📖 6 minute read

A handmade crochet bag has a different value than a store-bought one. With a few simple precautions, it can last for years — even decades. But one wrong wash can ruin it in just a few hours. ✨

Washing for each yarn

Magico Cotton and classic cotton: cold water max 30°C, neutral soap, hand wash without aggressive rubbing.
Cordino (classic and Big): sturdy, tolerates washing well. Lurex requires cold water max 25°C and no products with bleach.
Pandorino: cold water, brief immersion, do not soak. Gently press, do not wring.
Fettucce: quick wash, gentle pressure, never spin dry. Lycra fears temperatures above 30°C.
Raffia: best not to wash. For local stains: damp cloth + little neutral soap, no immersion.
Marshmallow: like cotton, but multiply drying time by 3.

How to dry correctly

  1. Remove excess water by pressing gently, never wringing
  2. Lay a large, clean towel flat on a surface
  3. Place the bag flat, stuffing it with clean tissue paper to maintain its shape
  4. Let dry away from direct sunlight and radiators — 24-48 hours

The 5 most common mistakes

  1. Washing machine, even delicate cycle: spinning irrevocably deforms it. Never.
  2. Drying in direct sun: colors fade and yarn dries out. Always in the shade.
  3. Wringing to remove water: stretches the yarn and makes it lose its structure. Only gentle pressure.
  4. Hanging on a hook: weight stretches the yarn. Always lay flat.
  5. Using fabric softener: leaves residues that attract dirt and alter the yarn.

Want your bag to last for years?

In addition to proper washing, a lining and a good clasp make a difference. Discover all our bag accessories.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash the bag with the lining inside?
It depends on the lining: if it's only glued, no — water dissolves the glue. If it's sewn, yes, but it might shrink. It's better to remove it, wash separately, and re-attach later.
How often should I wash my bag?
Crochet bags should be washed as little as possible. Once a season is enough. For light stains, a damp cloth is sufficient.
Is the delicate spin cycle of the washing machine okay?
No, not even that. Spinning at any speed compresses and twists the crochet work in an unrecoverable way. Only hand wash.
Can I iron a crochet bag if it's a bit crooked?
Yes, but with caution: lukewarm iron, damp cotton cloth in between, light steam, never direct pressure. For yarns with lycra, avoid ironing.
What to do if the handles lose their shape?
Lightly wet them, reshape them with your hands, and let them dry in the correct position. If the wear is structural, consider replacing the handles with those from the Macrè handle collection.

In summary

Delicacy in every step: hand wash, cold water, flat drying, storage in fabric. No washing machine, no sun, no wringing. 💕

Martina Del Pivo
Scritto da Martina Del Pivo — co-founder di Macrè Bag. Chi è Martina →