How to Care for Finished Woobles Crochet Projects

By The Woobles | Learn to crochet kits for beginners | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Tips & Care

Learn how to clean amigurumi, fix yarn pilling, and store your finished Woobles so they keep their shape for years.

Quick answer

Hand wash finished Woobles in cool water with a drop of mild soap, squeeze gently, and air-dry away from heat. Spot-clean small marks first, de-pill with a small fabric shaver, and store pieces loosely so they keep their shape.

What you need before you start

Gather a soft cloth, a small bowl of cool water, mild liquid soap, a clean towel, and a mesh laundry bag if you plan to machine wash. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and hot water because they can fade colors and loosen stitches. A small fabric shaver or fine-tooth comb helps with yarn pilling fix later.

How to spot-clean small marks

For a single smudge, dampen a cloth with cool water and a tiny drop of soap. Dab the spot instead of rubbing, then blot with a clean damp cloth. Let the piece air-dry completely before you decide whether a full wash is needed.

How to hand wash amigurumi safely

Fill a bowl with cool water and a drop of mild soap. Submerge the piece and gently squeeze the water through the stitches. Do not wring or twist. Rinse in cool water until no soap remains, then press the piece between two towels to remove excess water.

How to machine wash crochet plushies

If the yarn label allows it, place the piece in a mesh laundry bag and use a gentle cycle with cold water and low spin. Skip the dryer. Machine washing is riskier for small amigurumi, so hand washing is the safer default for Woobles projects.

How to dry without losing shape

Lay the piece flat on a clean towel and reshape it with your hands while it is damp. Air-dry away from direct sun and heat. If the piece has a flat base, set it upright so it dries in its intended pose. Never hang a wet amigurumi by one limb because gravity will stretch it.

How to fix yarn pilling

Pilling happens when loose fibers tangle together. Use a small fabric shaver or a fine-tooth comb to lift the pills away, working in one direction. Do not pull them off with your fingers because that can tug the stitches. After de-pilling, smooth the surface with your hand.

How to store crochet projects

Store finished pieces in a breathable cotton bag or a clean box lined with tissue paper. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from damp basements. If you stack several pieces, put a layer of tissue between them so faces and small parts do not press into each other.

Step-by-step care routine

Check the yarn and stitches first: Look for loose ends, small holes, or fragile spots before any water touches the piece. If you see a loose stitch, secure it with a matching thread before washing. Checkpoint: no loose stitches or open gaps.
Spot-clean small marks: Dab cool water and a drop of mild soap onto a cloth, then press it onto the mark. Do not rub, because friction can make the yarn fuzzy. Checkpoint: the mark lifts without spreading.
Hand wash in cool water: Submerge the piece and gently squeeze soapy water through the stitches. Never wring or twist. Rinse until the water runs clear. Checkpoint: no soap bubbles remain.
Press out excess water: Lay the piece between two clean towels and press down with your palms. Do not twist the towel around the piece. Checkpoint: the piece is damp, not dripping.
Reshape and air-dry flat: Mold the piece back into its intended shape with your hands. Lay it flat on a dry towel away from heat and direct sun. Checkpoint: the piece holds its shape while drying.
De-pill gently if needed: After the piece is completely dry, use a small fabric shaver or fine-tooth comb in one direction to lift pills. Do not pull them off with your fingers. Checkpoint: the surface is smooth, not fuzzy.
Store loosely in a breathable bag: Keep the piece in a cotton bag or a tissue-lined box. Avoid stacking heavy items on top, and keep it out of damp or sunny spots. Checkpoint: the piece keeps its shape between uses.

Woobles kits built for beginner care

Billy the Unicorn Rainbow Crochet Kit: Billy the Unicorn Rainbow Crochet Kit includes all materials and video tutorials for a first project. A complete first kit means you can practice the same wash-and-dry routine on a small, low-risk piece before caring for larger projects.
Jerry the Jellyfish Crochet Kit: Jerry the Jellyfish Crochet Kit includes all materials and video tutorials for beginners. Small, round amigurumi like Jerry dry quickly and are easy to reshape by hand, which makes them a good starting point for learning amigurumi cleaning tips.