How to Wash Baby Sweaters & Handmade Baby Clothes

by Janice Jones,  Updated January 29, 2026

Handmade baby sweaters are special and require gentler care than most store-bought baby clothes. Whether a sweater is knitted or crocheted, the way it’s washed can affect its shape, softness, and lifespan.

This guide explains how to wash baby sweaters safely, with clear instructions based on fiber type, washing method, and real-world baby use. While the focus is on baby sweaters, the same care principles apply to other handmade baby clothes, including hats, booties, cardigans, and blankets.

If you’re new to making baby sweaters, our complete baby sweater guide explains how yarn choice, construction, and finishing techniques affect washing and long-term care.

Always Check the Fiber First

The most important factor in washing a baby sweater is fiber content, not whether it’s knitted or crocheted.  If you are the maker, this information will be on the yarn label

Different fibers react very differently to:

  • Water temperature
  • Agitation
  • Detergents
  • Heat during drying

Because baby clothes are washed more often than adult garments, choosing the right washing method helps prevent shrinking, felting, stretching, or pilling.

Before washing any handmade baby sweater:

  • Check the yarn label. If you are a knitter or crocheter, and gifting a sweater, provide this information to the recipient.  
  • Identify whether the fiber is animal-based, plant-based, or synthetic
  • When in doubt, choose the gentlest method

How to Wash Knitted and Crocheted Baby Sweaters Safely

This table provides general washing guidelines for common yarn fibers used in baby sweaters and handmade baby clothes.

Fiber Type Washing Method Water Temperature Drying Method Special Notes
Non-Superwash Wool Hand wash only Lukewarm Lay flat to dry Avoid agitation and temperature changes to prevent felting.
Superwash Wool Hand wash or gentle machine Cold Lay flat to dry May stretch when wet; reshaping is important.
Cotton Hand wash or gentle machine Cold or cool Lay flat preferred Can stretch when wet; heavier after washing.
Acrylic Gentle machine or hand wash Cold Lay flat or low heat* Heat can permanently damage fibers (*only if label allows).
Wool Blends Hand wash recommended Cold or lukewarm Lay flat to dry Wash according to the most delicate fiber in the blend.
Bamboo / Plant Fibers Hand wash preferred Cold Lay flat to dry Soft but prone to stretching when wet.

Hand Washing (Best for Most Baby Sweaters)

A small Shih Tzu dog sits behind a wash bowl, washing a knit sweater.

Hand washing is the safest option for most handmade baby clothes, especially those made with wool or delicate blends.

Step-by-step hand washing

  1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water
  2. Add a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free detergent
  3. Submerge the sweater and gently press the water through — do not rub or twist
  4. Let soak for 10–15 minutes
  5. Rinse with water at the same temperature
  6. Press out excess water (never wring)

This method minimizes stress on the fibers and helps preserve stitch definition.

Machine Washing (Only When the Fiber Allows)

An image showing a Shih Tzu dog putting a baby sweater into a washing machine

Some baby sweaters can be machine-washed, but only when the fiber is specifically designed for it.

Machine washing may be acceptable for:

  • Superwash wool
  • Cotton
  • Acrylic
  • Durable blends

Machine washing tips

  • Use a mesh laundry bag
  • Select a gentle or delicate cycle
  • Use cold water
  • Avoid spinning at high speed

If a yarn label says “hand wash recommended,” machine washing still carries risk.

Washing Baby Sweaters by Fiber Type

As the knitter or crocheter of a baby sweater or other handmade baby item, you are responsible for providing washing instructions.  I'll address this task later in this article.
Wool (Superwash vs Non-Superwash)

Non-superwash wool

  • Always hand-wash
  • Lukewarm water only
  • Minimal agitation
  • Never place in the dryer

Learn more about non-superwash wool 

Superwash wool

  • Often machine washable
  • Use cold water and a gentle cycle
  • Lay flat to dry to prevent stretching

Even superwash wool benefits from gentler handling when used for baby clothes. Learn more about superwash wool.

Cotton

Cotton is durable and easy to care for, but it can stretch when wet.

  • Machine washable on a gentle cycle
  • Cold or cool water
  • Lay flat to dry to maintain shape
  • Cotton baby sweaters may feel heavier after washing — this is normal. Learn more about cotton yarn.

Acrylic

Acrylic is fully synthetic and easy to wash, but sensitive to heat.

  • Machine washable on a gentle cycle
  • Cold water only
  • Never use high heat in the dryer
  • Heat can permanently damage acrylic fibers.  More about acrylic yarn.

Blends

Blended yarns should be washed according to the most delicate fiber in the blend.

For example:

  • Wool-cotton blends → treat as wool
  • Wool-acrylic blends → avoid heat and agitation

When unsure, hand washing is safest.

Bamboo and Other Plant Fibers

These fibers are soft and breathable, but can stretch.

  • Hand wash preferred
  • Cold or lukewarm water
  • Lay flat and reshape carefully

Learn more about bamboo yarn

Three yarn labels showing with differing laundry instructions

Baby-Specific Washing Considerations

Babies have sensitive skin, and handmade garments often come into direct contact with it.

When washing baby sweaters:

  • Use fragrance-free, dye-free detergent
  • Avoid fabric softeners
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove residue
  • Consider an extra rinse cycle if machine washing

Gentler detergents protect both the garment and the baby wearing it.

How Often Should You Wash Baby Sweaters?

Baby sweaters do not need to be washed after every wear unless visibly soiled.

Good care habits:

  • Spot clean small messes
  • Air out sweaters between wears
  • Wash only when needed

Over-washing can shorten the life of handmade garments, especially those made with wool.

How to Dry Baby Sweaters Without Ruining Them

Drying is just as important as washing.

Best drying method

  1. Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel
  2. Roll the towel and press gently to remove excess water
  3. Unroll and reshape the sweater
  4. Lay flat on a dry surface away from heat

Never hang wet baby sweaters, as this can stretch the garment out of shape.

Avoid dryers unless the yarn label explicitly allows it.

Product Type Best For Fiber Compatibility Why It Works Well
Gentle Baby Laundry Detergent Everyday washing Cotton, acrylic, blends Fragrance-free formulas are gentle on baby skin and suitable for frequent washing.
Free & Clear Detergent Sensitive skin Most fibers No dyes or perfumes; rinses clean with minimal residue.
Wool & Delicates Wash Handmade sweaters Wool, wool blends, bamboo Low-agitation formulas help preserve fiber structure and softness.
No-Rinse Wool Wash Hand washing wool Wool, alpaca, delicate blends Designed for knitwear; gentle and convenient for hand-washed baby items.

Common Washing Mistakes That Ruin Baby Sweaters

Avoid these frequent problems:

  • Hot water
  • Sudden temperature changes
  • Wringing or twisting
  • Fabric softener
  • Dryer heat
  • Washing with heavy items like towels or jeans

Most damage happens quickly and is difficult to reverse.

Care Tips When Gifting a Baby Sweater

If you’re gifting a handmade baby sweater, include simple care instructions.

Helpful gift tips:

  • Mention fiber type
  • Recommend hand washing or gentle machine washing
  • Suggest laying flat to dry

Many parents are unfamiliar with caring for handmade items — a short note helps ensure the sweater is worn and enjoyed.

What If Your Yarn Label Is Missing or Incomplete?

Not all yarn comes with full care instructions. Yarn purchased from discount marketplaces, overseas sellers, secondhand sources, or unlabeled bundles may lack important details such as fiber content, washing method, or dye stability.

This does not mean the yarn can’t be used; it simply means you need to take extra precautions.

Why Missing Yarn Labels Matter

Yarn labels normally provide:

  • Fiber content
  • Washing and drying instructions
  • Heat tolerance
  • Dye information

Without this information, washing a finished baby sweater incorrectly can lead to:

  • Shrinking or felting
  • Color bleeding
  • Loss of softness
  • Permanent damage

Because baby sweaters are washed more frequently, unknown yarns carry a higher risk.

What to Do When You Don’t Know the Fiber Content

1. Assume the Yarn Is Delicate

When in doubt, treat unknown yarn as if it were non-superwash wool.

That means:

  • Hand wash only
  • Lukewarm or cold water
  • Minimal agitation
  • Lay flat to dry

This conservative approach prevents the most common types of damage.

2. Test Before Washing the Finished Item

Always test before washing a completed baby sweater.

You can:

  • Knit or crochet a small swatch
  • Wash it using your planned method
  • Let it dry completely
  • Check for shrinkage, stiffness, or color bleed

This simple step can prevent irreversible mistakes.

3. Watch for Dye Bleeding

Lower-cost or unlabeled yarns may not be colorfast.

To test:

  • Soak a small sample in cool water
  • Press it gently between white towels
  • Look for color transfer

If dye bleeds, wash the finished item separately and avoid soaking.

Special Caution for Baby Items

When the yarn label is missing, extra care is especially important for baby clothes.

You should:

  • Use fragrance-free, gentle detergent
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Avoid fabric softeners
  • Avoid heat entirely

If you’re unsure about fiber safety or skin sensitivity, reserve unknown yarns for outer layers rather than garments worn directly against the baby’s skin.

When Using Unknown Yarn for Gifts

If you’re gifting a baby sweater made from unlabeled yarn:

  • Include conservative care instructions
  • Recommend hand washing and air drying
  • Let the recipient know the fiber content is unknown

Clear communication helps ensure the sweater is cared for safely and worn with confidence.

When to Avoid Using Unknown Yarn Altogether

For baby sweaters, it may be best to avoid unlabeled yarn if:

  • The yarn has a strong chemical odor
  • The texture feels rough or plasticky
  • You cannot test a swatch first
  • The item will be worn directly against sensitive skin

Saving unknown yarns for toys, accessories, or decorative projects is often a safer choice.

Understanding Yarn Care Symbols on Labels

Many yarn labels include small laundry symbols developed by the Craft Yarn Council. These symbols provide quick guidance on washing, drying, bleaching, and ironing,  especially when space on the label is limited.

If your yarn label is still available, these symbols can help confirm whether a baby sweater can be machine-washed, the safe heat settings, and whether special care is required. When the label is missing or unclear, it’s safest to follow conservative washing methods, such as handwashing and air-drying.

For a complete explanation of yarn care symbols, the Craft Yarn Council provides an official reference chart that explains each symbol and its meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Baby Sweaters

Can baby sweaters go in the washing machine?

Some can, depending on the fiber. Always check yarn content and use a gentle cycle.

Is it safe to wash wool baby clothes?
Yes, when hand-washed gently with an appropriate detergent.

Do knitted and crocheted baby clothes need different care?
No — fiber type matters more than stitch method.

Final Thoughts

Washing baby sweaters safely doesn’t require complicated steps, just thoughtful handling and attention to fiber choice. With proper care, handmade baby clothes can remain soft, comfortable, and wearable long after the baby has outgrown them.

For more guidance on choosing yarns, sizing, and construction methods that affect long-term care, visit our complete baby sweater guide.

Care Information Disclaimer

This information is provided for general educational purposes only. Washing and care recommendations are based on typical fiber behavior and common garment care practices. Individual yarns, dyes, and baby skin sensitivities may vary. Always follow the yarn label instructions and, when possible, test washing methods on a small swatch or sample.