does not require rinsing which can create extra agitation that can felt or damage your knits.  Once you pull the garment out of the water you will want to give it a good squish to get out extra water but do not wring it out.

• For more structured knits or cashmere, consider a professional cleaning or trusted dry cleaner.

2. Dry Them Flat—Like Sunbathing, but Indoors

Hanging a wet sweater is a surefire way to stretch it into an unrecognizable shape. Lay it flat on a clean towel, reshape it gently, and put another towel over it.  Next, roll your sweater with the towels into a cannoli and put your knees on the towel to squish even more water out.  Finally, unroll it, put it on a dry towel in its desired shape and let it air dry. It’s like letting your sweater bask in one last bit of quiet calm before its off-season.

3. Do a Little Mending

Check for loose threads, pilling, or any tiny holes. A few minutes now with a sweater shaver or a needle and yarn can extend the life of your sweater.

4. Store with Care, Not Cramming

Fold your sweaters instead of hanging them—gravity is not a friend to wool. Just like you wouldn’t pile garden tools haphazardly into the shed, your sweaters need their space.

• Use breathable containers or cotton bags, not plastic bins (unless they have ventilation).

• Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets nearby to naturally deter pests.

5. Say a Soft Goodbye

If you’re someone who bonds with their clothes and they shape your identity it can be sad to tuck them in, give your sweaters a little pat or a smile before tucking them in. You’ve been through a lot together—snowy walks, chilly commutes, couch snuggles. It’s only right to show some gratitude.

Now get out those spring knits, cheery, bright and airy because at least here in Rhode Island we have some days creeping up to 80 in the forecast.