How to Wash and Care for Crochet Baby Clothes

Handmade crochet is soft, beautiful and made to last, but it needs a little more care than ordinary baby clothes. With the right washing and drying, your Mazagia dress, booties or cardigan will stay soft, keep its shape and keep its colours bright, ready to pass on to a younger sister or cousin one day.

How to wash a crochet baby dress

1. Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can shrink some yarns and make colours run.
2. Add a mild soap. A gentle baby detergent or a mild liquid soap is best. Avoid bleach and strong detergents.
3. Soak, do not scrub. Let the dress soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then gently squeeze the soapy water through it with your hands.
4. Rinse well. Rinse in clean cold water until no soap is left.
5. Never wring or twist. Twisting stretches the stitches and can pull the dress out of shape.

How to dry crochet clothes

1. Press out the water. Lay the dress on a clean, dry towel, roll the towel up and press gently to soak up the water.
2. Dry flat. Lay the dress flat on a fresh towel or a drying rack. Hanging a wet crochet dress makes it stretch longer.
3. Reshape while damp. Gently pat the skirt, sleeves and flowers back into shape.
4. Keep it in the shade. Strong sunlight can fade the colours. A shaded, airy spot is perfect.

Caring for crochet flowers, bows and buttons

• Before each wash and each wear, check that flowers, bows and buttons are still firmly attached.
• Wash pieces with flowers and pearls inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase if you ever use a machine.
• If a flower becomes loose, a few stitches with matching thread will fix it. You can also message us and we will help.

Can I use a washing machine?

Hand washing is always safest for handmade crochet. If you must use a machine, choose the wool or delicate cycle with cold water and the lowest spin, and place the piece inside a mesh laundry bag. Never use the tumble dryer, as the heat can shrink and felt the yarn.

Ironing crochet

Most crochet pieces do not need ironing. If the dress looks creased, hold a steam iron a little above it without touching, or lay a thin cotton cloth on top and press very lightly on a low setting.

How to store crochet clothes

• Fold, do not hang. Hanging crochet for a long time can stretch it. Fold it and keep it in a drawer or box.
• Keep it clean and dry. Always wash before storing, and make sure it is completely dry.
• Use a cotton bag. Store special pieces in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic.
• Protect from moths. A few dried lavender sachets or cedar blocks help keep insects away.

Quick care checklist

Need a size for your next piece? See our crochet baby dress size chart.

Shop handmade crochet

Every Mazagia piece comes with these care instructions, so it stays beautiful for years.