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Scratchy knitwear

(11 Posts)
Claretjan Tue 12-Aug-25 16:04:23

I wonder if anyone can help. My granddaughter starts school next week and the cardigans (part of the uniform) are quite scratchy. She has quite sensitive skin and says they are itchy. I have tried soaking them in vinegar and water and tumble drying them. Is there anything else I can try? They are acrylic and the instructions say do not use conditioner and do not iron. Thank you.

Bazza Tue 12-Aug-25 16:22:16

I’m guessing when it’s colder she will be wearing a long sleeved shirt but while it’s still warm I’m afraid I have no suggestions. What colour is it? Does it have to be bought in a school shop? If not, and the colour isn’t too off the wall perhaps you could source a cotton one. Or two, which will probably be expensive. I hope she has a lovely time.

Claretjan Tue 12-Aug-25 16:54:59

Thanks Bazza. I'm afraid it has the school logo on it so there's no alternative. A cotton sweatshirt would be better!

Ilovedogs22 Tue 12-Aug-25 17:12:13

My Mother was the Queen of making itchy, scratchy jumpers for myself & my brood! I would smile and say how lovely they were, before rinsing them for a while in cool water and white vinegar, followed by a little soak in a good fabric conditioner. 🙂

Bazza Tue 12-Aug-25 18:30:30

If you’re reasonably handy with a needle, could you make a thin cotton lining for the scratchy sleeves just lightly stitching it in place?

valdavi Tue 12-Aug-25 18:58:20

I'd just email the school too, as lots of children have sensitive skin & she's almost certainly not the only one finding them scratchy.
It doesn't have to sound like a complaint, just informing them of something they could potentially help with by changing suppliers / fabric.

Claretjan Tue 12-Aug-25 20:26:49

Ilovedogs22

My Mother was the Queen of making itchy, scratchy jumpers for myself & my brood! I would smile and say how lovely they were, before rinsing them for a while in cool water and white vinegar, followed by a little soak in a good fabric conditioner. 🙂

Yes my mum too! Have done the water/vinegar thing. Although it says not to use fabric conditioner I might give it a go.

Claretjan Tue 12-Aug-25 20:28:49

Bazza

If you’re reasonably handy with a needle, could you make a thin cotton lining for the scratchy sleeves just lightly stitching it in place?

Handy with a needle? I can barely thread one! It's a pity my mum's not around as she would have done that.

Claretjan Tue 12-Aug-25 20:32:23

valdavi

I'd just email the school too, as lots of children have sensitive skin & she's almost certainly not the only one finding them scratchy.
It doesn't have to sound like a complaint, just informing them of something they could potentially help with by changing suppliers / fabric.

Yes I agree there must be other children in the same boat. I'm going to suggest to my daughter that she should contact the school.

JackyB Wed 13-Aug-25 09:15:22

I would have said just ignore the washing instructions and try a conditioner, as you say in your post above. Also try pressing very gently on the inside with a damp cloth. Try that out first on a small patch though, as it might make the fabric go limp.

Hope the school let you find a solution that suits all.

Claretjan Wed 13-Aug-25 15:04:43

Thanks Jacky will try the damp cloth suggestion.