Little stitches. Lots of love. Handmade just for you.

A LITTLE LOVE GOES A LONG WAY

Care for your crochet.

Made by hand, made to be enjoyed. A few gentle habits will help your favorite pieces keep their shape, color, and charm.

KNOW YOUR FIBER

Cotton or acrylic? A little care makes a difference.

THE PLANT FIBER

Cotton

Absorbent and often firm to the touch, cotton is a familiar choice for dishcloths, coasters, and everyday home goods.

Washing
Hand wash delicate pieces. For items labeled machine washable, use cool water, a gentle cycle, and mild detergent. Wash similar colors together; wash new, brightly colored pieces separately in case dye runs.
Drying
Support the whole piece when wet: cotton holds water and can become heavy. Gently reshape and dry flat. Heat can cause shrinkage, so tumble dry on low only when the item’s instructions permit it.
Everyday care
Spread damp dishcloths out to dry between uses. Don’t leave them bunched in a sink or hamper. Avoid hanging heavy wet bags or blankets by their handles or edges.

THE SYNTHETIC FIBER

Acrylic

Often light, soft, and springy, acrylic is a common choice for cozy blankets, accessories, and decorative pieces.

Washing
Hand wash delicate pieces. Many acrylic yarns are machine washable, but check the finished item’s instructions first. Use cool water, a gentle cycle, and a mesh laundry bag when the piece fits comfortably.
Drying
Reshape and lay flat to air dry. If tumble drying is permitted, use low heat. Avoid hot dryers, irons, and steam: heat can permanently flatten, distort, or melt acrylic fibers.
Everyday care
Reduce rubbing against rough surfaces to limit fuzz and pilling. Keep acrylic away from hot cookware, stovetops, and open flames; it is not suitable for potholders or hot pads.

GET TO KNOW YOUR PIECE

Which yarn do I have?

Touch and appearance offer clues, but they can’t reliably identify a fiber. Cotton can be silky, acrylic can look like cotton, and blends can feel like both.

Ask Mare about your piece
  1. Check the label or order details.

    Look for fiber content such as “100% cotton,” “100% acrylic,” or percentages for a blend. The yarn’s brand, color, or thickness alone won’t tell you its fiber content.

  2. Use feel as a clue.

    If there is no label, cotton often feels denser and less stretchy; acrylic often feels lighter, fluffier, or more springy. Compare gently without stretching the stitches. Softness, shine, and fuzz are not proof.

  3. Phone a friend.

    If you’re still unsure, reach out to Mare with an item description and picture. She can help identify the yarn and provide care guidance.

Still unsure, or working with a blend?

Skip the washer, dryer, and iron until you can confirm the care instructions. For a washable piece of uncertain fiber, gently hand wash in cool water and dry flat. If it has a lining, stuffing, glued details, or leather or wooden parts, ask before soaking. For blends, follow the label and the most delicate component’s care needs.

SLOW & GENTLE

A little washing can go a long way.

For pieces only suitable for hand washing, start with a clean bowl / sink / tub and a clean, dry towel.

  1. Prepare

    Fill the basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Separate different colors to avoid bleeding.

  2. Wash & rinse

    Submerge and gently press the water through the fabric. Avoid scrubbing or stretching. Rinse in fresh, cool water until the detergent is gone.

  3. Press & roll

    Support the whole piece as you lift it. Press gently, then roll it in a towel to absorb extra water. Never twist or wring it out.

  4. Reshape & rest

    Lay flat on a dry towel or drying mesh. Ease it back into shape without pulling. Turn it and replace damp towels as needed; let it dry fully before storing.