When it comes to taking care of knit fabrics, it becomes crucial aspect to consider maintaining the fabric quality and preventing damage. Knit fabrics have always been well-known for providing flexibility, comfort, and softness. Understanding the best practices to store knit fabrics is important as knit fabrics can have an extended life of materials and finished pieces. 12 essential tips have been explained in this article to store knit fabrics correctly in a pristine condition.
Importance of Storing Knit Fabrics
Storing knit fabrics is essential and it has importance from the industry level to the individual level. Because, storing ensures that the fabric maintains its quality, durability, and appearance.
Here is the reason why storing knit fabrics is essential:
Storing Prevents Stretch and Distortion: Knit fabrics are those fabrics that are prone to stretching. They lose their shape if they are not stored properly. That is why, proper storage prevents distortion and enhances the fabric quality.
Storing Prevents Snags and Tears: Knit fabrics are prone to snagging and tearing as well. It happens mostly when fabrics come close to rough surfaces. Storing them reduces the damage risk and keeps the fabric intact.
Storing Preserves Color and Texture: Knit fabrics are exposed to light, dust, and moisture. These fabrics fade and lose their texture. However, storing properly can protect the fabric from fading. The fabric holds the color, vibrant, and soft nature.
Storing Prevents Bacterial Damage: Knit fabrics can be both natural and synthetic fiber. Fabrics which are natural fibers made get attracted to moths, pests, germs, and bacteria. That is why, to prevent holes, storing knit fabrics is important.
Storing Maximizes Longevity and Maintains Hygiene: Taking care of knit fabrics is important as these fabrics extend their lifespan. It is important to store high-quality knits to protect them from dust, dirt, and other contaminants.
Why do Knit Fabrics Need Proper Storage?
Knit fabrics require proper storage facilities because of the characteristics, knit fabrics possess. For example:
Knit Fabrics are Well-Constructed: Knit fabrics have interlocked loops of yarn both vertically and horizontally. Besides, knit fabrics are three-dimensional structures that move freely.
Fiber Content of Knit Fabrics: Knit fabrics are available in natural and synthetic fibers. Blends also prevail in this sector. This is why, the ideal care of knit fabrics balances durability and gentleness based on the fiber.
Susceptible to Pulling and Distortion: Knit fabrics are susceptible to distortion. This is why, these fabrics are vulnerable to snagging. Knit fabrics can go through stretching and distortion frequently. The reasons can be overused, not taking proper care.
7 Ways to Store Knit Fabrics
There are a couple of ways to store knit fabrics. Here are some of the ways given below:
Using Fabric Storage Bags: There are fabric storage bags available in the market which are cotton-made. Cotton is ideal for storing knit fabrics. Fabric storage bags protect the fabric from dust, pests, and moisture. Besides, fabric storage bags allow air circulation to prevent mildew.
Use Hangers: Hanging is possible if it is done with proper care. It is important to avoid stretching. Hangers are now available in padded or wide versions. They distribute the fabric weight in an even manner.
Roll Up Smaller Pieces: Knit fabrics can be stored rolled up as there is an excellent storage solution. Rolling knitwear can minimize the risk of creasing. Besides, this procedure of storing saves space in the closet.
Environment Matters: Store knit fabrics in a cool and dry place. The environment is important as you want knit fabrics in return. That is why, storing knit fabrics in a cool and dry place is necessary. Avoid keeping the fabric from direct sunlight. The objective is to prevent fading and deteriorating the fabric.
Have Breathable Space in Bins or Drawers: It is important to allow optimum air circulation around knit fabrics in the shared compartments.
Use of Cedar Sachets: Cedar Sachets prevent moth larvae, and feeding frenzies without staining shade clothes. It occurs from directly extended cedar wood.
Using Acid-Free Tissue Paper to Maintain Shape: While storing knit fabrics, separate folded sweaters and other delicate items using acid-free tissue paper. It prevents creases from embedding through the stacked layers.
5 Tips to Prevent Damage and Maintain Quality of Knit Fabrics
Knit fabrics are popular in the textile industry solely for the comfort, flexibility, and unique textures they provide. These qualities make the fabric susceptible to damage. Here are 5 tips that you can apply while storing knit fabrics to prevent damage and maintain quality. They are:
Washing Technique: Understanding washing techniques is a part of maintaining the quality of the knit fabric. In that case, consider checking the care label where instructions are written for different materials and approaches. Hand wash the knit fabric, use lukewarm water, and a mild detergent to wash the fabric. For machine wash, use a gentle cycle to protect the fabric from snagging.
Drying Methods: Knit Fabrics must go through the drying methods after getting washed as per the instructions or care label. Drying, if done improperly, leads to stretching, shrinking, and damage. Always lay flat to dry. Avoid hanging wet knit fabrics or garments. Keep the fabric away from heat or radiators to prevent fading.
Proper Storage Solution: There are already 7 ways written separately to store knit fabrics in this article. But in sum, you must follow techniques like folding and hanging understanding the fabric, using padded hangers and breathable containers. Overpacking, crushing, and creasing all are a part of a proper storage solution.
Regular Maintenance: Spot-clean the knit fabric if necessary. Use a mild detergent and water to extend the longevity of the fabric’s life. Place cedar sachets in your storage to keep the fabric away from pests. Besides, these repellents are effective and safe for fabrics.
Removing Knit Fabrics from Storage Box: Knit fabrics are effective at handling steaming and pressing better. That means you might need to prepare the fabric after removing it from storage and before using it.
The given tips ensure that your knit fabrics remain in perfect condition. Even in years to come, knit fabrics will retain their softness and color if you leave them in good condition. There is no other alternative except for proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion
Proper storage of knit fabrics is essential as it prevents damage and maintains the quality. By following the 12 tips outlined in this article on preventing damage, you can protect your knit garment. Usually, knit fabrics face common issues, for instance, stretching, fading, and snagging.
So, tips like hand washing gently, using wooden hangers, and considering a slight amount of shrinking are taken as a considerable function to follow. Through this article, you have now understood to care for knit garments the next time you own thpayoffoff in the longevity of pieces.
FAQs:
When to hand and fold knitwear?
There are times when to hand and fold knitwear. After washing knitwear, dry the moisture out from the fabric. Allow the air circulation and use hangers. Meanwhile, fold knitwear gently along the seams. Fold-knit fabrics like heavy sweaters or cardigans as there is the risk of stretched out of shape. Folding keeps the knit garments in the original shape. It prevents shoulder and neck stretching.
Fabric
Fabric
Industry Insights
Industry Insights
Industry Insights