Care for Cashmere

1. Choose your yarn and needle. Thread your needle by hand or use a needle threader. Decide on the shape and size of your darn. It should cover the hole and worn areas, extending at least three stitches and three rows beyond the damaged area.

2. Start in the lower-right corner. Insert your needle a little outside the area you want to darn and leave the tail loose – no knots! You will secure it later. 3. Work from right to left in horizontal rows. Go down and up through the knit, taking up one or several knit stitches at a time.

4. At the end of each row, move up one row diagonally. This creates staggered lines of stitches, which helps distribute the thread evenly throughout the darn and secure the knitted stitches.

5. When you reach the hole, carry the thread loosely across and continue the staggered pattern on the other side. Continue a few rows beyond the hole. If you run out of thread, leave the tail loose and start with a new thread in the same way.

6. Time to weave. Use the same colour or introduce a contrasting colour. Bring your needle up one row below the loose threads. Weave over and under, picking up every other thread.

7. At the end of the row, turn diagonally and weave back in the opposite pattern. If you prefer, turn your work 90° and continue. 8. Gently push the woven threads down as you weave, and try not to split the yarn.

9. When finished, turn your work over to secure the ends on the back. 10. Weave the loose ends through a few stitches on the back, then work backwards through two or three stitches. Keep them within the darned area if possible. Snip off the ends.

11. Almost done! Even out the tension. Gently steam the darn to settle the stitches.

Air Rather Than Wash

Cashmere often only needs airing between wears to stay fresh.

Wash With Care

Hand wash or use a delicate wool cycle with a detergent designed for wool and cashmere.

Dry Flat

Lay garments flat to dry naturally to help maintain their shape.

Store Properly

Fold cashmere instead of hanging it and store it in a cool, dry place.

Remove Pilling Gently

Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to keep knitwear looking its best.

Repair and Refresh

Small repairs and regular maintenance can help extend the life of a favourite cashmere piece for years to come.