When creating an amigurumi, the one question that everyone asks is; can I wash them? The answer is yes! Like delicate pieces of clothing, crochet/knitted toys are no exception.

Depending on the material and design of the toy will determine the best way to care for them. For example, if your Ami has wires and delicate pieces attached, you only want to consider spot-cleaning them.

So how do you wash them?

Bath time!

Like store-bought stuffed animals, your handmade amigurumi must be cleaned too! Many beginner crocheters and knitters are terrified of washing their handmade items. You’ve worked hours, days, and even weeks on a project, and you are scared that one cleaning will shrink, unravel, and destroy your hard work.

Guess what? I had the same fear!

Because I had this fear, too, I decided to take two of the amigurumi I had made at the beginning of my crocheting journey to see if they would hold up after washing them. I placed both animals into a laundry bag and threw them into my washing machine. Since I used 100% acrylic yarn, I set the water temp to the yarn package recommendation. I also set the dial on the washer to delicate. The good news is that once washed, they seemed to be all intact for the drying process.

Time to dry off

So the next question you may ask yourself is, “How do I dry my amigurumi once they’re washed”? “When in doubt, leave them out,” air drying your handmade knits is by far the best drying method. But can you put them in the dryer? Again, the answer is yes! Most yarn fibers can be tumble-dried on low to no heat. When drying synthetic fibers, you want to ensure that your dryer’s temperature isn’t too hot so the material doesn’t melt.

After washing my two animals in the washer, I was ready to dry them. I used the dryer to see if they would still hold their shapes. I kept them in the laundry bag and threw them in the dry. I set my dryer to a dry, less delicate setting.

Since I had used acrylic yarn to make my amigurumi, I did not want to risk the low setting temp on my dryer that may cause the inside of the dryer to become too hot.

Because acrylic yarn is an artificial fiber instead of natural fibers like wool and cotton, acrylic yarn is made from various chemicals. These chemicals define the yarn as a form of plastic. And what happens when plastic gets hot? It melts.

So I set my dryer to a no-heat setting.

After taking my handmade animals out of the dryer, my two Ami’s stayed intact—no missing eyes or noses. No loose thread or limbs falling apart. The poly-fil didn’t clump inside the toy either.

So if you are hesitant about washing and drying your handmade amigurumi toys, there is no need to be.

All yarn packages have a washing and drying recommendation on them. You may want to take note of them for when you need to wash your amigurumi.

Freebies

Suppose you are unsure how to wash that yarn for those amigurumi toys. Download your FREE “Yarn Care Fiber Guide” cheat sheet.

But please also check the yarn package for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

If you plan on gifting or selling your amigurumi makes, download your FREE printable “Care Instruction” cards to share with your friends & customers.

When washing your yarn makes, don’t let the idea that it will fall apart when washed scare you. For yarn care, make sure to check the labels for washing instructions. You can also print my fiber guide to keep on hand as a backup. Don’t forget to print your fiber care instruction cards and share how to clean those knits with your friends and customers.

If you have tricks and ways of cleaning your handmade items, please feel free to share your comments below.

Happy Crocheting Journey!