How to Care for Your Martha Thick Sweater

By Brandy Melville Canada | Published: 2026-10-28

Category: Tips & Care

Learn the best way to wash, dry, and store your Martha Thick Sweater. Keep its wool blend soft, prevent pilling, and make it last for years.

Quick Answer

Hand wash your Martha Thick Sweater in cold water with a gentle wool detergent, then lay it flat to dry. Avoid wringing and hanging to prevent stretching and damage.

Why Gentle Care Matters

The Martha Thick Sweater is made from a heavy cable knit with 80% wool and 20% polyamide. Wool is naturally durable but also delicate—hot water, harsh agitation, and rough drying can cause shrinking, felting, and misshaping. The polyamide adds strength and helps the sweater hold its shape, but it still needs a gentle touch.

Because it's an oversized crewneck with ribbed trim, proper care helps maintain that relaxed fit and the crispness of the cable pattern. Rushing through washing or drying can lead to a stretched-out neckline or uneven shoulders.

What to Avoid

Skip the washing machine and dryer entirely. Even a gentle cycle can cause friction that leads to pilling, and the heat of a dryer can shrink wool beyond repair. Also avoid hanging the sweater when wet—the weight of the water will pull it out of shape.

Don't use regular laundry detergent. Standard detergents contain enzymes that can break down wool fibers. Instead, choose a detergent specifically labeled for wool or delicates.

Step-by-Step Care Routine

Pre-treat stains: Spot-clean any stains with a small amount of wool-safe detergent and lukewarm water. Gently dab with a soft cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward. Avoid rubbing, which can push the stain deeper into the fibers. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Hand wash in cold water: Fill a clean basin or sink with cold water and add a gentle wool detergent. Submerge the sweater and gently squeeze it—do not scrub or twist. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. Never use hot water; it can cause wool to shrink or felt.
Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the sweater out of the water and press it gently against the side of the basin to release water. Then roll it in a clean, dry towel, pressing to absorb moisture. Repeat with a second towel if needed. Do not wring or twist the sweater. Wringing can distort the knit and cause the sweater to lose its shape.
Dry flat on a towel: Lay the sweater flat on a dry, clean towel or a drying rack. Reshape it gently to its original dimensions, paying attention to the ribbed cuffs and hem. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Allow it to dry completely, which may take 24 hours or more. Never hang a wet wool sweater—gravity will stretch it out.
Store folded, not hung: Once fully dry, fold the sweater and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. If you must hang it, use a padded hanger and fold it over the hanger to avoid shoulder bumps. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from moths and direct light. Hanging can permanently stretch the shoulders and neckline.
Remove pilling with a fabric comb: If pilling appears, use a fabric comb or a sweater stone to gently remove the fuzz. Work in one direction, using light pressure to avoid damaging the knit. Do this only when the sweater is dry and flat. Pilling is normal for wool—removing it regularly keeps the sweater looking fresh.

About Your Sweater

Martha Thick Sweater: Made from 80% wool and 20% polyamide with a heavy cable knit. The wool blend gives warmth and breathability, while the polyamide adds strength—but the wool content means you must use cold water and gentle handling to prevent shrinkage.
Martha Thick Sweater