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Posted by Bethan on Apr 03, 2025
Your fishermans jumper is more than just a warm layer—it’s a classic piece of knitwear that deserves proper care. Whether you’ve got an old favourite or just picked up a brand-new fishermans knit jumper, learning how to wash it the right way will help it last for years.
Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can keep your jumper looking great without ruining it.
Why Proper Care Matters
Wool jumpers—especially thick, heavy knit ones like a traditional fisherman’s jumper—need gentle care. Regular machine washing or rough handling can cause shrinking, stretching, pilling, or even holes. But don’t worry—it’s not hard to do things the right way.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Your Fisherman's Jumper
1. Pre-Soak for a Gentle Clean
Before washing, soak your jumper in lukewarm (not hot!) water mixed with a mild detergent like Woolite. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes—or overnight if it’s heavily soiled.
Tip: Always turn your jumper inside out to protect the outer knit.
2. Hand-Wash Only – No Machines!
After soaking, gently move the jumper around in the water. Don’t rub, wring, or twist it—wool is delicate when wet. Rinse it with cool water until the soap is gone.
3. Press, Don’t Squeeze
Once clean, press out the water—don’t wring it! Lay the jumper flat on a towel, roll it up, and gently press to remove moisture.
Drying It Properly
Lay Flat & Reshape
Lay your damp jumper on a flat drying rack or towel, then gently pull it back into shape. Pay attention to the sleeves, neckline, and hem.
Avoid: Hanging your jumper—it'll stretch and lose its shape.
Speeding Up Drying
Use good air circulation. Place the drying rack near a breezy spot, but not near direct heat like radiators or sunlight.
Removing Stains Without Damage
Spot Clean First
Got a stain? Dab it with cold water and a small bit of gentle soap. Let it soak before washing the whole jumper. For tough stains, you can use a stain remover bar—but go gentle and don’t rub hard.
Say Goodbye to Fluff & Fuzz (De-Pilling)
Pilling (those annoying little bobbles) happens naturally with wear. Luckily, there are ways to remove them safely:
- Use a sweater stone, disposable razor, or battery-operated lint shaver
- Gently shave off pills without pressing too hard
- Brush away the leftover fuzz with a soft clothes brush
Tip: Do this regularly while watching telly!
How to Store Your Jumper
To keep your fishermans knit jumper looking fresh during off-season:
- Fold it neatly—don’t hang it!
- Use a cotton or linen bag if storing for a long time
- Add a lavender sachet to keep it smelling fresh and moth-free
- Keep it in a drawer or on a shelf away from damp spots
Can I Machine Wash My Fisherman’s Jumper?
Short answer: No. Even on a gentle or wool cycle, machine washing can damage the delicate wool fibres and ruin the shape. Stick with hand washing for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your fishermans jumper isn’t complicated—it just takes a bit of care. With the right washing, drying, and storage routine, you’ll keep your fishermans knit jumper warm, soft, and stylish for many winters to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my wool fisherman's jumper in the washing machine?
It's best to avoid the washing machine unless it has a wool or hand-wash cycle with cold water. Standard settings can shrink or damage the fibres.
Tip: Always check the care label—if in doubt, hand washing is safest.
Can you machine wash a 100% wool fisherman's sweater?
Only if your machine has a dedicated wool or hand-wash cycle and you use a wool-friendly detergent. Otherwise, it’s risky and could cause shrinkage or the fibres mat together.
Tip: Place the jumper in a mesh laundry bag to reduce agitation.
Will my wool jumper shrink if I wash it?
Yes—if you use hot water or agitate it too much, wool can shrink significantly.
Tip: Keep the water cool and avoid twisting or wringing the jumper.
How should I dry my wool jumper after washing?
Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel away from direct heat or sunlight. Hanging it will stretch it out of shape.
Tip: Roll it in a towel to gently press out excess water before laying it flat.
Is it better to hand-wash or dry clean a wool fisherman's jumper?
Hand-washing is gentler and often better for preserving natural wool oils, unless the label says "Dry clean only."
Tip: Use a mild wool detergent and avoid soaking too long.
