Margaret’s

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Since 1953

The Secret to Long-Lasting Knits: Margaret’s Blocking

Close Up Images Of Orange Cable Knit Fabric; The Left Shows A Small Hole, While The Right Displays An Intact Area With A Loose White Thread—perfect For Illustrating Knit Restoration Or Tips On Making Knits Last.Fine knitwear is an investment in style and comfort. Whether it’s a classic St. John suit, a buttery-soft Loro Piana cashmere sweater, or a contemporary piece from TSE, these garments are more than just clothing—they are wearable art.

However, all knits face a common enemy: time. Due to their construction, knits naturally distort, sag, and lose their shape as they are worn. If your favorite sweater looks tired or stretched out, it hasn’t reached the end of its life—it just needs the “Margaret’s Touch.”

A Heritage of Excellence in La Jolla

The story of Margaret’s the Couture Cleaner began in 1953. Our founder, Margaret Clutter, became a household name in the La Jolla community for her uncanny ability to take sagging, shapeless knit garments and restore their youthful vitality. Today, we carry that legacy forward as the nation’s premier couture cleaner, combining mid-century craftsmanship with modern technology.

What is Knit Blocking?

A Woman Uses An Iron To Press A Navy Blue Shirt On An Ironing Board In A Laundry Or Textile Workspace.

Unlike standard dry cleaning, which can sometimes aggravate stretching, Margaret’s Knit Blocking Service is a precision process. We “lock” the garment’s intended dimensions back into the fibers.

Every time you trust us with your knits, they undergo a rigorous restoration process:
  • Precision Measurement: We document the garment’s ideal dimensions before cleaning.
  • Expert Blocking: We use specialized techniques to reshape the knit to its original silhouette.
  • De-Pilling: We gently remove surface fuzz and pills, restoring the fabric’s smooth hand feel.
  • Folded Storage: To prevent “hanger bumps” and further gravity-based stretching, most knits are returned to you expertly folded flat.

A Steam Coming Out Of A Ironing Board.

A Woman Uses A Steam Iron To Press A Purple Garment On An Ironing Board In A Workspace With Sewing Equipment In The Background.

Exclusive Protection: The Margaret’s Sweater Bag

A Folded Pastel Argyle Sweater, Fresh From Knit Restoration, Is Packaged In A Clear Plastic Zippered Bag With A "margaret's Cleaner" Label On The Bottom Right Corner.

Preservation doesn’t end when you leave our store. Every expert knit service includes Margaret’s exclusive breathable sweater storage bag. Designed specifically for fine natural fibers, this bag prevents mold, mildew, and moth damage, ensuring your investment stays pristine in your closet.

Expert Repairs: Reknitting & Reweaving

A Mannequin Draped In A Pink Paisley Patterned Fabric With Green And Black Details; One Area Shows Visible White Thread Mending.

Close Up Of A Fabric With An Intricate Paisley And Floral Pattern In Pink, Black, And Gold Tones.

A Patterned Shawl With Pink, Purple, And Beige Paisley Designs Is Draped Over A Mannequin Against A Neutral Background.

Accidents happen—a snagged thread or a small hole doesn’t have to mean the end of your garment. We specialize in the “invisible” arts of:

  • Mending & Reknitting: Repairing structural damage to the knit pattern.
  • Reweaving: Meticulously restoring the fabric of fine wovens and knits.
  • Extensive Alterations: Need your St. John knits resized? Our artisans specialize in reworking high-end knitwear for a perfect, updated fit.
A Blue Knit Sweater With Several Small Holes And One Larger Tear Near The Bottom Hem, Displayed On A Mannequin.
Close Up Of A Blue Knit Garment Draped Over A White Mannequin, Showing Fabric Texture And A Small Visible Clothing Tag At The Bottom Edge.

Close Up Of A Reddish Brown Woven Fabric With Visible Loose Threads And Slight Fraying Along The Edge.

A Close Up Of An Orange Textured Woven Blanket Draped Over The Back Of A Light Colored Chair.

A Close Up Of An Orange Woven Fabric With A Small Hole In The Center And Fringed Edges At The Bottom.

Close Up Of A Textured Orange Fabric With A Visibly Mended Patch In The Center, Showing A Different Stitching Pattern From The Surrounding Material.

A Mannequin Draped With A Textured, Burnt Orange Woven Shawl Featuring Fringed Edges, Set Against A Plain Gray Background.

Experience the Couture Difference

Don’t let your luxury knits lose their shape. Trust the experts who have been the gold standard since 1953. Whether you are local to San Diego, Newport Beach, or Los Angeles, or you wish to use our nationwide CleanByMail service, Margaret’s is here to preserve your wardrobe.

Ready to restore your favorites? Visit us at www.margarets.com to learn more about our Knit Blocking and Repair Services or to schedule a pickup.