Your Knotti bag was handcrafted with patience, sturdy stitching, and high-quality yarn. Because of the delicate nature of artisanal fibers, Knotti bags are generally not machine washable.

To ensure your bag lasts for years of adventures, it requires a little extra love. Follow these best practices to keep it looking its best.

1. Everyday Maintenance

• Combat Lint: Crochet textures can attract fuzz. Use a sticky lint roller gently over the surface of the bag to keep it looking fresh.

• Watch for Snags: Be mindful of sharp jewelry, keys, or rough surfaces (like brick walls or velcro) that might catch on the yarn loops. If a snag happens, do not cut it. Gently use a crochet hook or a dull needle to tuck the snag back to the inside of the bag.

• Lighten the Load: While the stitching is sturdy, constantly overstuffing the bag with heavy items may cause the yarn to stretch out of shape over time.

2. Spot Cleaning (For Small Spills)

If you get a small stain on your bag, treat it immediately.

1. Dab, Don't Rub: Blot the spill gently with a clean, damp, light-colored cloth. Rubbing can cause the yarn to fuzz or "pill."

2. Mild Soap: If water alone doesn't work, use a tiny drop of gentle detergent (like baby shampoo or dedicated wool wash) on a wet cloth. Dab the stain gently.

3. Rinse: Dab again with a fresh cloth dampened only with plain water to remove soap residue.

3. Deep Cleaning (When It Needs a Refresh)

If the whole bag needs cleaning, you must hand wash it carefully.

• The "Do Nots": NEVER put your crochet bag in a washing machine. NEVER put it in a dryer. NEVER use hot water.

• The Cool Soak Method:

1. Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water and add a small amount of gentle wool wash or mild baby shampoo.

2. Submerge the bag and gently squeeze the suds through the fibers. Do not twist, scrub, or wring the bag, as this distorts the stitches.

3. Let it soak for 15 minutes.

4. Drain the soapy water and refill with cool, clean water. Gently squeeze to rinse. Repeat until the water runs clear.

4. Drying and Reshaping (Crucial Step!)

How you dry your crochet bag determines its future shape.

1. The Burrito Roll: Lay the wet bag flat on a clean, dry bath towel. Roll the towel up tightly with the bag inside (like a burrito) and press firmly to squeeze out excess water. Do not wring it.

2. Lay Flat to Dry: Lay a fresh dry towel on a flat surface away from direct sunlight or high heat sources (like a radiator).

3. Reshape While Damp: Lay the bag flat on the towel. Gently pat and stretch it back into its original shape. Ensure straps are laying flat.

4. Let it Be: Allow it to air dry completely. Flip it over halfway through the drying process so both sides get air.

5. Storage

When not in use, store your bag in a breathable space (like a closet shelf or inside a cotton pillowcase). Do not store it in plastic bags, which can trap moisture. To prevent stretching, it is best to lay the bag flat rather than hanging it by its straps for long periods.