How to Store Your Winter Hand Knits: A Guide to Keeping Them Safe and Fresh

As the seasons change and the weather warms, it’s time to pack away our beloved winter hand knits. Whether you’ve spent months knitting cosy sweaters, intricate shawls, or warm wool socks, proper storage is key to keeping them in excellent condition for next winter. Without the right care, hand knits can be vulnerable to moths, mildew, and misshaping.

These precious knits need to go somewhere, but they can be so big and heavy that you can swiftly run into storage problems. They could also be delicate and can easily get ruined over months in storage.

Spring is actually the perfect time to go through your heavier pieces and set up a wardrobe organisational system. You can put away your big knits by early April (hopefully) as the weather gradually begins to change and you shouldn’t need the big knits during the warmer afternoons.

Here’s how to store them safely so they’re fresh and ready when the cold returns.

If you're looking for concrete storage tips or don't know where to start, read on.

First Though - Take Stock

Take stock of your wardrobe and categorise what you have. This is the moment to ask yourself which knits you wore and which stayed on the shelf, and whether it's worth storing those unused pieces. If there are any sweaters or knits you no longer wear or that don’t fit, consider donating them to make room for new items! (Music to any yarn shop owners ears!) After all who doesn't love a new cast on!

1. Wash Before Storing

Before packing away your knits, give them a gentle wash. Over time, body oils, sweat, and even tiny food particles can attract moths and cause fibers to degrade.

• Wool & Alpaca: Use a gentle wool wash like Yarn Food, Eucalan, or Soak, which doesn’t require rinsing and contains natural moth repellents.

• Cotton & Linen: A mild detergent and cool water work best.

• Cashmere & Delicates: Hand wash with a specialised wool detergent and lay flat to dry.

After washing, make sure everything is completely dry before storing—trapping moisture can lead to mildew.

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2. Choose the Right Storage Method

The best way to store hand knits depends on the space you have. It might be a good idea to categorise your stored items - put shawls, accessories and sweaters separately. Maybe even keep your knits visible when your pieces are safely stored so you can still see what you have, it can help to have a system where you can still see them.

Here are a few storage options:

• Breathable Fabric Bags: Cotton or linen bags allow airflow while keeping dust and pests away. Avoid plastic if moisture and humidity are an issue for you.

• Acid-Free Tissue Paper: If folding, place tissue paper between layers to prevent creases.

• Plastic Bins with Lids: If you live in a high-humidity area, airtight bins can help, but add silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture.

Vacuum Packing: If space is limited vacuum packing is a great way to pack away your knits but make sure everything is completely dry as they will capture moisture inside if still damp and you run the risk of mildew. Don’t overfill them either as that can damage your knits. Keep them as small packages with about 5 knits in each.

3. Keep Moths Away Naturally

Moths love natural fibres, but there are ways to deter them without using harsh chemicals.

• Lavender Sachets: A natural moth repellent that smells wonderful.

• Cedar Blocks, Balls, or Chips: These work well but need to be sanded lightly or refreshed with cedar oil every season.

• Bay Leaves & Cloves: Tuck a few into storage bins for an extra layer of protection.

4. Fold, Don’t Hang

Hanging knitwear can stretch it out of shape. Instead, fold each piece neatly and store it flat. If you must hang a heavier knit, use a padded hanger and fold the sweater over the bar to avoid shoulder bumps.

5. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Sunlight can fade colours over time, and excessive heat can weaken fibres. A cupboard, under-bed storage, or a dedicated drawer is ideal. If using a storage attic or garage, be sure it’s dry and well-ventilated. Place heavier knits at the bottom of your storage and lighter ones on top.

6. Check on Them Occasionally

Even in storage, it’s good to check your knits every few months. Give them a shake, refold them to prevent permanent creases, and refresh any moth repellents.

By taking a little time to store your hand knits properly, you’ll ensure they stay beautiful, fresh, and ready to wear for many winters to come.

Do you have any favourite storage tips?

Let me know in the comments!

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