There is a simple method on how to soften acrylic yarn blanket. There is no need for you to buy expensive yarns to be able to make soft projects. While it is true that acrylic yarn is not the softest yarn, you can soften it up with a few standard home products.
8 Steps To Easily Soften Your Acrylic Yarn Blanket
Acrylic yarns are fun to work with. Aside from being readily available, it comes in a myriad of bold, bright, and appealing colors that can give birth to the most creative projects. Furthermore, it is affordable for most.
One pesky downside to acrylic yarns is their tendency to be stiff and scratchy. This con puts this yarn on most people’s ‘to avoid’ list. Fortunately, there is an easy method that can make even the stiffest acrylic blanket turn soft!
Step #1. Fill the sink or tub with enough water that can cover up the entire blanket.
Step #2. Using the shampoo, hand wash the blanket in the water. Rinse it at least twice to remove excess shampoo.
Step #3. Saturate the blanket with plenty of conditioner. Let the acrylic sit and settle for about ten minutes.
Step #4. Refill the tub or sink with fresh, clean water. Let the acrylic blanket soak and sit for an hour.
Step #5. Rinse it a few times. Make sure that all of the conditioner is washed out.
Step #6. It will be your choice whether you want to block or air dry it. You may also run it through the wash. Just make sure that the machine is in the lightest possible setting.
You may use only a small amount of detergent. Fabric softener is also advisable.
Step #7. After washing, transfer it to the dryer. Set the machine on either low or medium heat.
Step #8. Let it dry either by blocking or air drying it.
How Can You Soften The Acrylic Yarn In A Skein?
There is also a way to soften acrylic yarn still in a skein or ball. This method is for the benefit of crocheters or knitters who do not like working with stiff yarn or find it harder to work with them. Softening the yarn up is an excellent way to prepare them for the actual knitting or crocheting process.
Step #1. Remove the labels and loosen the skein a bit to give the yarn some room to soften up. Don’t unravel the skein. Only loose it up using your fingers.
Step #2. Place it inside a lingerie bag and throw it in the wash for a regular cycle.
Step #3. With the yarn still in the lingerie bag, put it in the dryer. Set the machine on either low or medium heat.
Step #4. Start creating!
Does Washing Acrylic Yarn Make it Softer?
In the long run, the yarn would become softer the more washes they go through. As yarn turns softer, it loses stiffness, making it much more comfortable to cuddle with.
You do not need to undergo the whole softening process every time you wash them. Almost any type of yarn becomes softer the more they are washed. This applies to acrylic yarn as well.
The more it is washed regularly, the faster it softens. The procedure above only makes the entire softening process faster. This method is for the benefit of those who want instant, soft acrylic projects they can cuddle and sleep with.
Do You Need To Soften The Yarn Before Or After You Knit/Crochet Them?
It depends on the crocheter or knitter. Some prefer to do the softening process before doing the project, so they are soft in their hands. Others prefer to do finished-project softening.
There is no strict rule nor guide to this. It only comes down to the comfort of the project creator. It won’t reflect on you as a crafter.
Does Acrylic Yarn Shrink?
You might be one of those wondering whether acrylic yarn shrinks or not. The answer is yes. Although, once it is turned into a blanket, garment, etc., it instead stretches when washed using warm or hot water.
Though, that does not in any way mean that acrylic yarn will not melt. It still needs to be washed at recommended heat levels. The reason why it shrinks has to do with the shape and size of the fibers.
If it is too continuous, too long, or perhaps even short, the material may shrink due to the fibers not being strong enough to handle and withstand the laundry process. If shrinking the acrylic is your actual goal, projects made of pure acrylic need to be washed for longer periods. If the acrylic project is blended with wool or other fabrics, it will require a shorter time to shrink.
Place the acrylic project in the dryer. Then turn off any ‘soft heat’ or ‘shrink guard’ options it has. Time it to 50-60 minutes, then voila!
Conclusion
While the acrylic yarn is interesting to work with, the biggest deal-breaker for most is its stiffness. Fortunately, there is an almost guaranteed method on how to soften acrylic yarn blanket. With a few simple steps, your acrylic blanket will surely be ready for a cuddle session.