Washing yarn?

[dturner]

I want to make a pair of slippers that are not felted. I have several skeins of wool in my stash that would be perfect for the slippers-- except that the wool is not superwash. Could I put the skein of yarn in a pillow saver and wash it before knitting it? Would I just end up with a tangled, felted mess?

[Moxiemade]

It would definately felt together just like a garment would.

Just curious why you'd want to wash it before you knit it rather than handwashing after. Washing it prior to knitting it won't make it any more machine washable.

Since people are reading this post mind if I add on my question? I have a skein of Caron Simply Soft and it got.. well.. soiled. I don't want to toss it if I can help it so was wondering if I could rubberband it together and toss it in the washer.

[dturner]

Thanks for your answer. I guess I was just wondering if I could shrink the yarn before knitting. Now that I think about it, I guess it IS a bad idea!

[vaknitter]

while I understand your thought process with the wool - seems reasonable as I shrink material before sewing all the time. Unfortunately wool will felt, not just shrink. If you really want wool slippers just make them and know you will have to hand wash in cold water.

As for the skein of Caron - If you're options are to throw it away or wash it, then give washing it a try, but I would imagine it will turn into a twisted and knotted mess unless you think the soil would come out on a delicate cycle.

[Plantgoddess+]

Maybe if you rewrap into a hank and tie in several spots and then wash it may allow the water to flow through better and get it clean. Of course then you would have to wind it into a ball to knit.