Thursday, September 27, 2012

How to Soften Red Heart Super Saver Yarn



*Please note!* if you are crocheting/knitting for hospitals or preemie babies this may not be a good method. They prefer no product has been used on yarn of donated hospital items.

This week I crocheted a Nyan Cat themed lovey for my impending baby. Unfortunately, trying to make something rainbow takes a lot of colors, and buying all 7 ROYGBIV plus the grey, pink and tan is a lot of yarn money. I bought Red Heart Super Saver thinking it couldn't be THAT bad.

I worked up the blanket part and it is bad - it would be scratchy and coarse for a baby at least. After getting depressed and dramatically declaring that my cute blankey idea was a failure (hey im pregnant, it happens) my husband suggested I look for ways to soften the yarn and save my project. At least someone was using their brain haha.

After a day or so of research and experimentation the blanket actually came out super soft :) It also had wonderful drape which I did not expect. There was much rejoicing. I'm not going to tell you it rivals the expensive high-end yarns but it does come pretty dang close. Now I can save money by buying cheapy yarn and softening them for the projects that require a lot of colors.

Take note that I had already finished the blanket part when I started this process, I don't know if this would work on the yarn itself before it's been worked up.



Step 1: Rinse in cold water

Step 2: Shampoo thoroughly, rinse twice

Step 3: Working in sections, saturate entire piece with hair conditioner

Step 4: Let sit in cool water for over an hour

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly

Step 6: Run it through the lightest wash cycle your washer machine can accomplish. Detergent is ok here as long as it is a small amount

Step 7: Put it in the dryer. You can use dryer sheets if you want. Dry until slightly damp. Take out and lay flat to let air dry the rest of the way.

That's it, you're done! You'll be surprised by how soft and pleasant this yarn can become. I've also heard that the more you wash it, the softer it gets.

I used cheapo shampoo and conditioner because that's what I had on hand, so don't worry if you don't have fancy hair stuff.

Finished product! It turned out bigger than I intended but still very cute. I may post the pattern at some point so keep an eye out if you're interested.

Update: The pattern is now available in my Etsy store for $2.40.







189 comments:

  1. No worries on the shift to depression, we all have been there in our pg. It turned out wonderful!

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  2. There is a cheap soft acrylic yarn brand available in the US called "I Love This Yarn". I've been using it for my twins things since they were born. Washes and wears well. Comfortable to knit and crochet with. Doesn't split like Caron or some of the other cheap brands.

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    1. This is made by and sold at Hobby Lobby. It is cheaper than many others but not as cheap as Red Heart.

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    2. I "love this yarn!" Make several trips to Hobby Lobby for it in a month. Worth the extra 60 or 75 cents per skein over Red Heart SS anytime. Only, be sure to buy as much as you need because it is dye-lotted whereas Red Heart SS isn't.

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    3. Here at our store it goes on sale for 3.66 a skein. I usually wait until it's not on sale and then use their 40% coupons. You can only buy one at a time that way unless you bring your whole family in and LOTS of coupons. :)

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    4. You can get the coupons on your smart phone, bookmark it so if you go with family they can each just show your phone.

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    5. I have used "love this cotton" and I think it's a lot softer than just the "love this yarn" for the same price. However, I haven't tried washing it yet :)

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    6. "Love this cotton" is the same brand just cotton instead or acyrlic

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    7. sorry Acrylic*

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    8. FYI: per worker at Hobby Lobby, their Soft Secret yarn IS Caron yarn. I went looking for Caron Simply Soft and they no longer carried it yet still had the sample swatch hanging where their Soft Secret now sat. I tracked down the worker for that department and she said, yes, it is Caron yarn.

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    9. Um... Idk what state you live in "Anonymous", but "I love this yarn" is NOT cheap where I live! Hobby Lobby just opened up a couple months ago and their yarn is expense as hell! The ILTY is several dollars more expense than what I purchase at JoAnn's or Michael's. And their ILTC.....$6.99 for about 90yards is just ridiculous! Ijs

      Kim - Tucson

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    10. HL cannot sell CARON SIMPLY SOFT yarns under the HL name, as that is illegal. It's similar to Caron S.S but it IS NOT Caron. Hobby Lobby would be sued and Caron would rightly have a case.

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    11. Caron is probably manufacturing the SS for HL to sell. Totally legit.

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    12. Like Anonymous above, I was WHOLLY unimpressed with Hobby Lobby and their pricing. They are RIDICULOUSLY expensive, even on sale. AC Moore and Michaels are far, far cheaper. Joanns can even be cheap on a good sale.

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    13. I can get ILTY at HL for $4/skein. $2.40 with 40% off coupon. One coupon per week. Good for one item.

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    14. The differences in price is called demographics, in some areas prices are lower than others. It all depends on what the local market is like in your area. I can shop on one side of town in lets say Walmart, and drive across town and the price is different in the same store. I can also go to the Walmart in the next town and the price is different there as well.

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    15. I love this yarn is also my favorite. I use ti for everything now.

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    16. Thank you Karen! I've had acceptable success with washing my finished Red Heart Super Saver projects with a full cup (the cup that comes with the softner) of fabric softner. When I really want to impress someone with a gift I end up buying Red Heart With Love, which is expensive. Even with coupons. I'm the queen of couponing at JoAnns. I'm going to try your conditioner idea. Thank you for taking the time to share your discovery.

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    17. Thank you Karen! I've had acceptable success with washing my finished Red Heart Super Saver projects with a full cup (the cup that comes with the softner) of fabric softner. When I really want to impress someone with a gift I end up buying Red Heart With Love, which is expensive. Even with coupons. I'm the queen of couponing at JoAnns. I'm going to try your conditioner idea. Thank you for taking the time to share your discovery.

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    18. I have switched over from using Red Heart to I Love This Yarn and I have no regrets. It's slightly more expensive but it's well worth the extra cents. I love the idea of Red Heart being American made but yeah...the quality of I Love This Yarn is much better in my opinion.

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    19. Love trying this but I have one concern. Does it shrink in the dryer?

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    20. I use Hobby Lobby Soft Secret (which someone above compared to Caron Simply Soft) for the nicer things I make. It works wonderfully, and has a nice drape. It doesn't split like the Simply Soft does. They feel the same, but they aren't even close in quality. I tracked the maker and they are made by two different companies. I love the new Crafter's Secret yarn by Hobby Lobby (their own brand) which is 4 ply comparison to RH, but softer, no dye lot. My very favorite go to yarn is "I love this yarn" acrylic at HL. Of course, personal preference here is the big thing. Griping about the price is redundant, just buy what you like and can afford, but don't "dis" the people that like something just because you don't.

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    21. My favorite yarn is Bernat Super Saver.. It. Is extremely soft and at about 2 to 3 dollars per 5 - 7 oz skein at my local Meijer (Michigan) is a really nice price..

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    22. I buy Vanna White yarn which is fabulously soft for $2.99 a skein online through Michaels. You do have to buy a package of 3 and it is only 3.5 ounces but if you are going to put so much work into something I would recommend this.

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    23. I buy Deborah norville for a range of $1.99 to $2.99 per skein, sometimes cheaper if on sale and I use a 20% purchase coupons at joanns. Regardless of the specific line of DN yarn, it's ALWAYS soft. I also use alot of RHSS I always wash and/or block my projects before giving them away or using. If you hand wash in DREFT brand or Babies R Us brand baby detergent in the tub and let sit for 15 mins, rinse thoroughly, and rinse once more, it's 100% NICU safe per our local hospital. And it comes out softer without conditioning. For non baby projects, I still prefer to stay as chemical free as possible, so I mix 1 cup of ACV, 2 drops of essential oil in preferred scent, in the tub with cold water. I would say it's about 5 gallons of water. And let it soak for an hour. Rinse thoroughly and air dry, outside is preferred. Then place in laundry bag and pop in the dryer on low heat to fluff for 10 mins. So super soft. Less chemical build up on your project, and allergy safe for most all including babies.

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    24. ILTY from Hobby Lobby is not as economical as RHSS, however they always have coupons. The problem is you can only use one coupon per phone and the coupon is good for one non-sale item. If you can plan ahead for your project, you can make several trips on different days. If you have others with you, they would be able to Google for the Hobby Lobby coupons on their own phone and then make a yarn purchase for your project. I've gone to Hobby Lobby and was only allowed to use one coupon per purchase, but I sent my husband through a different line with his own phone that had a coupon on it.

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  3. I Love this Yarn is a Hobby Lobby and is not available in all parts of the US without ordering and paying alot in shipping. I never used it as it wasn't in CA, but now that I live in the South and near a HL I still use RH because it's $1 per skein. Thanks for the great post, I'll have to try that!

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    1. $1 less a skein I mean

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    2. There is a HL in Roseville CA

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    3. What!? I used to live near Roseville... My next trip home is going to be bad...

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    4. Hah small world, I live in Roseville and go there all the time. It just opened like, last year.

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    5. I won't use Hobby Lobby because I disagree with their practices, so I know nothing of their yarn but you can find great yarn at a good deal at Joanns or Michaels. I have never had a problem with RHSS.. and I wash it simply with hair shampoo. No fuss, put it in the dryer on low and it comes out soft.

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  4. Thank you, I have a crocheted scarf I will this on! Love the kitty project!

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  5. The blankie is so cute and thank you sooooo much for this tip. I love the colors of the cheaper acrylic yarns but some of them are so scratchy I feel guilty giving them as gifts!

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  6. The rainbow blankie is very cute...thanks for posting this tip...I have a few afghans my mother has knitted as far back as the 70's They are beautiful but, yes, a little scratchy...I try washing and using many dryer sheets but they always seem to return to an itchy state...I on one hand can't wait to try this, but on the other am a bit nervous, my mother can no longer knit or crochet due to arthritis so these afghans have become some of my prize possessions...fingers crossed!

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    1. Adrienne, I too have some well worn projects that my grandmother had done. I have use this procedure on them without any regrets. Good luck! KStevens, your blanket idea is adorable! Thanks for sharing.

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    2. You could try soaking them in white vinegar and water to soften them with a smidge of baking soda. Don't agitate them, just make sure they are saturated and let them soak for an hour. them hand squeeze the water out gently or use the gentle spin cycle on the washing machine and let them dry naturally. It worked for a scarf I made tha was 100% merino wool.

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    3. Adrienne, hi I was recently diagnosed with RA.I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to knit anymore. Knitting is like meditation to me. I've found that I can still knit using looms. You may want to talk with your Mom and see if she might be interested in loom knitting. I still have to take more breaks because my hands hurt but I can do it. My doctor thinks it's great because with RA the more you can move the less you hurt according to her i'm not so sure on that one, but i'm going to keep knitting because i'd go nuts otherwise!

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  7. I love the blanket, did you design the pattern yourself or purchase it somewhere?

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    1. I made it myself, I will probably post it in the coming weeks - depending on how busy I am :)

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    2. I also would like to know the ratios of each Ashley. I haven't had ANY luck washing crocheted things in the machine in the past. They got "whispy". The dryer "felted" items. I'm afraid to try again. But I will try the fabric softener & hair conditioner on some small things now. Any helpful advice is appreciated. THANK YOU!

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    3. Oops. I just asked for helpful advice and forgot to click to notify me when answered. THANK YOU again!

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  8. gentle cycle and fabric softener do the exact same thing and much less work :)

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    1. Fabric softener is kind of pricey to use just on specific projects, though. It seems more cost-efficient to get those jumbo Suave conditioners.

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    2. I used a small section of a hat with red heart....so I soaked it in fabric softener over night in a bowl...didn't soften it at all

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    3. Anon, that's because you need to AGITATE the fabric in the fabric softener. Try putting your clothes in a bowl of water with detergent and don't agitate it...they won't get clean, either!

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    4. Okay so..... homemade fabric softener.... vinegar, water, hair conditioner....like a dream....

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    5. How much of each, Ashley?

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  9. what a cute blanket! :) and what a clever idea to use shampoo and conditioner! :) I love husbands... :) they help balance things out - I hear you about being bummed about a project and then the hubs seeing there is an opportunity ;) for a solution :) Good stuff! :) Happy crafting! :)

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  10. I use Red Heart for a lot of my projects, probably because it is what my mom always used. I have never had an issue with anything being scratchy after a regular wash and dry. And yes-the more you wash it, the softer it gets.

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    1. Ditto, Megan--if it weren't for Red Heart, Caron, and the store brands, I would be crocheting a lot less! Love the pricey yarns, but projects can REALLY add up! I have a done a number of baby afghans over the years, and they were all fine.

      Also have a lot of folks with wool sensitivity in the family, and plain old acrylic is great in that respect :)

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    2. Agreed. Washing makes it just as soft as most yarns in my experience.

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  11. What a great post! I always use red heart, so thanks for the instructions to soften it :) Your kitty blanket is adorable, too! I'm just curious, though - are you concerned that the button eyes might not be good for baby? In the past, I've sewn on little felt circles for eyes to get the same look without the swallow hazard... not as shiny, but safer for little ones :)
    ~ Danielle

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    1. Thank you! Those are actually 10mm safety eyes which are the best to use with small children because they can't be removed unless you use heavy duty tools, you can get them at craft stores.

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  12. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  13. this is really cool! thanks for the idea :D

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  14. A warm steam iron, used with a pressing cloth between the iron and the knitted item softened and smoothed the bumpy texture of a little blanket I made using Red Heart yarn. The item looked so finished after the steaming and is very soft.

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    1. I know your comment is years old but im going through this dilema now and ive heard the same thing, iron steaming with a damp towel inbetween if the steam setting isnt working. Im going to try it. Hope it comes out soft!

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    2. I know your comment is years old but im going through this dilema now and ive heard the same thing, iron steaming with a damp towel inbetween if the steam setting isnt working. Im going to try it. Hope it comes out soft!

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  15. I second the steam suggestion. I did this on a baby blanket made from cheap yarn and it made all the difference. If you look up "killing the yarn" you'll find many different suggestions of how to do it. I just put my iron on steam and hovered it over the project and let it steam the crap out of it. Might be easier :)

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  16. This is really cool, but for all that work I think I'd rather spend the extra couple bucks on some yarn that's already soft haha.

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  17. Red Heart is awesome yarn. Yes, it may not start out as soft as others, but wash it a few times (it is washer and dryer safe and the colors stay!) a few times, and it is better, and just gets better with time. My baby blankets from my great grandmother were made with these as well as other afgans she made for us. This was her preferred yarn, partly because there is no dye lot for it, and it washes so well and retains the colors so well.

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  18. I also use Red Heart for my project... I wonder if you could do the salt brine method that i have seen on pinterest for softening t-shirts for that vintage feel.. You could also do it in the washing machine for large afghans...might have to try it out...

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  19. This is very cute, however, I am very concerned about your use of softener and softener sheets on something that will be against your newborn. There are up to 7 carcinogenic chemicals that can be in softener sheets and I encourage everyone to stop using them! Your clothes are then in contact with your skin all day long and your skin absorbs these chemicals. From what I understand, they have been banned in Europe. So, just beware.

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  20. Hair conditioner works on protein fibers such as hair and wool. Not on acrylic. Shampoo is the same as soap on acrylic. It removes surface dirt and oil.

    Soften acrylic yarn by washing in hot water with non-lint items, i.e., jeans, sheets. Do NOT wash with towels, cloth diapers, cleaning clothes, etc. Use vinegar in final rinse to remove all the soap. Using a tiny, tiny bit of fabric softener or 1/4 dryer sheet will eliminate static electricity in the dryer.

    To soften skeins before using, remove wrappers, insert in nylon stocking and tie shut. Wash and dry as a above.

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    Replies
    1. Using a ball of tinfoil in the dryer will eliminate static also

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    2. Tin foil balls didn't work for me, especially with fleece and other fabrics that tend to have a lot of static. I recently saw a suggestion to make felted wool yarn balls to speed drying and help with static. I'm going to give that a try to use less energy and fewer dryer sheets. The foil balls went to the recycle bin.

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  21. What a great idea! Have been forced to use this for quick crochet Xmas gifts, and now I know I can soften them up before gifting. I was wondering how all that acrylic we wore as kids could possibly have been so comfy... :-D

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  22. I agree with not using softener or dryer sheets. I use vinegar in the rinse cycle and wool dryer balls in the dryer :) So, I'm going to modify this with my stuff and see if it'll work on the blankets my mom made for my son! Thanks!!

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  23. I'm wondering if this process would work on those cheap scratchy blankets everyone has shoved in a closet somewhere. Going to have to give it a try.

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  24. The cat part is stuffed right? I recently made my daughter an elmo but i was scared to wash it. Does it affect the stuffing...or make it come out? Thanks and great little lovey blanky

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    1. You can wash your Elmo. I've never had the stuffing come out of any of the stuffed toys or amigurumi I've washed.

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  25. I just made an infinity scarf with this cheap yarn, and half way through realized it was so scratchy I wouldnt want to wear it. I'm trying this out now, thank you for the awesome tutorial!

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  26. Hey, someone pinned this posting of your blog on Pinterest. Did you see the other softening tut? The yarn came out looking fuzzy afterward to me. Your project doesn't look fuzzy. Have you tried this on a skein?

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  27. I read using a lingerie washing bag or a pillowcase can prevent the fluff and fuzz. Obviously one would put the yarn or project inside first. ;)

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  28. Simply Soft is around the same price as Red Heart but it comes in softer colors.

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  29. Be careful with the dryer sheets with babies. Some will develop ectopic dermatitis as a result of the fragrance in the dryer sheets. I could use Tide detergent with double rinse cycle, but couldn't use dryer sheets with my baby's things.

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    1. Also important to note that dryer sheets make items more flammable, please keep in mind, especially with baby products!

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  30. Brilliant, thank you. I have 3 family members due to have babies this year and a friend so I'll be needing to buy 'cheaper' yarns for all the crochet I have to do! Can't wait to try this out. Good luck with baby! :) x

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  31. Great thing to know -thanks for sharing.
    Also,I love your babe's lovey. I made a puppy one for my then newborn's first christmas (2011) and he's gotten a lot of snuggles/chewing out of it. :)

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  32. I would love to have the pattern that you created for this! Such a cute idea. It's adorable!

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  33. I would love to have the pattern that you created for this! Such a cute idea. It's adorable!

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  34. I once saw something about softening new bras by soaking in liquid fabric softener for a long time (maybe half to one day) then laundering. Maybe that would work on yarn too.

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  35. So cute!! I'm glad you were able to save your project. I do NOT like working with RHSS, but it is so cheap, and when you have a stack of JoAnn's coupons, it's hard not to buy a ton of it. I think I saw another person recommend this, but steaming your yarn, also called wrecking or killing, will soften it up. Since acrylic is plastic, steaming it melts the fibers and makes them nicer to touch. After I had finished a very large afghan with SS I was sad because it felt like sand paper. But after I steamed it and washed it, it now is one of my favorite snuggle blankets. Not as nice as my favorite, Caron Simply Soft, but it works.
    Congrats on the new baby :)

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  36. This is adorable!!! My daughter LOVES Nyan Cat !!! Would love to make one of these for her !

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  37. I have a question if you make a sweater from the RHSS will it shrink in the dryer or washer?
    Please respond fast!

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    1. I honestly don't know but I would suspect not. Best thing to do would be to make a swatch real quick and test it out.

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    2. Red Heart SS yarn does not shrink in the washer or dryer.

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    3. Acrylic yarns don't shrink. With any yarn, pay attention to the washing instructions on the label.

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  38. I made a slouch hat out of that cheap yarn and it was so stiff. I just put it in the dryer with a wet towel and it came out nice and soft.

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  39. I have used Red Heart Super Saver yarn for over 30 years and although they may be rough and somewhat scratchy when working with them, they soften beautifully when washed using your favorite detergent and fabric softener. If you are concerned about detergent and softener use with an infant or toddler, then use one especially formulated for babies, such as Dreft. Red Heart SS cannot be beat in my opinion. It is economical in comparison to other yarns, readily available, has a large color choice and wears like iron!

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    1. Agree wholeheartedly! RHSS is the best, hands-down! Love the Lovey...& thx for the softening tips!

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  40. Good info, but you are better off using fabric softener, free of perfumes or dyes. Yes- it's more expensive than using shampoo and conditioner, but when you wash your project and then block it to air dry, and then use a dryer sheet, the perfumes etc in shampoos and conditioners or dryer sheets can remain in the yarn. This is why your clothes smell good when you take them out of the dryer. Newborns have sensitive, thin skin and this method could possibly cause irritation.

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  41. I just did this other day. I used the cheap shampoo and let it soak for a few minutes. Rinsed that out and then I used a mixture of fabric softener and white vinegar. Again I let it set in this mixture. (Much longer then an hour, I had some other things to do and forgot about it.) Then I threw in the wash gentle cycle and dried it lightly. I was amazed at how it came out. The yarn I used was so rough it was leaving blisters on my skin where the yarn was sliding through my fingers. I would love to try a full skein of yarn. Maybe use a laundry bag and do it that way and hope the skein doesn't come apart and tangle up.

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  42. I use a lot of Red Heart yarn -- I don't consider it 'cheap' but quality 'inexpensive' yarn.
    I wash on a gentle cycle every item I've made--using DREFT or WOOLITE detergents -- just a small amount [not needed for cleaning but refreshing]... that takes care of the softening & the refreshine! judy fergusen/ Waycross, Georgia/ USA

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  43. Thank you for this! I am knitting a scarf with a scratchy yarn. I've lost the label so I don't know the brand anymore. I got excited because it was a huge skein but I realized that it was not going to be a soft scarf. Now it can be! Thank you!

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  44. Turned out very nice!

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  45. Well done! (It's true that repeated washings soften up the cheap yarn--I make my dish rags out of acrylic on purpose, because they scrub nonstick and microwave plastic clean like nobody's business, but the older cloths lose some of that ability, because they just get too soft.) I'm glad the scarf experiment I tried last week can be softened up, because it turned out well and my daughter really wants it. So I'll try your method on it!

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  46. Hi, good job. I know that the label of super saver calls for warm washing and u used cold so i am vonfused. Thanx

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    1. It never hurts to follow the mfgrs directions the first time

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  47. Will my scarf come out the same if i dont do steps #6&7?

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  48. Just a quick note on the Hobby lobby coupon, from someone who has worked there as an assistant manager for seven years: If the 40% coupon discount is greater than the advertised sale price/percentage, you can substitute the 40% off for the sale price....instead of waiting for the sale to end as someone said they did above. :)

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  49. Not only am I doing this with ALL my redheart blankets (I call them my ugly blankets, just scrapbusters) AND I"m buying the pattern, because that's totally rad. And so are you!

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  50. I no longer use dryer sheets, I use Fabric Softener (the most gentle kind there is I have sensitive skin), dilute it with water in a bottle (75 Percent water, 25 softener) , spray some on a hand towel, toss it into dryer with clothes and it comes out softer than dryer sheets. My scarves come out incredibly soft this way too and it saves money :)

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    1. That's a really good idea too. Thanks!

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    2. Great idea! BTW did you know that those fabric "refreshers" are really diluted fabric softner in a spray bottle. Google the "recipe" & you'll find lots out there for making your own :-)

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  51. no hobby lobby near me I use redheart usually, cause that is what I can get least expensively it does get softer after washing

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  52. I don't understand why anyone would want to go thru all that washing etc, why not just spend the extra few dollars & buy better yarn at your local yarn store, especially if your making something as precious as as a baby item! I have used Redheart in the past & some of it is so terrible & wouldn't waste my $ or energy on it & then again some of it is fine. If I'm going to invest a lot of time in a project then I want to use the best yarn I can afford, it really makes a difference!

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    1. Oh there are many reasons.
      1-The array of colors with a "cheaper" yarn is far more than specialty. There is something like 32 colors in RHSS, 26 in Vanna's Choice (my personal favorite) and close to 50 with Lily Cotton. Most high ends have 10 max(at least that I have seen).
      2-The size of skeins-high end yarn comes in MUCH smaller skeins, making it quite expensive to make a blanket or larger piece or something with many colors from only high end yarns. You could easily reach into the hundreds for a blanket whereas I have made gorgeous baby blankets with nothing but red heart that after washing and drying, were just as soft, beautiful and durable as ones made with higher end yarns for around $40.
      3-Most high end yarns are NOT machine washable. Anyone who has children knows that means the piece never gets used or very rarely. While they may be beautiful. having to hand wash sweaters and blankets is not high on the priority list when you have a little one.
      4-Dye lots-there is nothing more irritating than working on a larger piece or a set and not being able to match dye lots.
      5-Durability. While this may not be for all yarns I have had pieces I have made from high end yarns all but fall apart on me. If I make something, I want to use it, I do not want to handle it with kid gloves because the yarn is delicate.
      And these are just the things off the top of my head!

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  53. I love the red heart ss yarns because I always have a rainbow of colors in my stash and if I run out I don't have to worry about dye lots..but it is super scratchy. I always did a good washing to soften things up..recently I started adding a little white vinegar to my laundry. It takes out odors, is a natural fabric softener, removes soap buildup on clothes, and can make colors more vibrant. this last winter I made a slouchy hat and wore it basically every cold day that called for a hat. After washing it throughout the winter, it had started pilling (that fuzzy halo effect that appears after uses or washes). I washed it with white vinegar..and it looks brand new! No fuzz and the colors seem brighter. So I tested it. I washed an afghan my grandma had probably made in the 70s based on the color scheme..it came out looking better than I've ever seen it..not to mention a million times softer. So now, I don't wash anything without a little vinegar..as a softener I use 1/4 to 1/2 cup in laundry with my normal detergent. it is best to add it to the final rinse cycle but if you're like me, you forget. I usually add it at the beginning with the detergent..still works great. This way there's no soaking, hand scrubbing, or extra work.

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  54. Thank you for this. I make hats for Chemo patients and like to make them as soft as possible for new bald and sensitive heads. Now I can save some money while I do it and use a good but cheap yarns.

    Sr

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  55. I have used Red Heart Yarn for over 20 years. I have always washed the item after crocheting with cold water and then a non scented dryer sheet in the dryer. I have never had a problem with the yarn not being soft.....and I have made hundreds of afghans, etc.

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  56. Love all the comments & will try some of these ideas for future projects. There have been times I've shied away from RH due to the softness. I've worked with all yarns mentioned but sometimes the color blend I need, only RH has. So thanks all, now I can go back to just concentration on color combos!!!! Sometimes mixing the yarns give great texture & interest.

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  57. Just another tip a friend of mine gave me and it works like a charm. After finishing your project wash on delicates in your machine and when finished wash it again, as soon as the washing machine stops, only wash it through the entire cycle the second time with liquid fabric softener only and no detergent!!!! All my crocheted blankets are super soft and would be perfect on any new babyies skin!!! My family members are always commenting on how soft their blankets are. My grandson carries his "blankie" everywhere with him, and rubs his nose on it and says he softing his blankie!!! Too cute!!!

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  58. in tennessee, walmart carries "I love this yarn". so check with your walmart it may carry it also.

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  59. Has anyone ever had their yarn colors bleed in the wash? I have just finished a RHSS red, white and blue lapghan and now I want to wash it. It is sort of rough! I'm just afraid the red might mess up my white!

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  60. Thanks for the idea, this is SO awesome!!!

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  61. I wash Red Heart and Hobby Lobby acrylics in the washer and dryer, regular cycle and laundry soap w/ fabric softener. They both turn out beautifully and they are acrylic so the colors don't run! I generally wait to pull in my ends until after I have washed the items though so that the washer doesn't loosen them up and leave little end danglers.

    If you don't live near a Hobby Lobby store, sign up for their online emails at hobbylobby.com. Like Joann.com, they often offer shipping specials at little or no cost. Sometimes you have to spend a minimum amount of money, but not always. Sometimes these sales are flash sales and only last a day or two. But they do offer the sales. As does redheart.com (although they do not have nearly as many sales).

    While working up, the Hobby Lobby yarn will feel softer but after a washing, that and Red Heart will be the same. So, if you're working up something and need to mix and match colors, go for it! With the two brands together, you will have so much of a color selection.

    Also, Hobby Lobby went through a dry spell and their shelves were empty of their own yarns. I asked about this at the store and was told they were looking for a new distributor. I recently asked on their Facebook page about this and was told that they have cleared this up and are working on restocking everything. They will have all of their colors back soon!

    Cindy

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  62. I use Red Heart yarn a lot and like mentioned in the previous comment, regular cycle with regular laundry soap and liquid fabric softener is all I ever do. I have had blankets that were used daily for years before putting them up and then bringing them out to reuse years later and they were still wonderful! After about 15 years, it was beginning to show some use up really close but even still it looked like some yarns that came in kits. Don't let the stiffness of the yarn when working up a project fool you. It is a GREAT yarn and allows me to purchase more yarn to share the projects that I make for others.

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  63. this is why I spin my own yarn from non-felting superwash merino (next to skin soft) wool... or from bamboo.... this is a lot to go thru just to wash the processing chemicals out of RHSS yarn.

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  64. this is an awesome blog about water softeners. this can be used to filter the water. thanks for sharing such an important article with us. all the best. keep on posting
    @Reply

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  65. this is an awesome blog about water softeners. This can be used to filter the waste water. Thanks for sharing such an important article with us. All the best. Keep on posting.

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  66. So Many ways water can be filtered like water softeners ,Waste Water Treatment Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant , Industrial Effluent Treatment Plant. this can be used to filter the water. thanks for sharing such an important article with us. all the best. keep on posting.

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  67. What I say for your blog, it is very mind blowing, outstanding and incredible blog......these patterns are fabulous love them,

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  68. Your recipe can be done with the balls of yarn left in tact. Just loosen them up a bit with your fingers
    before you start the shampoo and conditioner process. After soaking them in the cool water, put them in a netted bag for washing delicates and then throw them in the washer. This way, you are working with nice "soft" yarn for your projects!

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  69. I have read the article there some good news for cotton yarn and cotton yarn supplier & Cotton Yarn Exporter.

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  70. Feels so odd to be commenting on this post so long after it was posted, but I like your method as well. I've never done this but have thought about it more lately as some colors seem worse than others. However, I have made blankets, hats, amigurumi etc. with RHSS and once washed they have been much softer. I am going to be using HLITY for any sales I make and the Red heart for "models" of what I'm selling. My kids end up with the ones I use for listings and they don't mind the yarn as is, they're just happy getting toys.

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    1. I agree! My solid Red Heart colors were okay, but my ombre color was hard and scratchy. A round in the laundry softened it, but it seemed strange to me.

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  71. I have always used Red Heart Super Saver for all my Baby Items. I just wash it in Woolite and add some fabric softener and it comes out super soft

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  72. There was much rejoicing. I'm not going to tell you it rivals the expensive high-end yarns but it does come pretty dang close wonderfull.

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  73. Thank you so much, you are my hero!!! I only can afford RHSS and now I can make soft things!!! :D

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  74. Hi!!!! This is an awesome tip!!! But one question. Any issues with color bleeding particularly reds into white? I sell some Christmas baby hats that mommies have wanted to wash but I have always experienced color bleeding. I would love to make my projects soft before gifting or sellingor using thwthem but I'm afraid with certain colors. Thanks again for the great tip!!!

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    Replies
    1. put some vinegar in when you wash - it will set the colours and use cold water

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  75. I have been using Red Heart Super Saver for decades and have never had complaints about scratchy feeling from anyone. Once you wash and dry the project in the washer with the rest of your laundry - no special detergents or softeners, just what you normally use - it will be soft. If you want to soften before you use it, place skein in leg of panty hose and knot at both ends then send through the wash and dry. Make sure whatever - skein or project - is completely dry before taking it out or it will stretch. I love Red Heart - sturdy, easy to find, inexpensive, lots of colours, great website with lots of free patterns, no dye lots and I could go on. It is my go-to yarn.

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  76. The simplest way to soften rough acrylic yarn is to steam it. Just hold your iron about 1 inch above the item and press the steam button on your iron or steam it with a clothing steamer. It works wonders!

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  77. Red Heart yarn is the number one yarn I use. I'm not sure why people make softening projects so difficult...just wash like normal and add liquid fabric to the wash (I use Swauvel) Dry as normal.

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  78. Thanks for posting. I am just finishing up a rather large blanket for my teen son. I looked at the pattern and the sample looks so snuggle a ble I had to make it for him. We have one fabric store here and they are ripping people off monitarily with no competition, JoAnn;s. But Walmart will order adn send to their local store for no charge if you order from walmart supply not their others. So, Red heart it is. I have been working on this project nonstop for months and as I put it together it is so sctratchy and I am sooo disappointed. I must try this as I have nothing to lose and everything to gein. I so dont want him to not use the item or be dissapointed with it. My whole heart went into making this for him. Thank you so much for this tidbit of info. Great luck with your child tooo. Sincerely, Joe L

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    1. I've had good luck with washing my items made from red heart in the washer on warm with non-linty materials and my regular detergent then drying on low/med (no dryer sheets or anything like that)

      Delete
  79. Thank YOU sooo much for this idea!!!! I have been looking for a way to soften the Red Heart yarn. I have made a few adorable blankets for my grandchildren and haven't finished them yet because I was so disappointed with the texture. The only reason I bought the yarn was for the colors. Now, I am going to finish the blankets, soften them and finally give them to my grandchildren. Again, Thank YOU so much, I can't express enough how much I appreciate it!

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  80. First off, thank you for this post! I used red heart back in the'70s, and had no problems with stiffness or scratchy projects. So, Since I used Red Heart years ago I assumed Red Heart was Red Heart, and ordered a ton of Super Saver. I mean a TON! It was on Cyber Monday. When it arrived I was ecstatic at the colors and big skeins of yarn! I think I got the Economy Size. I reached in to remove a skein from its bag, and the feel of that stuff almost hurt my sensitive hands. I have fibronyalgia, among other, more debilitating illnesses, and your skin can't bear certain things. I get broken blood vessels from bandaids and medical tape now. It hurts! When I was making scarfs and shawls with this really abrasive to the nerves yarn, I got spots on my fingers that felt like slivers or stickers. My two shawls don't know the meaning of the word "drape". And my two scarves give me a rash. I have so many skeins of unused Read Heart Super Saver sitting in two big laundry baskets. I considered them to be rejects, until now. I've been stuck with it, not knowing it wouldnt be as luxurious as my Caron Simply Soft, and Premiere Ever Soft. I had not found any place online that even mentioned if this stuff could be softened up. I am very limited on my resources, and can't afford expensive yarn. Period. So, if I can soften up this Red Heart Super Saver I'm ecstatic! I will be able to get my favorite colors in the line to go with the Caron Simply Soft, and my Premiere Ever Soft faves! Your tips here are so important! Thank you SO much!

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  81. I made a very large rainbow blanket out of Red Heart yarn. I threw it in the washer with Downy fabric softner then in the dryer...no soap products, etc. It came out very soft. I didn't have to shape it or anything.

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  82. I have used RH yarn and other "cheap" yarns for 40 years. Still have some of the sweaters and afghans. They have been machine washed and dried many, many times and are still great. The dyes for the different colors often make the yarn stiffer until the item is washed. If I used only expensive yarns I would knit and crochet a lot less.

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  83. to soften the yarn BEFORE you crochet your project, remove the label(s) and place each skein in the leg of a pair of pantyhose or knee high nylons. then use your technique or run thru the washer and dryer with lots of fabric softener added. if you don't put the skein in the nylons, you'll have a tangled mess and will curse high and low. so, be sure to contain your yarn in the skein before you begin the water bath process to soften. works great!
    jd in st louis

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  84. Love your finished project! It looks great!

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  85. What do u mean when u say block it?

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  86. You are a life saver!

    I'm just finishing up a scarf I made for my dad, and I had no idea how to soften this stupid Super Saver yarn. It was the only blue I had on hand, and it's so stiff compared to the baby-soft, heck knows what brand it is yellow yarn I'm using with it.

    Thank you thank you thank you for this post!

    Also, adorable blankie! I might make one for my friend's little one.

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  87. Just so you know (and sorry if one of the other 150 people already mentioned it) but acrylic is plastic - the heat of the washing machine and dryer will soften up Red Heart (and any other brand of acrylic) yarn without wasting time and money on shampoo and conditioner - both products that are designed to be absorbed by protein based fibre/hair - such as hair, wool, and other animal coats. It won't soak into plastic - otherwise, it couldn't be contained in a plastic bottle!

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  88. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  89. Just wanted to advise any of you, if it matters, Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn is made in Turkey. Red Heart is still trying to make yarn in the US, as far as I know.

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    Replies
    1. Yes! Red Heart IS still American made! One of the main reasons why I buy it instead of other brands! Those skeins we purchase mean someone somewhere still has a job in THIS country!

      Steam your project with an iron, or use heat from your dryer to best soften the acrylic.

      Delete
  90. I've also found that if I launder my project, stop my washer in the rinse cycle & allow it to soak with liquid fabric softener at double strength, this works well to soften RHSS. Tumble dry on low as the directions state & remove the item before it's completely dry. I made blankets for my own grandbabies using this method. Soft & warm, getting softer with use.

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  91. You don't have to go through so many steps though. :). I put mine in the gentle cycle on warm with both a cheap conditioner and fabric softener, run it through the wash then put in dryer on air dry or fluff. Useing fabric softener sheets will add to your softness.
    You should wash your items anyhow to get all the stuff out from the process of making it, even more so for children's items so it's not a extra step as others have said.

    You can also wash your yarn before working with it so it's not scratchy on your hands. ;)
    Take the paper off the skein, and very gently loosing it up just a bit by put lying your fingers in it and moving them around just a bit, (you can skip this step though), place your skien into a pice of nylon panty hose, tie both ends so that the skein in incased in it tightly. You can do severel of the same colors at once or mix it up. (I do not recommend putting reds or dark blues/blacks in with white though.)
    Put them in the washer on gentle with farcical softener or conditioner or both, and was on gentle and a short cycle. Once they are done leave in the stocking and put in the dryer on fluff or air dry with cool or very warm heat to dry them. Check them by putting your hand in the center of skein to see if they have dried, if still a little damp keep drying or fluff the skein up a little and air dry over night the rest of the way.
    They will be very soft and easy to work with and will not tangle in the laundry, but they have to be put in the nylon house or other garment bag and very tight around the skein.

    I have done these countless times.
    I inherited all of my grannies yarn and she was a heavy smoker, well after she pays away I wanted to finish all of the items she was making for Christmas and give them to the family. (She had past away before doing them all.) As you could imagine they were dingy and smelled of smoke. I thought it was all a loss... I done the above with the panty hose, sprayed them with smoke out, and many other cleaners and they came out better than new so I got on YouTube and other places to teach myself to crochet. It all smelled nice and was oh do soft. She had yarn from the 70s!!!
    All the kids and grandkids got their grannies gifts after all and had a very memorable Christmas.


    I hope this helps some of you to give read heart another chance by softening it before you use it. :)
    Be blessed!!

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  92. I just finished an infinity scarf using super saver yarn and used your softening method and it feels great!! It doesn't feel scratchy at all! This tutorial helped me realize that I can use lol the yarn I have and still have a good end product

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  93. I made a scarf for my granddaughter out of Red Heart and I washed it then used Downy fabric softener, and it turned out really soft. I'll have to try the shampoo and conditioner next time!

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  94. I used to do this until I found a simpler way to do it...I Wash the finished project the normal way and just add 1/8 cup vinegar to the wash and replace fabric softener in the rinse with vinegar then dry on low heat in the dryer...

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  95. That's a lot of work! I make many things with Super Saver. When it's done I throw it in the washing machine, then in the dryer with a dryer softener sheet. They come out super soft!

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  96. What do I do if I don't have a dryer?

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    1. You can lay it out flat to dry. If stretching is not an issue (although it usually is), you can drape the item over your shower curtain rod. Just be sure to run a damp cloth along the rod first to remove any d that might be hiding up there.

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  97. I have Caron United yarn that I order from Wal-Mart. It is great to use and I am going to try the softening methods with it. A certain amount of the price goes to help children of fallen heroes go to college. The colors are beautiful.

    Thanks for the tips everyone!
    Ann

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  98. So sweet of you to share your softening method. I would have never thought of using shampoo and conditioner on yarn. But I did want to let you know that I measure out one full cap of Downy fabric softener into the dispenser on my front loading machine and the knit or crocheted item comes out just as soft as can be. I use the big cap, the pink one, from the Downy bottle. I'm sure any other brand of fabric softener would work equally as well. (BTW - I can't afford to shop at HL. It's Joann's for me unless I am ordering a specialty yarn.)

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  99. The only thing I do to pull out the sizing in the Red Heart yarn is to put it in the dryer for 10-15 minutes after the project is complete. Works every time.

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  100. Hi, love this and just had one question. ..would this still work if air dryed? My dryer is on the fritz at the moment but really need to soften something, thank you in advance! :)

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  101. Hi, love this and just had one question. ..would this still work if air dryed? My dryer is on the fritz at the moment but really need to soften something, thank you in advance! :)

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  102. You don't have to go to all that trouble. Just wash it. The same way you would wash everything else. That takes out the sizing. Use softener or fabric sheet.

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  103. I did this and it didn't make it softer at all. It just stretched it out a little bit.

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  104. you can also use the "blocking" technique. you leave your blanket, scarf...etc.. lightly damp. then, using a piece of cotton over the top of your piece ( i used a pillow case) you can iron it on the cotton/wool setting. it releases the acrylics, and poof! instant soft blanket. i use this technique when i am blocking my granny squares to make them the same size. i have a square the size the block should be, and i iron the damp block, lightly pulling it to the edges of the square and pining it until it cools. helps make theblocks the same size :)

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  105. If you are crocheting for Ill children and or premmies, they specifically request that you NOT soften the yarn, as many of the children have allergies.

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  106. A quick tip for softening some hard yarns or t-shirt yarns, and t-shirts, too!!!
    Get a 5 gallon bucket. Add about 3 gallons of hot water. Disolve about 4-6 cups of salt into the water. Let it cool completely to avoid heat shrinking the yarn.
    Add in your items and soak them for a few (3) days. (Yes, days.) Wash them as normally directed, and they're uber soft. I do this with new, stiff fabric shirts and khaki pants to soften them up. They feel like a years-old favourite, even when brand new, and there is no potential for staining from oil-based softeners.

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  107. I have a knit scarf made from Red Heart yarn in the washer. Even after shampooing it, it felt so much softer! I think this scarf is going to be one of my favorites because of this softening process. Thank you so much!

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  108. Have you tried cold water Woolite? Delicate cycle, low heat? Works great for me! Less hassle and comes out soft. I will definitely use this idea of shampoo and conditioner, when I'm out of Woolite and need something washed right away. Great idea! Thanks!

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  109. Forgot to mention, that I use nothing but Red Heart yarn.

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  110. Want to add my 2 cents worth: I use Red Heart Super Saver ALL the time. The "hand" (softness, scratchiness)seems to vary by color. That being said, when I get a really coarse feeling skein, I work up the project, and if it's flat (or nearly flat, like scarf, hat, afghan, etc), try a steam iron. DO NOT TOUCH THE IRON TO THE YARN, as it may well melt! But hover your steam iron over the project (if your iron has "burst of steam", that really works well) and let the steam do the work for you. Comes out soft as butter! I do this all the time! Just WOOSH, and it's soft as soft can be!

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  111. I just adapted this to soften a queen size blanket I crocheted. It was a different brand of yarn, but it worked beautifully. I just mixed the shampoo in cold water in the bathtub and then the same with the conditioner. I let it sit in the tub after until it was drained enough to pick it up and take it to the washer.

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  112. My mother crocheted afghans for all of her 30-something grandchildren, including my 5. She used Red Heart Super Saver for all of them. I just washed my kids' afghans on a gentle cycle using regular laundry detergent and Downy in the rinse. That was enough to soften them. I'm guessing it's much the same as laundering clothes before wearing or fabric before sewing. It removes the 'sizing' that's often added to fabric. I've also seen blog posts where people have put the full skeins of yarn into a lingerie bag and run them through the wash. That gives the yarn a softer feel to work with.

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    Replies
    1. Don't you feel a little salty when you hear people trashing Red Heart? I know I do. LOL

      Delete
  113. Hobby Lobby isn't a hate group. They have the right to say no to anything that doesn't line up with what God says. God makes the rules. We don'tm

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  114. Exactly why I refuse to do business with Hobby Lobby. And, no, Jean, God doesn't make the rules, WE do, as a nation, and as a nation, we have chosen NOT to force childbirth onto women. Hobby Lobby got lucky because the SCOTUS has leaned farther and farther Right in recent years, that's all. They will NOT get a penny of my money, ever.

    IMO, the best source of cheap yarn I've found is old sweaters at flea markets. The second best is Red Heart. Yeah, a little scratchy when you're first working with it, but this article is one of several methods of softening it - I think the most effective is steaming it with an iron (known as killing it - don't yell at me, I didn't name it), just a quick search will get you plenty of how-to's.

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  115. Just a warning to anyone that is working with a yarn or color that may run, to wash it first in cold water with at least a cup of vinegar. Vinegar will help to set the dye and keep it from running and ruining all your hard work. I wash all my new projects, new clothing, etc. in cold water and vinegar for the first time to make sure the colors don't run and damage the item and break someone's heart.

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    ReplyDelete
  117. I click on the link above that says Etsy and it directed me to your shop.
    Their I did not see the pattern for this. You said you were going to make and post a pattern $2.40 Where is the pattern? I was going to buy it. I would buy the pattern if I can get a direct link to the PDF pattern for this soft yarn idea you came up with.

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  118. I rarely use anything but Red Heart yarn. It is tried and true, holds up to years of use and will ensure that you can pass your beloved projects on down the line. It was certainly good enough for our grandmothers.

    That being said, I am excited to try this method as I just finished a christmas blanket for my granddaughter and it's not quite soft enough (:

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  119. I want to thank you for the softening idea! I wouldn't have thought of shampoo & conditioner. My yarn is old stuff and is really scratchy (and probably itchy) so I'll be able to still use it for wearables like hats & mittens and know the receiver will wear in comfort.

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  120. Only the super quality balls and skeins of yarn are passed and sold to the public. stickning

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  121. Thank you for such a well written article. It’s full of insightful information and entertaining descriptions. Your point of view is the best among many. Cursos gratis

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  122. What setting should I use on the dryer? I don't want to accidentally melt my project. I have a niece on the way and all of my yarn was donated, I don't want to ruin it.

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  123. Carey A. Bligard MDJanuary 1, 2024 at 2:27 PM

    DO NOT use fabric softener on anything that will be touching skin, especially for babies, who have a much thinner stratum corneum, which is the outer layer of skin which prevents chemicals (natural or otherwise) from getting through your skin and, sometimes, into your blood stream. Both the fabric softener itself AND the fragrance are allergenic and are among the most allergy causing chemicals there are. In addition, it takes 3 months of regular wear and washing to remove the chemicals from any fiber/fabric. If you did a survey among dermatologists you would get 100% of them voting AGAINST using fabric softener (unless they are trying to drum up patients!). The only purpose I would recommend using fabric softener sheets or the added fragrance that you can buy to make your clothes stink even more than just fabric softener is to repel mice...it works pretty well for that...

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  124. The best way to soften fabric is to put clothes in the dryer after washing. It will only take a few minutes, just long enough to warm the fabric up, to soften the fabric and remove wrinkles. The problem with doing this with acrylic yarn is that it can cause pilling. If you do this you may need to shave off the pills after you make the article, but maybe one drying wouldn't be enough to cause significant pilling. I never us Red Heart yarn because they are all really scratchy. This is especially important if you are making things for people who have eczema/atopic dermatitis and have itchy, sensitive skin.

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  125. How much sport wt yarn to make a womans cardigan


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