Ironing Knitwear: Do’s, Don’ts, and Pro Tips

Knitwear is a beloved staple in wardrobes across the world—whether it’s a fine cashmere jumper, a cosy wool cardigan, or a stylish knitted dress. However, caring for knit fabrics requires a delicate touch, especially when it comes to ironing. Done incorrectly, you risk stretching, burning, or flattening the texture, leaving your favourite pieces looking worse for wear. This guide will walk you through the dos, don’ts, and pro tips to help you iron your knitwear safely and effectively.

Do’s: The Right Way to Iron Knitwear

✅ Use a Low Heat Setting – Knitwear is sensitive to high temperatures, so always select a low to medium heat setting on your iron. For delicate fabrics like cashmere and merino wool, opt for the coolest setting possible or consider steaming instead.

✅ Turn Knitwear Inside Out – Ironing on the inner side of the garment helps protect the fibres and prevents any accidental sheen or flattening on the outside.

✅ Use a Damp Cloth as a Barrier – Place a clean, damp cloth or a pressing cloth between the iron and your knitwear. This adds a layer of protection, reducing direct heat exposure and avoiding scorch marks.

✅ Steam Rather Than Press – If possible, use the steam function on your iron or a handheld garment steamer instead of directly pressing the iron onto the fabric. Steam gently relaxes the fibres without altering the texture.

✅ Lay the Garment Flat – When ironing, place the knitwear on a flat, even surface to maintain its shape. Use a padded ironing board for best results.

Don’ts: What to Avoid When Ironing Knits

❌ Never Use High Heat – Excessive heat can cause knit fibres to shrink, scorch, or lose their elasticity, leaving your garment misshapen or damaged beyond repair.

❌ Avoid Stretching the Fabric – Tugging at knitwear while ironing can distort its shape. Instead, gently press down with the iron rather than dragging it across the fabric.

❌ Don’t Skip the Test Patch – Before ironing the entire garment, always test a small, inconspicuous area to ensure the heat setting won’t damage the fabric.

❌ Never Iron Directly on Knitted Textures – Open-knit patterns or cable designs can flatten if ironed without protection. Always use a cloth barrier or opt for gentle steaming instead.

Pro Tips for Knitwear Perfection

💡 Use a Steam Iron for Best Results – A steam iron disperses moisture evenly, allowing you to smooth wrinkles with minimal contact. If your iron lacks a steam function, gently spray your knitwear with distilled water before ironing.

💡 Hang or Lay Flat After Ironing – Once ironed, let the knitwear cool down while laid flat or hung up properly. This prevents creases from forming while the fibres settle.

💡 Consider Wool-Safe Sprays – For added freshness, spritz your knitwear lightly with wool-friendly fabric sprays after ironing. This helps to maintain softness while keeping garments smelling fresh.

💡 Store Knitwear Correctly – Proper storage plays a crucial role in knitwear longevity. Fold items neatly instead of hanging them, as hanging can cause stretching, especially in softer knits.

Ironing knitwear may seem daunting, but with the right techniques, you can keep your favourite pieces looking pristine. Whether you opt for steaming, low-heat pressing, or protective ironing methods, following these do’s and don’ts will help you maintain the shape, texture, and softness of your beloved knit garments.