Care Guide

Care Guide for Your Handmade Crochet Pieces

Introduction

Your Nehanda Atelier piece is a handcrafted work of art, made with care and attention to detail. To ensure its longevity and preserve its beauty, please follow these care instructions carefully.

General Care Guidelines

Daily Care

  • Store in a cool, dry place
  • Avoid direct sunlight when storing
  • Keep away from rough surfaces that may snag
  • Handle with clean, dry hands
  • Remove jewelry before handling to prevent snags
  • Allow garment to rest between wears

Before Washing

  • Check for any loose threads or embellishments
  • Close any closures or fastenings
  • Turn the garment inside out
  • Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection
  • Remove any brooches or removable accessories

Washing Instructions

Hand Washing (Recommended)

  1. Use cool to lukewarm water (30Ā°C/86Ā°F maximum)
  2. Add a gentle wool or delicate wash detergent
  3. Gently swish - do not rub, wring, or twist
  4. Soak for 10-15 minutes
  5. Rinse thoroughly in clean, cool water
  6. Press gently between towels to remove excess water
  7. Do not wring or twist

Important Washing Notes

  • Never use bleach
  • Avoid fabric softeners
  • Do not wash with other items
  • Test any new detergent on a small area first
  • Use pH-neutral detergents only
  • Avoid enzymatic cleaners

Drying Your Garment

Recommended Method

  • Lay flat to dry on a clean white towel
  • Reshape while damp
  • Keep away from direct heat and sunlight
  • Allow plenty of time to dry completely
  • Never tumble dry
  • Do not hang wet as this may stretch the garment

Drying Don'ts

  • No direct heat sources
  • No tumble drying
  • No hanging while wet
  • No exposure to direct sunlight
  • No radiators or heated surfaces

Storage

Best Practices

  • Store flat in a drawer or on a shelf
  • Use acid-free tissue paper between folds
  • Avoid hanging for long periods
  • Keep in a breathable garment bag if storing long-term
  • Store away from direct sunlight
  • Ensure storage area is clean and dry

Storage Don'ts

  • Don't store in plastic bags
  • Avoid compression
  • Don't store in damp conditions
  • Don't store with moth balls
  • Avoid storing with sharp objects

Pilling & Snags

Prevention

  • Avoid friction with rough surfaces
  • Be careful with jewelry and accessories
  • Handle with clean, dry hands
  • Wear appropriate underlayers

If Pilling Occurs

  • Gently remove pills by hand
  • Do not cut or pull aggressively
  • Use a specialized crochet pill remover if necessary
  • Contact us for advice if unsure

Special Care Notes

Seasonal Care

  • Clean before long-term storage
  • Use cedar blocks rather than mothballs
  • Check periodically during storage
  • Allow air circulation

Travel Care

  • Pack carefully with tissue paper
  • Use a garment bag for protection
  • Avoid compression in luggage
  • Allow to breathe after unpacking

Professional Care

When to Seek Professional Help

  • For stubborn stains
  • If significant damage occurs
  • For annual deep cleaning
  • If unsure about care methods

Finding a Professional

  • Look for specialists in knitwear/crochet care
  • Ask about experience with handmade items
  • Request test cleaning of a small area
  • Share these care instructions with them

Emergency Care

Stain Response

  1. Blot (don't rub) immediately
  2. Use cool water only
  3. Avoid harsh chemicals
  4. Contact us for advice
  5. Consider professional cleaning

Contact Us

For specific care queries:

  • Email: nehandaatelier@gmail.com
  • Include photos of any issues
  • Describe the care methods you've used
  • We aim to respond within 48 hours

Remember: Proper care will ensure your Nehanda Atelier piece remains beautiful for years to come.