Stop endless fluff & shedding from a second-hand machine-made scarf

February 16, 2018 2:33 PM

This great thrift shop score could be my new best friend. It's very soft--label says "100% wool," maybe mohair, could be alpaca. It's got a slightly open weave. It sheds like a Persian cat. I'm a complete illiterate in the ways of laundry, much less wool care. Any way I can decrease this tendency? Wash it? Shave it? Some magic liquid?
posted by Jesse the K to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (11 answers total)

I'm no scarf expert, but I think that's missing a seam. Like, the end should have something to stop the whole damn thing from falling apart, but it doesn't seem to. Maybe it was cut down from something longer?
posted by SaltySalticid at 3:32 PM on February 16, 2018

That is absolutely missing a seam. Probably someone removed a trim they liked or didn’t like.

A tailor or a friend with a sewing machine can help.

It may still shed a bit after that though.
posted by vunder at 3:37 PM on February 16, 2018 [1 favorite]

I would add a light silk backing. This provides a seam + makes a side that won't shed on your clothes!
posted by jbenben at 4:02 PM on February 16, 2018 [1 favorite]

I was all set to give you hand washing instructions, but you shouldn't wash it until you have put a hem or backing onto it, since it might make it fall apart more.
posted by Lycaste at 4:37 PM on February 16, 2018

Best answer: I've always heard that you can limit the shedding by putting the item in the freezer for about 30 minutes before wearing it. I am blissfully unaware of the scientific basis for this, if there is one, but it seemed to work for an angora sweater I had many years ago.
posted by DrGail at 5:23 PM on February 16, 2018 [2 favorites]

I have a vintage mohair or angora shawl that has the same unfinished edge on both ends. Very soft and warm and it sheds. You could address unraveling with some trim.
posted by theora55 at 8:01 PM on February 16, 2018 [1 favorite]

Agreed that you need to back it, hem it, and then put it in the dryer on air dry with a couple tennis balls.
posted by BlueHorse at 9:03 PM on February 16, 2018

DO NOT put it in the dryer, unless you would like a much smaller scarf. The heat and agitation from the dryer (and possible tennis balls) will felt your lovel scarf, shrinking it and making the fabric more dense. I would hand wash it, pluck it from the rinse water, roll it in a towel to remove excess water and hang it to dry.
posted by sarajane at 3:53 AM on February 17, 2018 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks all! I'll start with freezing and see what happens next.
posted by Jesse the K at 8:13 AM on February 18, 2018

Just so you know: wool is from sheep, mohair is from goats, alpaca is obviously from alpacas. If it says 100% wool, it's from a sheep. That should help you choose how to take care of it.
posted by fiercecupcake at 3:55 PM on February 18, 2018

...put it in the dryer on air dry...

Air dry is blowing room temp air, not heat.

Although I do agree with SaraJane, you *don't* want to heat it, and you don't want to tumble it too long because of the possibility of felting. You could try vacuuming it instead.
posted by BlueHorse at 7:58 PM on February 18, 2018