I have some yarn that is super stiff. It was given to me and rolled into a ball. It is Bernat acrylic and I am wondering how do I soften it up to work with it? I cannot work with it in its current state. I need help. Thanks.
By amy from Brazil, IN
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I've read to use vinegar and water. I've also read to use hair conditioner. Hair conditioner is what I'm going to try - made a hat with Red Heart Super Saver. I see using hair conditioner was also mentioned in the archives.
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Does anyone have tips for softening items crocheted with Red Heart Super Saver yarn?
By Rhonda from Marion, SD
I don't know that particular wool, Rhonda, but whenever I have made crocheted items that I send to a baby charity, I've always washed it in shampoo, because it is recommended by them to soften the wool. (11/21/2009)
By Angie
I have often knitted with the Super Saver yarn plus another softer yarn. It helps make the whole project softer. (11/21/2009)
By pam munro
I think that's just the way that Super Saver feels. Pamphyila's idea sounds good, though. (11/22/2009)
By Lisa
Washing that in any detergent should soften your project. Even though they say you can throw it in a washing machine, I'd still wash it by hand. The yarn is treated with something in the manufacturing process, which is why it's so scratchy. (11/22/2009)
By Kathy
For wool yarn, because wool is made from hair, a great trick is to use a tiny bit of hair conditioner in the final rinse. You then of course rinse the conditioner out of the item after waiting 5 or 10 minutes after it has sat in the rinse water. I see no reason why you can't try this wonderful trick for softening acrylic yarn too!
According to several articles written by professionals that I've read, one of the best hair conditioner ingredients is Stearalkonium Chloride. So when you buy a conditioner look for the words Stearalkonium Chloride. It should be in the first 4 or 5 ingredients. You'll find this quality conditioning ingredient even in some of the Dollar Store products. I've found this to be true after many years of use. If you find a conditioner with stearalkonium chloride high in the ingredient list, no matter the cost, you'll be happy with the product! Also, wash your item in Baby Shampoo. (11/22/2009)
By Cyinda
My sister crocheted my granddaughter an afghan with Red Heart Super Saver. I machine washed it twice in warm water and machine dried it on delicate to slightly damp. It came out very soft. Just remember to block the item to retain the shape. I hope this is helpful. (11/30/2009)
By Patti Kyle
Washing in shampoo and conditioner will help a lot. There's a chemical product on the yarn that helps it stay stiff for packaging and shipment that you need to remove. Shampoo and conditioner usually do the trick. (12/01/2009)
By Concetta
