Help I think iv ruined my work!!!

[Maxitaxi]

Hi,
I'm knitting lots of different squares for my blanket and a lot of them were all curled up when is finished so I got them all and pinned them to a damp towel and put another damp towel over them. Then I pressed them lightly with the iron. Pulled the towel off and they are all flat and limp with no bounce or Life in them!!! I freaked out and thought to Hand wash them to bring them back to life but that didn't make much difference! I'm really gutted as I'm a new knitter and these took a lot of time!!!
Suggestions anyone please!

[Antares]

What kind of yarn did you use to make the squares--acrylic or wool? If they're acrylic, you can most likely hand wash them or wash them on gentle in washer and dry them in the dryer, and they will bounce back (HOWEVER, check your yarn bands first to make sure this is okay).

[Maxitaxi]

They are 100% wool. Yeah I'm a bit scared to machine wash them. Do u think the dryer would make them bounce back or would lying them flat to dry do the same thing?

[GrumpyGramma]

If they're 100% wool, I doubt they should go in the dryer. What does the ball band say?

[Jan in CA]

Noooo, unless it says superwash on the label or clearly states machine wash and dry don't put them in. It will probably felt them. Can you tell us exactly what the yarn brand and yarn type is? More info always helps when asking questions.

[Antares]

Yeah, my recommendation was ONLY for acrylic (and that if the ball band gave you permission). You don't want to be drying wool in the dryer--unless you want a rug for a doll!

[Becky Morgan]

All wool, not superwash? Get them damp again and lay them out on a towel to air-dry. If they're trying to curl again, pin them out flat without stretching them. Once they're dry, you can toss them around or put them in a no-heat dryer to fluff them up.