Almost everyone has failed to recognize the wool sweater as being hot water or hot dryer dependent, and instead thought it was smaller than a doll. Before you discard a shrunken sweater or give it to a child or animal to wear, try this method that could preserve the clothing cost.

This procedure will be more effective on fabric made from protein or hair like wool, cashmere, or mohair, rather than on synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester. Natural hair’s fibers have a greater stretchiness and a better affinity for give than man-made fibers, these fibers are often designed to maintain their shape. It’s beneficial to attempt to unshrink a synthetic fabric that is knitted, but the results may not be as successful.

How Often to Attempt Unshrinking a sweater

The procedure below is repeated if you observe a decrease in progress, but it isn’t practical to get the sweater back to the original size. However, in order to have the greatest success, begin attempting to mend a shrieked sweater as soon as possible after it’s removed from the washer. If you can’t start immediately, allow it to air-dry.

Instructions

• Avoid the Dryer
  When you first encounter the washer and notice that your preferred wool sweater has decreased in size, take a deep breath and stop. Never utilize the automatic dryer to dry out the sweater. A journey through a hot dryer will permanently bind the sweater’s fate to the dryer’s shredded walls.
  
  
• Mix a Soaking Solution
  Fill a sink or large tub with cool water, and add 2 tablespoons baby shampoo or liquid fabric softener. Mix the solution well.

• Add the Shrunken Sweater
  Add the sweater, and gently swish it through the water solution to ensure all the fibers are thoroughly wet. Soak for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours. This will help soften and relax the wool fibers enough to allow for reshaping.
  
  
• Remove the Sweater Without Rinsing
  Remove the sweater from the soaking solution, but don’t rinse. gently pull out any extra moisture that you can without wringing or turning the garment. Allow the solution to escape from the sweater.
  
  
• Remove Excess Water
  Allow the sweater to sit on a thick towel of cotton, and together, roll the towel up to maximize the amount of moisture that can be absorbed. Repeat with a second dry towel if the sweater still seems to have too much moisture.
  
  
• Block the Sweater
  Using a sturdy cork bulletin-board or blocking boards as well as stainless-steel T-shaped pins or push pins (to prevent rusting), gently begin stretching the sweater back into its original shape and size on the board(s). Pin the sweater into place every two inches or so as you move around the edges. You may need to readjust the shape several times as you go.
  
  
• Permit to Dry
  Set the board in a warm area, but away from direct sunlight or heat. Allow it to air-dry, and check on it every few hours to make sure it is still shaped as necessary if it has begun to deviate. The sweater may take up to two days to completely dry.
  
  
• Repeat as Needed
  If more unshrinking is necessary, start from the beginning step (soaking the sweater). The fibers may continue to relax and stretch a bit more during the second process.