As an avid knitter, one of the worst things is finishing a long knit project to find out the sweater it’s itchy to wear. Here we’ll show you a few methods on how to soften scratchy yarn before and after your crochet project. No one wants to receive a knitted hat or sweater that is hard and scratchy to wear.
We’ll also explore which types of yarn are the softest so you’ll know them before you start your project. If your knit is still too hard and scratchy, you can use these methods to soften the scratchy yarn.
How To Create A Soft Yarn Project – Start With A Soft Yarn
Whenever we start a new crochet project, our first step is to choose the appropriate yarn. It’s a tough decision since there are different tradeoffs for each type of yarn you choose. The super-comfortable, luxurious and soft yarns can be expensive. However, the downside of less expensive yarns is that they can be hard and scratchy.
Acrylic yarn is a popular yarn because it’s cheap and available in many fun colors. One problem with acrylic yarn is that the final product is hard and scratchy even though it looks colorful and fun.
How to Soften Scratchy Yarn
The good news is that hard and scratchy yarn can be softened before and after knitting. Here are some authentic and proven ways to soften yarn or yarn projects. Let’s get started!
1. The Steam Process – Soften Yarn Using Steam
This method requires steam to soften the hard and scratchy yarn. Use this method for yarn skeins to get the best results.
- Prepare a pot for steaming. You will also need a steaming tray and a lid.
- Fill the pot with some water as you would steaming food.
- Bring the water to a boil, place the yarn on the strainer and cover it with a lid.
- Set the heat to low. The goal is to have the yarn moist but not wet with steam.
- Once the yarn is significantly moist, take it out and pull the skein gently with your fingers. Be careful of the temperature.
- Let it dry and enjoy your super soft yarn.
2. Conditioner Bath – How to Soften Yarn With Hair Conditioner
Hair conditioner works wonders for our hair, but did you know it’s also a great way to soften yarn? Have a try using this method to soften your knitted or crocheted projects. This method will apply to completed projects.
- Put some warm water in a plastic bucket. Water should be enough to soak the yarn you want to soften. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes to let it fully soak through.
- Once soaked, add about 5-6 drops of your hair conditioner. You can use just about any conditioner. Rub the conditioner thoroughly into the yarn, just the way you do it with your hair, and let it soak for another half hour.
- After soaking with the conditioner, rinse it with cool water and squeeze the item gently. Don’t be too harsh while trying to get the water out. Wringing or twisting the item would damage the stitches.
- Cover the item in a towel or any other hard cloth or dry it with a dryer.
3. Lingerie Washing Bag to Soften Yarn
This method is generally used for yarn skeins and or your scratchy crochet or knit projects. You have to gather lingerie washing bags along with the yarn.
- Remove the labels from yarn but don’t unravel the yarn.
- Dug your fingers in th yarn sein and loose it up a little.
- Now put this yarn into lingerie washing bag and throw it inside he washing machine. Be very careful especially when your yarn can bleed color. Read the label and put same color yarn in the bag.
- Wash it with cold water and fabric softener.
- Put it in the dryer and your supper soft yarn is ready.
How can we use the scratchy yarn?
Everything on planet earth serves a purpose. The same is the case with the hard acrylic yarn. If it can’t be used for comfy and soft sweaters, hats or gloves then it could be used in other crochet or knit project. You can use it for foot mats, table mats, coasters, or bathroom mats.
What types of Yarn are the softest?
The softest yarns are most expensive and loved by everyone. Let’s dig a little bit deeper into which yarns is softest and where do they come from.
Cashmere
One of the softest and finest yarn types that you will find is Cashmere. This comfy yarn basically comes from the Cashmere goats from south Asia. It is quite expensive as well. This is because the cashmere goats shed undercoats once every year. The undercoat is then combed. About 4 oz of fiber is obtained from each goat. Cashmere is about 6 times finer than human hairs. Blankets, gloves, and sweaters made from this yarn type are very comfortable to wear and they look luxurious as well.
Alpaca
Another soft wool in the yarn and wool world is Alpaca. It is best if you want to knit sweaters or blankets. This comes from south American Alpaca. It comes in 2 forms usually, Suri and Huacaya, and is a bit more expensive than normal wool. Alpaca is warmer than wool and amazingly it doesn’t catch fire. Also, it is water repellent, so, avoid washing it with water and dry clean instead.
Merino Wool
Have you seen the bulky, chunky, and extreme knitting projects on Instagram or Pinterest? Those are made from merino wool. It is usually used in knitting large blankets, cushions, or pillow covers that are so soft that you can’t get over them.
Merino comes from a special sheep breed known as Merino Sheep. Additionally, it doesn’t cause any allergic reactions like other wool does. It keeps its shape but can pilling which is troublesome at times.
Bamboo Wool
Bamboo wool is made from natural fiber. It also possesses anti-bacterial properties alongside being soft. If you want to make crochet projects with drapes it gives a very nice fall.