How to Care for Your Handmade Clothing
When you choose handmade pieces, you’re choosing quality and longevity. With the right care, your handmade items can stay beautiful for years (and even become heirlooms).
Don’t worry, I don’t want to spend hours doing laundry either. Here are a few simple, practical tips to help your handmade garments last as long as possible — without adding too much effort to the laundry routine.
Wash in Cold Water
Cold water is kinder to the environment and your clothing. Cold washes help to:
Preserve vibrant colours
Reduce shrinking
Protect delicate stitching
Keep fabrics soft and strong
Use A Mesh Laundry Bag
A simple mesh bag protects your handmade items from:
Zippers
Velcro
Abrasion
Friction from heavier items (like jeans and towels)
Skip the Dryer
Dryers can:
Shrink natural fibres
Fade colours
Break elastic
Cause pilling
Dry your clothes on the line, where the sun can help with stain & scent removal. The sun can cause colours to fade over time, so line dry any vibranly coloured garments in the shade.
Store Handmade Clothing Properly
Hanging your garments helps them breathe by allowing proper airflow, but anything stretchy should be folded to prevent it from losing its shape. Try not to overcrowd your wardrobe — giving each piece a little space helps your clothing stay fresher, last longer, and maintain its structure.
Avoid:
Wearing delicate tops with heavy bags
Jewellery that might snag
Rough surfaces like bricks or abrasive seats
Repair Small Issues Early
You’ve heard the saying, a stitch in time saves nine. It’s true, a tiny loose thread or popped stitch is easy to fix, but if left, it can turn into a bigger problem.
If you notice:
A loose hem
A pulled thread
A weak area on the fabric
Bring it to your local seamstress (that’s me!) or do a quick repair at home. Early fixes = longer life.
And Finally — Enjoy Your Handmade Clothing
Handmade pieces are meant to be lived in. They don’t need to be perfect or precious — just cared for lovingly. Every time you wear something handmade, you’re choosing slow, thoughtful living. That’s a beautiful thing.