How to Preserve Crocheted Items

Cleaning

• A crocheted item should not be preserved if it is dirty or dusty; the material must be cleaned before placing it in storage. Most crocheted items must be hand-washed with a mild detergent in cold or warm water. Crochet enthusiasts should make sure that they do not wring out the material since this can cause damage to the overall shape of the item. Air-drying the item prevents any scorching to the surface from a laundry dryer.

Wrapping

• Simply placing the crocheted item in a closet can easily damage the material from humidity and temperature variations; Annie's Attic suggests wrapping the item in acid-free tissue paper. This wrapping will prevent the elements from damaging the item over time. In contrast, Crochet Memories proposes that the item be wrapped in clean linen, such as an unused bed sheet. Both wrapping types will help preserve the crochet piece.

Storage

• There are a number of different places to store the preserved crocheted item. Cardboard boxes and wood chests are two sensible areas for the pieces; both areas prevent sunlight from infiltrating the space and causing discoloration over time. An unused cabinet drawer is another good storage area, as long as it is not opened frequently to allow damaging light inside.

Preventing Pests

• It is good practice to use mothballs in the storage area holding the crocheted items. Over time, these pests can ruin all the preserving practices by forming small holes along the material's surface. Place several mothballs close to the item to ensure the best preservation.