How do I shrink woolen clothes?

Question

I have two woolen cardigans that i want to shrink just a tiny little bit.. how would I go about doing that?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hot and cold water alternative is guaranteed to shrink if 100% wool.  This will damage the fibre and you may get matting.  

No guarantee or control over shrinkage especially if

garment is not 100% wool.

Answer 2

You can shrink things in hot water, but a word of warning as it is woolen all you will end up with is a matted cardigan as the wool will "clog" together and it will be no good, just fit for the bin, as my daughter borrowed one of my best cardigans washed it in a hot wash and totally ruined it, and i have to say that when my children were younger and i didn't notice i had put one of their little baby cardigans in a hot wash all i could do was throw it out, well all i can say is it is up to you, if you want to try it then do so.

Answer 3

wash it in cold water then put it in the dryer!! that will defiantly shrink it

Answer 4

Firstly, it is extremely difficult to shrink, just a tiny little bit..

The way to shrink wool is to wash in hot water, rinse in cold BUT if you value your cardigans and don't want them to end up as doll sizes I'd recommend not to do so.

Depending on where you live, if you have a drycleaners near where you are, go to them and ask their advice first, before attempting to wash. They may be able to help  and do something with your cardigans, without  ruining them.

If you just want them to drop one or two sizes, try wearing a skivvy or a bulky shirt underneath, after all it is better to have  woollens that are a bit big than having them a bit small. They insulate you better when they are slightly bigger.  And don't forget that when washing them in future, use cool/warm/tepid water and a good wool wash . Hand washing is best and roll in a dry towel to squeeze excess moisture out before hanging up inside or in shade outside. Hope this has been of help ??