How to Wash Knitted Jumpers and Tights So They Keep Shape

By Newbie | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: Tips & Care

A step-by-step knit care guide for wool jumpers and baby tights: hand wash in cool water, reshape damp, dry flat, and store folded to stop stretching and shrinking.

Quick answer

Hand wash knitted jumpers and tights in cool water with a gentle wool detergent, then press the water out instead of wringing. Reshape the knit while it is still damp and dry it flat on a towel away from direct heat. Heat, agitation, and hanging are what cause wool to shrink or stretch, so keep all three out of the process.

Know what your knit is made of before it gets wet

The washing method depends on the fiber, so check the care label first. Wool, cashmere, and alpaca need cool water and no agitation; cotton and cotton-blend knits are more forgiving but still lose shape when hung wet. If a garment mixes wool with polyamide or elastane, treat it as a wool item because the wool fibers are the ones that felt and shrink. Baby tights are often a cotton blend with elastane for stretch, so they handle cool hand washing well but should never go in a hot dryer.

Set up the wash so you never scrub or soak too long

Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water, no warmer than 30°C, and add a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Swirl it in until it dissolves, then submerge the knit and let it soak for five to ten minutes. Gently squeeze the suds through the fibers with flat hands. Do not rub, twist, or leave it soaking for hours, because prolonged soaking weakens fibers and can cause colors to bleed. Rinse in cool water of the same temperature until the water runs clear; a sudden temperature change can shock wool and make it shrink.

Dry flat and reshape while the knit is still damp

Lift the knit out of the water supporting it with both hands so the weight does not stretch it. Lay it on a clean towel, roll the towel up, and press down to absorb excess water. Then lay the garment flat on a dry towel or mesh drying rack and gently pat it back into its original shape, easing cuffs, necklines, and leg openings back into place. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, which can bake wool and make it stiff. Never hang a wet knit, because water weight pulls the shoulders and hems out of shape.

Store folded knits so they hold their shape between washes

Once dry, fold jumpers and tights and store them flat in a drawer or on a shelf. Hanging a knit on a hanger, even when dry, gradually stretches the shoulders and adds length. If you need to refresh a knit between washes, air it outside in the shade for an hour rather than washing again, since every wash adds a little wear. For baby knits that get soiled often, spot clean small marks with cool water and a drop of gentle detergent instead of washing the whole piece.

Step-by-step knit washing routine

Check the care label and sort by fiber: Read the label before the knit gets wet. Wash wool and wool-blend items separately from cotton. Common mistake: tossing a wool jumper in with towels, which adds lint and agitation that causes felting. If the label says hand wash only, stop here and use the basin method.
Fill a basin with cool water and wool-safe detergent: Use water no warmer than 30°C and a small amount of gentle detergent. Swirl to dissolve. Common mistake: pouring detergent directly onto the knit, which can leave a residue or lighten the color. If you can't find wool-safe detergent, a tiny drop of baby shampoo works as a backup.
Soak for five to ten minutes, then squeeze gently: Submerge the knit and let it soak, then press the suds through with flat hands. Common mistake: scrubbing stains or twisting the garment, which stretches the fibers permanently. For a stubborn spot, dab it with detergent and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Rinse in cool water until it runs clear: Use the same cool temperature for rinsing as for washing. Common mistake: switching to warm rinse water, which can shock wool and cause shrinkage. If the water still looks soapy after three rinses, keep going; trapped detergent attracts dirt.
Roll in a towel and press out the water: Lay the knit on a clean towel, roll it up, and press down. Common mistake: wringing or twisting the roll, which distorts the knit and can break fibers. The knit should feel damp, not dripping, before you reshape it.
Reshape and dry flat away from heat: Pat the knit back to its original measurements on a flat drying rack or dry towel. Common mistake: hanging it over a radiator or in direct sun, which can shrink and stiffen the fibers. Turn the knit once during drying if the underside is still damp after a few hours.
Fold and store flat once completely dry: Store jumpers and tights folded in a drawer or on a shelf, not on hangers. Common mistake: hanging a knit, which slowly stretches the shoulders and adds length. A knit that is even slightly damp when stored can grow mildew, so check cuffs and seams first.

Knit-friendly pieces from the Newbie range

Baby pink ribbed socks 2-pack: Baby pink ribbed socks 2-pack with a double fold-down cuff that can be worn unfolded as knee-highs, made with 77% organic cotton, 3% elastane, and 20% polyamide. The rib knit and elastane blend keep their stretch better when washed cool and dried flat, so treat these socks like any other knit and skip the hot dryer.
Bunny rabbit baby comforter blanket: Bunny rabbit baby comforter blanket made with 100% recycled polyester, size 27 x 17cm, CE-marked with tested seams and flame-retardant, non-toxic materials. A soft toy blanket like this is usually surface-washed or hand-washed gently and air-dried, so it keeps its plush feel without the seams loosening.
Baby white floral extender bodysuit: Baby white floral extender bodysuit made from 100% organic cotton, with wrap style and anti-scratch cuffs in size 1-6 months and folded cuffs in size 6-9 months. Organic cotton bodysuits are machine-friendly on a cool gentle cycle, but the wrap style and cuffs keep their shape best when dried flat or on low heat.