Handmade baby and children's clothing is created with care, quality fabrics and attention to detail. With the right washing and care routine, your favourite handmade garments can stay looking beautiful through everyday adventures, repeated washes and even be passed down to younger siblings.
At Tracy's Big Little Stitches, we want every handmade outfit to be enjoyed for as long as possible. This guide explains the best way to wash, dry and care for your handmade clothing.
Why Handmade Clothes Need a Little Extra Care
Unlike mass-produced clothing, handmade garments are individually crafted using carefully selected fabrics and professional sewing techniques.
Although they're designed to be worn and loved every day, following a few simple care tips will help preserve:
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Softness
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Shape
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Colour vibrancy
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Fabric quality
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Stitching
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Overall appearance
Taking just a little extra care means your child's favourite outfit can look wonderful wash after wash.
Check the Care Label First
Every handmade garment should include care instructions.
Different fabrics sometimes require slightly different washing methods, so it's always worth checking the label before placing clothing into the washing machine.
When in doubt, use a gentle wash.
Wash at 30°C
For most handmade baby clothes, a 30°C delicate or gentle cycle is ideal.
Lower temperatures help to:
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Protect fabric fibres
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Prevent shrinking
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Reduce colour fading
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Extend the life of the garment
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Be kinder to the environment
Hot washes are rarely necessary for everyday clothing.
Turn Garments Inside Out
Before washing, turn clothing inside out.
This simple step helps protect:
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Printed fabrics
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Decorative stitching
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Colours
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Surface wear
It also helps reduce bobbling over time.
Use a Gentle Detergent
Choose a mild, non-biological detergent whenever possible.
Harsh chemicals and bleach can weaken fibres and cause colours to fade more quickly.
A gentle detergent keeps fabrics soft while still cleaning effectively.
Avoid Fabric Conditioner (Where Recommended)
Some handmade fabrics perform better without fabric conditioner, especially fabrics containing elastane or stretch fibres.
Using too much softener can reduce the fabric's natural stretch and breathability.
Air Dry Whenever Possible
The best way to dry handmade clothing is naturally.
Lay garments flat or hang them to air dry away from direct sunlight.
Benefits include:
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Less shrinkage
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Longer-lasting colours
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Better fabric shape
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Reduced wear
Natural drying is the gentlest option for handmade garments.
Can Handmade Clothes Go in the Tumble Dryer?
Where possible, we recommend avoiding tumble drying.
High heat can:
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Cause shrinkage
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Affect fabric softness
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Reduce elasticity
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Shorten the lifespan of the garment
If you must tumble dry, always use the lowest heat setting and remove garments while they're still slightly damp.
Iron Carefully
Most cotton garments can be ironed using a medium heat setting.
Always iron inside out where possible, particularly if the garment has decorative finishes or printed fabrics.
Avoid placing a hot iron directly onto embellishments.
Treat Stains Quickly
Little accidents are part of growing up.
Whether it's food, mud or paint, treating stains as soon as possible gives you the best chance of removing them completely.
We recommend:
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Blot rather than rub
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Use a gentle stain remover suitable for children's clothing
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Wash promptly
Avoid harsh bleaching products whenever possible.
Store Clothing Properly
When garments are no longer being worn, store them somewhere clean, cool and dry.
Avoid damp areas or direct sunlight.
If you're saving favourite outfits for younger siblings or keepsakes, fold them neatly and store them in breathable containers.
Caring for Handmade Clothes Means They Last Longer
One of the wonderful things about handmade clothing is how well it can last when cared for correctly.
Many families enjoy passing handmade garments down through brothers, sisters and even future generations.
With just a little care, every outfit can continue creating special memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wash handmade baby clothes before the first wear?
Yes. Washing before first use helps remove any dust from the making and packaging process while softening the fabric even further.
Can handmade clothes be washed with other laundry?
Yes, but we recommend washing with similar colours and avoiding heavily soiled items that could transfer dirt.
Will handmade clothes shrink?
Quality cotton fabrics are often pre-washed or pre-shrunk where possible, but like all natural fibres, a small amount of shrinkage can occur if washed at high temperatures or tumble dried.
Following the care instructions will help minimise this.
How often should baby clothes be washed?
Everyday clothing should be washed whenever it becomes dirty. Babies naturally create plenty of laundry, so regular gentle washing is perfectly fine when following the care guidance.
Looking After Clothing Made with Love
Every garment at Tracy's Big Little Stitches is handmade with care, creativity and attention to detail.
By following these simple washing and care tips, you'll help keep your child's favourite outfits looking beautiful for years to come.
Thank you for choosing handmade.
We hope every stitch becomes part of your family's treasured memories.
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