can I un-shrink wool?

[e_p]

I don't know how I did it, but I've somehow shrunk DHs favourite and warmest winter jumper. It's 100% wool and was reasonably expensive too...we don't have a dryer and I generally cold wash, all I can think of is that I accidentally put the washing machine on a hot cycle.

Anyway - this may be the dumbest question ever asked...but is there a way to un-shrink it?

[RhiChiChi]

Not that I know of, sorry :-(

[LimeSlice]

How shrunk is it? Is it felted?
Perhaps try washing it - COLD!! - again and stretching it out and laying it flat to dry...?

[Phteven]

Fill up a laundry tub (or use your bath tub) with warm (not hot) water and a little gentle detergent (shampoo is great for wool and silk - I learnt that from a Vietnamese tailor). Leave the jumper to soak for about 10-15 minutes.
Gently stretch and shape jumper to oit's original dimensions then dry it flat without heat (in the shade).
Give it a bit of a stretch and shape every hour or so while it dries (or not if you don't think it needs it).

It's the soaking that is important - it gives the fibres time to unlock/relax. So soaking not washing mmmkay.

[e_p]

How shrunk is it? Is it felted?
Perhaps try washing it - COLD!! - again and stretching it out and laying it flat to dry...?

I don't know what felted looks like but it's shrunk enough that DH could now only wear it as a woolly 3/4 sleeve crop top....i.e. a lot LOL

[e_p]

Fill up a laundry tub (or use your bath tub) with warm (not hot) water and a little gentle detergent (shampoo is great for wool and silk - I learnt that from a Vietnamese tailor). Leave the jumper to soak for about 10-15 minutes.
Gently stretch and shape jumper to oit's original dimensions then dry it flat without heat (in the shade).
Give it a bit of a stretch and shape every hour or so while it dries (or not if you don't think it needs it).

It's the soaking that is important - it gives the fibres time to unlock/relax. So soaking not washing mmmkay.

THANK YOU!!!!! Will give this a go

[Phteven]

Forgot to say - dry it on a towel. They dry faster that way.

[RhiChiChi]

Oooh, good luck let us know if it works....!