How can I shrink a shirt that I made myself?

Question

I know I can wash it with hot water and then dry it in a dryer, but will be safe: it's a 100% cotton undershirt which I painted with paint pens. I want to make it smaller, but will that risk having the paint run?? If the paint runs, not only will I need a new dryer, I will lose a very personally important shirt, and I don't want to do that!

Please help if you can!

I have washed it before without shrinking but always in cold water. And I have to wash it at my home. And can I not shrink it more than 4-10%??

Answer 1

take it to a laundromat and wash it there. use cold soak hot wqash, and cold rinse. the colors should set in soak, the shirt will shrink in hot, and set the size in cold. don't dry it in a dryer, drip dry it on a line. your washer isn't affected since you didn't use it to wash! if it doesn't run, just wash and soak and rinse in cold water whenever you need to.

Answer 2

First how much do you need this to shrink? I worked with fabrics in France and I can tell you that 100% cotton shirt will shrink AT MOST 10% but usually around 4%.
If you live somewhere hot you could steam a hot shower and then let it dry outdoors....especially if you are in a dry heated area such as AZ.
I'm not familar with all paint pens, but I would imagine there is a 1-800 number on the packaging. Call them and ask about the care needed in a dryer.
Sounds like an awesome shirt. Another cool idea....bleach pens on dark clothes such as a brown T-shirt or jeans. Wash as normal after....maybe your next project?

Answer 3

go to a laundry mat to try to shrink it, that way you won't ruin your own stuff...if not, have it professionally done or just deal with it

Answer 4

get a tailor to adjust it for you