Sooo, that sweater i’ve been working on for months, only have 10 rows left then finally done! to make the shape a little better, loose and flowy, less itchy, should i use liquid fabric softener to wash it and fix it up? i’ve seen some things say yes, some no. i would make a lil test square first using the yarns and stitches i did to see how it reacts, is it a waste of time or should i do it? if so how do i go about it? just hand wash and use fabric softener and wash it all out? with cool/lukewarm water? ty for any responses
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I’ve never washed any clothing before because I’ve never made any wearables, but I’ve seen videos of people on YT and the most common ones are from Amazon, I don’t have the specific names though…
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I haven’t tried that before but I personally steam block my wearables to fix the shape, make it more drapey and softer. Depending on your yarn I would also consider any of the blocking methods suitable for that yarn, I usually use acrylic yarn
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mine is acrylic too but idk what steam blocking is or how lol
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actually could probs look it up 
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i have seen that people suggest not to put your crochet items in the washing machine and to hand wash them instead ,but it might be ok ,fabric softener may ruin it
online suggests to put your crochet in a mesh washing machine bag
hope this helps!! 
@nymeriaxwolves
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yeah i would hand wash it just dont want it to ruin the sweater? some things say i can do it such as this: You can also soften up stiff and scratchy acrylic yarn with fabric softener. Simply add a capful or two of fabric softener to a bowl of lukewarm water. Swish the item around in the water for a few minutes, then allow it to soak for 15-20 minutes. Finally, rinse off the soap and hang your project to air dry… but some things say not to, so im confused lol
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I’d say make a tester piece, wash it with your fabric softener and compare it to your sweater. I haven’t made any wearables, but I was my plushies and I also use liquid fabric softener. It depends on the yarn, but I usually don’t notice any differences. Another thing to look at, is the yarn label. Some yarns aren’t able to be machine washed, but some are. So check the label to make sure.
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i want to do it, not for texture but in hopes of it making the sweater more flowy and a naturally shape. idk if that would work, seems like a steamer would work well but i dont hv one and probably cant get one anytime soon, would an iron work 
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maybe lets be safe and not put softer just in case lol
we dont want to ruin our projects that take hours
but you do u 
ugggg the lag
i am sorry it did not show you replied
@LittleCreatures
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I can see how what I said can be confusing 
I meant I don’t notice differences with the yarn which is a good thing. But some yarns can’t be machine washable, with the acrylic I’ve washed before it doesn’t make a difference. So if you’re wanting it to be softer it wouldnt work. But as for more loose I’d say any type of blocking. I don’t know about an iron, but I’m pretty sure steam blocking and ironing are the same thing. You’d have to google it to be sure, you could also find some other ways on YouTube, and or Pinterest. I hope this helps
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thank you!
edit: got this result… Lay your project flat on the blocking board, pinning it flat if needed. Hold the iron just above the project (but do NOT let it touch), and let the iron release some steam onto your project. Allow the pins to help the project stretch and/or lay flat, or gently use your hand (just be careful not to burn yourself ).
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also , your iron may have a steam setting
glad you figured it out 
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If it’s wool, your best bet is actually shampoo and conditioner… like mane and tail…
If it’s literally anything else, I wash my kids’ wearables in the regular laundry and haven’t had any issues
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The only thing I would add is probably lay flat to dry. You may possibly need to re-block it each time too.
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I usually just water block
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Try taking a hot shower and hanging in in the bathroom, idk if it works for crochet but that’s how we steam our clothes :3
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