How to Care for Your Handmade Garments

Handmade garments hold a special value, both for their unique craftsmanship and the personal stories they often carry. Unlike mass-produced clothing, these pieces require a touch more attention when it comes to care and maintenance. You’re not just preserving a piece of clothing but also the artistry and effort that went into making it. Whether it’s a hand-knit sweater, an artisanal woven shawl, or a custom-made suit, taking proper care of these items ensures they last longer and continue to look as stunning as the day you got them.

It’s important to recognize that the materials and techniques used in handmade clothing might differ significantly from those in your everyday wardrobe. This doesn’t mean you need to be a textile expert, but understanding the basics, such as recognizing delicate fabrics and knowing the right way to clean them, can make all the difference. For example, wool is prone to shrink with heat so use cold water, and rayon tends to be delicate when wet, requiring a more gentle washing cycle.

• Learn more about how to construct sturdy, handmade garments

1. Make sure you use durable seam finishes

When you’re investing time in crafting handmade garments, you want them to last. Durable seam finishes are the secret to longevity, ensuring that the items you create can withstand wear and tear, as well as repeated washing.

French seams are your go-to for lightweight fabrics. They might seem a bit tricky at first, but they’re worth the effort. You’ll first sew your fabrics wrong sides together, then flip and sew right sides together, encasing the raw edges. Voilà, you have a clean finish that’s also strong.

For thicker materials or areas of high stress, like the inseam of trousers, felled seams (also known as flat-felled seams) are fantastic. They involve folding the edges of the seam and sewing them down flat, which not only makes them durable but also gives a smooth finish on the inside. This is honestly my favorite type of seam finish because of how durable it makes the final garment.

If you’re working with fabrics prone to fraying or you simply want an elegant touch, you can also try bound seams. Binding the seam allowances with bias tape can add a pop of color and a professional look, while also reinforcing the seams.

2. Pay attention to the type of fabric you used

When you’re dealing with handmade garments, the fiber content tells you a lot about how to care for the final product. It dictates how you’ll wash for your clothes to keep them in the best shape. Here’s a quick guide for some common fibers:

• Cotton: It’s durable and loves water. It’s generally okay to use standard washing machine settings.
• Rayon: This is a little more delicate in water. You may want to use a gentler cycle to avoid agitation that can damage the fabric.
• Wool: Wool is pretty durable as long as you use cool water. You also might want to hang dry since too much heat can cause wool to shrink and pill.
• Polyester: This is pretty durable and forgiving. You don’t really have to worry about shrinking or seriously damaging the fabric, so standard machine settings work well.
• Linen: This is actually a pretty strong fiber, even when wet. It’s okay to put linen in whatever washing machine settings you typically use. It can sometimes shrink with too much heat, though. So, I recommend sticking to cool water.
• Silk: Silk is a very delicate fabric. You probably want to hand wash this or send it to the dry cleaners. Pro tip: avoid wringing out the water.

3. Avoid over-washing your garments

When you’re managing handmade or specially crafted clothing, try to avoid washing too frequently. This preserves the integrity of your precious garments so that they last longer. Over-washing can lead to fading, shrinkage, and wear and tear that could otherwise be avoided.

Here are some quick tips:

• Spot Clean: Got a minor spot? Simply clean that area instead of washing the whole garment.
• Air Out: After wearing, hang your garment in a well-ventilated area to freshen it up.
• Frequency: Reconsider if you really need to wash after every wear. Often, you don’t. Use the smell test, if your clothes don’t smell, you probably don’t need to wash it just yet.

What to Do	Why It Helps
Use a damp cloth to remove small stains.	Limits the wear on fabric.
Refresh your garment with a fabric spray.	Keeps fabrics smelling fresh.
Turn clothes inside out before washing (when you do wash).	Protects the outer fibers, preventing snags and pilling.

If there is any piece of handmade clothing that you are especially proud of, remember that you can hand-wash your treasures too. Your wardrobe will thank you for the extra effort with a longer life and sustained quality.

4. Avoid using too much heat in the washer or dryer

Excessive heat can be your clothes’ worst enemy, leading to faded colors and weakened fibers. To keep your special pieces in top shape, follow these straightforward tips:

• Always opt for cool or lukewarm water temperatures. Hot water isn’t a friend to almost any fabric.
• Avoid high heat in the dryer. Instead, tumble dry on a low setting or go old school – air dry your garments. You can also air dry your clothes, and then stick them in the dryer for 10 minutes before putting them away to give them that soft texture with minimal agitation and heat.

Remember, high heat isn’t just about shrinking; it weakens fabric more quickly, reducing the lifespan of your beloved items. 

5. When should you get our clothes dry cleaned instead?

Caring for your handmade garments often means spotting the moment for a professional touch. Dry cleaning is still the best option for those delicate fabrics that need a little more care:

• Fabric Consideration: Some materials don’t play nice with water. Some silk, wool, and velvet items can lose their shape or texture if you toss them in the wash.
• Structural Integrity: Got a piece with intricate beading or lace? A dry cleaner knows their way around these. Don’t risk the damage from a regular spin cycle.
• Stain Removal: When a spill turns into a stubborn stain, it’s time to call in the experts. They have the right solvents to bid those tough marks goodbye without harming the fabric.
• Preservation: Your cherished items, like that handmade dress you wore to a special event, deserve longevity. Dry cleaners can help maintain that.
  

Remember, dry cleaning should not be for every wash. It’s for those special pieces or when the fabric dictates. Regular visits to the dry cleaner can be harsh on your clothing too. Limit it to those times when you really don’t want to mess up.

6. Storing handmade garments

When you spend the time making your own clothes, you want to make sure they last. Proper storage is key to maintaining the beauty and integrity of your handmade garments. Here’s what you should keep in mind.

Hanging Up: Those pieces that drape well, like dresses and button-up shirts, usually prefer to hang out rather than be folded into a wardrobe. Tip: Always hang your garments in a cool, dry closet to prevent dampness from creeping in.

For Knits and Tees: Folding these is your best bet to keep them in primo condition. These don’t wrinkle as easily as most woven materials. Stack them on shelves or in drawers. Keep the heavier ones at the bottom. You might be tempted to hang your favorite handmade sweater, but trust me, gravity isn’t the friend of knitwear.

Folding Pants: When it comes to storing trousers, fold them along the creases or, for a more casual style, you can fold them in half. Avoid hanging by the cuffs, though; it can lead to odd stretching over time.

Your handmade garments are more than just fabric; they’re pieces of art you’ve poured your heart into. Treat them with a little extra care, and they’ll stay vibrant and fitting fabulously for years to come.