If you’ve got the option to’t start right away, allow it to air-dry flat.

Never put the sweater in an automaticdryer.

A trip through a hot dryer will seal the sweater’s shrunken fate forever.

A black sweater with pins on a board

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Mix the solution well.

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.

A towel, pins, boards, measuring spoons, and a container with white powder

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Remove the Sweater Without Rinsing

Remove the sweater from the soaking solution, but don’t rinse.

Gently squeeze out excess moisture without wringing or twisting the garment.

Allow the solution to drain out of the sweater.

Someone removing a sweater from a washer

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Repeat with a second dry towel if the sweater still seems excessively wet.

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.

Someone adding baby shampoo or fabric softener to a sink

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Allow to Dry

Place the board in a warm spot but away from direct heat or sunlight.

The sweater may take up to two days to dry.

Repeat as Needed

If moreunshrinkingis necessary, start from the beginning step (soaking the sweater).

Someone rinsing a sweater in a soaking solution

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

The fibers may continue to relax and stretch a bit more during the second process.

Tips for Unshrinking a Shrunken Sweater

Someone allowing a sweater to drain

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

A sweater rolled up in a thick cotton towel on a board

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

A black sweater pinned to a board

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

A black sweater pinned to a board to dry

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

A black sweater pinned to a white board

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor