When washed, the wool sweater may shrink. Fortunately, you can stretch a sweater back easily and quickly. Start by softening the fibers of the sweater using a solution of water and conditioner. After that, you can stretch the sweater by hand, or by pinning the sweater and letting it dry. If the sweater size is significantly reduced, pinning the sweater with a needle is the most effective method. After following this guide, your sweater size will be back to normal!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Softening Sweater Fibers
Step 1. Fill the sink with warm water, add 30 ml of conditioner and stir
Prepare 30 ml of hair conditioner and put it in the sink. After that, stir the water in the sink until the conditioner is completely dissolved. The conditioner will help soften the wool fibers of the sweater and make it easier to stretch.
- Alternatively, you can also use fabric softener or baby shampoo.
- This method can also be applied to other woolen garments, such as shirts, jackets, or pants.
- This method can be applied to any type of wool.
Step 2. Let the sweater soak for 20 minutes
By doing this, a solution of water and conditioner can seep into the fibers of the sweater and soften it completely. Make sure that the entire sweater is submerged in the water for at least 20 minutes.
If the sweater is large or heavy, let it soak for 30 minutes
Step 3. Remove the sweater from the sink and wring it out to remove excess water
Allow excess water to drip from the sweater before starting to wring it out. Do not squeeze the sweater too tightly as the fibers may be damaged.
Do not rinse the sweater with water so that the conditioner in the fibers of the sweater doesn't wash off as well. When rinsed, the process of stretching the sweater may be more difficult
Method 2 of 3: Stretching a Sweater Using Your Hands
Step 1. Lay the towel on a flat surface, then place the sweater on it
Make sure the sweater lays evenly on the surface of the towel. This is done so that the sweater does not wrinkle. Adjust the sleeves of the sweater so that they are just above the towel.
- If possible, use a white towel. This is done so that the color of the towel does not stain the sweater.
- Instead of using a regular cotton towel, use a thick towel that absorbs liquid well.
Step 2. Place the second towel on top of the sweater, then press it gently
This can help gently absorb water from the sweater. Press the towel against the shoulders of the sweater, then repeat for the rest of the sweater.
Take a second towel when you're done pressing all over the sweater
Step 3. Stretch the sweater to its normal size
Gently pull and stretch the shoulders of the sweater to its original size. Pull on the sleeves of the sweater to make it longer. Pull the body of the sweater horizontally, then pull it vertically to stretch the fibers. Continue stretching the sweater until it is the size you want.
Glue the sweater over your chest to make sure the fibers stretch properly
Step 4. Allow the sweater to dry on the towel for 24 hours
Place the sweater on a dry towel, place it in a dust-free area and allow it to dry. If the sweater is still damp after 24 hours, turn it over, place it on a dry towel and let it dry for 24 hours.
If the sweater is still too small, repeat this process until it is the size you want
Method 3 of 3: Pinning the Sweater
Step 1. Place the sweater on a towel and roll it up
Make sure both sleeves of the sweater are laid on top of the towel. Also make sure the sweater is not wrinkled. Roll the towel and sweater together and tightly to absorb the water from the sweater.
For best results, use a thick towel that absorbs liquid well
Step 2. Stretch the sweater over the cork board, then secure it with a needle
Glue the sweater to your chest and stretch it to shoulder-width apart. Hold and continue to stretch the sweater in this position then pin the sweater over the corkboard. Pull the bottom of the sweater down to lengthen the sweater, then secure it with a needle. Stretch the sleeve of the sweater to the desired size, then secure it with a needle.
- Use a steel needle to keep it from rusting.
- Use an extra needle to adjust the size of a specific section of the sweater.
Step 3. Check the sweater after 1 hour, then stretch it again if necessary
The sweater's fibers may shrink slightly after drying. If the size has not returned to normal, stretch the sweater to a wider and longer size, then pin it with a needle.
