Can wool be stretched back out after shrinking?

Question

I put two sweaters in the laundry by accident. When I got them back they were quite a bit smaller!! Is there any way I can restore their size?

Answer 1

Sorry, but no. I have done the same thing. Hope that wasn't your two favorite sweaters! Bummer.

Answer 2

this worked for a pair of wool pants.
dip a clean white rag in equal parts distilled vinegar and water. lay sweater ontop of the damp cloth and go over the article with a hot iron until the acedtic acid in the vinegar sofens the fabric, while the steam exspands the fibers to the original condition. when finished wear sweater (yes it will be a bit damp) but as it dries it will dry to your bodys shape and movements.
worth a shot before you toss em out.

Answer 3

Put them into cold water with a mild detergent. Without rinsing, remove from water and lay them out flat. Gradually and gently pull them out as far as you can. Let dry. Something about the soap helps them to stretch. They will not be most likely the size they were before, but it does help quite a bit.

Answer 4

No. Stretching wool will not return to its original size. If you have a steam iron, try to steam the sweaters (put them on hanger) and stretched them. if you are lucky, you may stretched back 30% to 40%.

Answer 5

Try cold washing it and drying it upsdie down so all the majority of weight is pulling at it while it dires.

I stretch everything so I think wool is safe.

Answer 6

Try washing them in cold water and after they are out of the wash stretch the material as much as you think it need to be to fit right and hang dry it try stretching it as needed throughout drying. Hope this helps you

Answer 7

I would take it to a professional drycleaner and ask them to clean and "re-block" them to the size you need. This is not a job to be done at home, sorry to say.