Mind's Eye Yarns

Washing damaged hand knit or crocheted items:
Even if the item is usually machine washable, that may be too vigerous in this case. Instead, proceed as if for wet blocking:
Washing:
 - Fill a clean sink or basin with several inches of cool water. Add a bit of wool-wash or shampoo and swish it around.
 - Place the item into the water, making sure that it’s at least partly under the water, and leave it to soak for at least thirty minutes, or until completely saturated
 - If, at the end of thirty minutes, the item isn’t fully submerged, or it bubbles when you press on it, give it some more time.
 - When the item is fully submerged, gently swish it around in the water. If the water is clear at this point, proceed to the rinsing step.
 - If the water is cloudy or dirty, drain it, push the item to one side of the sink or basin (pressing out as much water as possible) and refill with cool water. Add a bit more wool wash or shampoo. Allow to soak for thirty minutes again. (This step is usually a bit faster since the garment is already wet.)
 - Gently swish it around. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Rinsing:
 - As for washing, fill the sink or basin with cool water. Allow the garment to sit for a few minutes, occasionally pressing on it. Drain the water, watching for soap bubbles. Repeat this step until soap is minimal.

Drying:
 - Drain the sink or basin one last time. Using steady pressure, press the garment against the side of the sink or basin, squeezing as much water out as possible. You want to avoid  rubbing, wringing, or otherwise agitating the garment during the drying process. You especially don’t want to put any strain on the damaged areas.
 - Wrap the garment in a clean towel, roll it up, and press (hard) to get as much water out as possible. (I usually stand on it.)
 - When you’ve gotten as much water out as possible with a towel, lay garment flat on another towel, ideally over a drying rack so increase airflow. The garment should dry in 1 to 3 days or more, depending on the humidity and fiber content.Type your paragraph here.