When a sweater has been worn and washed regularly, it can start to stretch. Rather than replace an old favourite, there are some ways that you can shrink a stretched sweater. Which method you choose will depend on the yarn your sweater was made from.

Woollen Sweaters

A woollen sweater, whether shop-bought or homemade, may have been knitted from a wide variety of wools such as cashmere or DK yarn. A feature of wool is that it will shrink in just a little heat. As it shrinks quickly, short bursts on a hot wash and a low-heat dry cycle are the best way to control the process so you do not end up with a sweater that is too small.

Another feature of wool is that it is easy to reshape when wet. This means that you can manipulate it to your desired shape and if it is not right, you can simply wet it and try again. If using heat to shrink the sweater and reshaping it while damp does not give the effect you want, your other option is to use a needle and thread to take in the fabric.

If you like the thought of making your own sweaters, wide varieties of yarns are available at high street shops and online retailers like https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/dk-yarn.

Cotton Sweaters

A new cotton sweater may not have been previously washed, so washing it can be a good way to shrink it to the perfect size. Although cotton does not shrink as quickly as woollen fabrics, careful use of the washing machine is the best way to control the shrinkage.

Additionally, wash inside out and use bleach-free detergents to help preserve the colour. for more tips on how to prevent fading.

Boiling a cotton sweater is also a good way to restore the spring to the fabric. After soaking it for a few minutes in boiling water, carefully put it in the dryer to shrink it to the desired size. For a more pinpointed approach, a steam iron or a hairdryer can deliver a similar result.