How to Fix a Sweater That Has Shrunk
When your sweater has shrunk more than a size or two, you might as well cut off the arms and use it to keep Fluffy warm next winter. But if your sweater has become just a bit too snug, try these steps to return it to its original size. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Mix 2 tbsp. baby shampoo into a sink full of warm water. The shampoo will relax natural fibers like wool.
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Soak the sweater in the shampoo-and-water mixture for 15 minutes.
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Without rinsing the sweater, take it out of the soapy water and roll it in a towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
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Spread the sweater onto a large corkboard, pulling it into the size and shape you want. Fasten the sweater to the corkboard using pins, being careful not to snag the sweater.
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Return to the sweater every several hours, restretching and repinning it as necessary, until the sweater is dry.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid shrinkage in the first place, don't machine-wash your sweater unless the label specifically says you can. Even if you use cold water, the agitation may cause the sweater to shrink.
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Comments
View all 6 Comments-
ariagia
Jun 17, 2007
MY FATHER ALWAYS GENTLY STRETCHES MY SWEATERS BY STEAMING THEM. He does it so well that they come out looking better than the original! -
ariagia
Jun 17, 2007
Stretching sweater fabric gently while steaming it with an iron works, too! Have someone assist you while you steam it.
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Mar 18, 2006
When washing wool or cashmere, use a mild soap (like Woolite) in cool water, but refrain from using fabric softener. Do not wring, but gently massage (like a cat does with his feet on a soft spot). Roll in a towel to remove moisture, then lay flat on a dry towel to air dry out of the bleaching sun.
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Mar 18, 2006
When washing wool or cashmere, use a mild soap (like Woolite) in cool water, but refrain from using fabric softener. Do not wring, but gently massage (like a cat does with his feet on a soft spot). Roll in a towel to remove moisture, then lay flat on a dry towel to air dry out of the bleaching sun.
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Feb 10, 2006
Most sweaters shrink lengthwise - sleeves and trunk become shorter. To counter that, always energetically stretch your sweaters lengthwise after washing and let it hang dry on a door or cloth wire. Because wet fibers are much stronger than dry, you can put a considerable amount of force into stretching without tearing it.
