We're big fans of natural fibres (they're one of the things that makes our knits so soft and cosy to wear). But keeping jumpers and cardigans soft and beautiful takes effort. Follow these steps to keep yours looking lovely for years to come.

PILLING

Wondering how to get rid of bobbles on jumpers? Pilling is quite normal and doesn't mean your jumper is poor quality. In most cases, those tiny bobbles of fluff are caused by friction, but washing can help to keep them at bay. Before you put your jumper in the wash, we recommend using a pilling comb (or jumper debobbler) to de-pill your knitwear of those bobbles. Following the length of the garment, draw the comb gently but firmly over the affected area. Once they are removed, wash as instructed. Follow this ritual and you should find your knitwear is bobble-free for life.

SHEDDING

Pets do it, but jumpers? Yep. Certain natural fibres such as mohair, alpaca and cashmere have a tendency to shed the first few times you wear them. To prevent excess shedding, use a lint brush or roller to frequently remove any stray hair from your garment.

HOW TO WASH KNITWEAR

Always follow the care label for washing instructions. Always use a delicate laundry liquid and never bleach, as this will break down the fibres. Treat stains with liquid detergent. Never rub, as this will encourage pilling. Re-shape the garment while damp, taking special care as wet knitwear fibres can stretch out of shape. Dry flat, away from sunlight or direct heat sources. Never tumble dry knitwear. Once dry, press lightly on the reverse side with a cool iron.

MACHINE WASH

Following the general washing instructions. Ensure you select the correct setting on your machine as stated on the care label. Always select the correct temperature so the garment keeps its shape and appearance. Wash inside out. This helps prevent friction against other garments in the washing machine and reduces pilling. Remove from the washing machine immediately after the washing cycle has ended.

HAND WASH

Following the general washing instructions. Wash in cool water with a delicate laundry liquid. Never soak wool as this may cause your knitwear to shrink. Gently squish the water through the fabric. Don't rub, wring or stretch the garment. Rinse thoroughly in clean cool water using the same squishing action until the water is clear. Gently squeeze out excess water (alternatively, use the shortest, most delicate spin in the washing machine), taking care not to stretch your garment.

DRY CLEANING

We know it's a pain, so we try not to use 'dry cleaning only' care instructions in our garments unless it's absolutely necessary. But occasionally some garments just can't be cleaned any other way. This may be due to the size of the garment or the type of knit structure. Dry cleaning is also the best way to deal with stains that washing cannot remove.

HOW TO STORE KNITWEAR

The best way to store your knitwear is to fold and keep it flat, as this will help to keep its shape. Always store clean garments in cool, dry places. Moths aren't so much attracted to the fibre, but to stains, perspiration or body oils on a garment.