Wool is itchy: what can I do?

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Small Talk Translated

Moderator

22707 Posts Recent Started

Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 12:07 PM

Dear users and authors,
do you have any tips and tricks that might help with itchy wool?

Akela

5074 Posts Recent Started

Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 12:32 PM

I wash itchy wool with shampoo and then put it in the freezer overnight. The next day, I let it thaw slowly and dry, and it comes out soft.

ZwergnaseBär

3407 Posts Recent Started

Friday, March 6, 2020 at 8:52 PM

I soak scratchy wool overnight in a solution of 5 parts water to 1 part vinegar, then rinse it out with clean water the next day.

Moderator

22707 Posts Recent Started

Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 11:35 AM

Thanks, Akela and Nina.
Is it enough to do this just once, or do you have to keep doing it?

WollwunderPetra

9191 Posts Recent Started

Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 6:02 PM

I’ll add this to my saved list. Right now, I’m crocheting a shawl with mohair, even though I know mohair feels scratchy to me. Maybe your tips will help, and the shawl will feel more comfortable.

Crisalino

442 Posts Recent Started

Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 6:41 PM

I got my scratchy wool soft again with a lanolin soak! But that freezer trick sounds veeeery interesting, too! I’ll definitely give it a try.

Akela

5074 Posts Recent Started

Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 7:35 PM

A one-time treatment in the freezer is enough, but I always wash itchy wool with shampoo—that keeps it soft.

Dianas kleiner Häkelshop

473 Posts Recent Started

Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 9:40 PM

Does this work with wool that’s already been crocheted? I crocheted myself a hat and think it’s beautiful, but it’s terribly itchy on my forehead 😢

Akela

5074 Posts Recent Started

Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 10:31 PM

This also works with finished garments—I once had an angora sweater that shed like crazy and itched like mad; I did the same thing, and afterward it was cozy and soft.

Antje-J

16 Posts Recent Started

Monday, March 16, 2020 at 11:10 AM

@diba26
This doesn’t help with scratchy wool, but it does work for scratchy hats: I like to sew a fleece headband into them. You can’t see it from the outside, but it keeps your ears warmer and doesn’t scratch your forehead. 🙃