The first thing to understand is that felting is not reversible. Once a sweater has been felted, the fibers have been fused together, and the fabric is permanently altered. However, there are a few tricks that can be used to soften the felt and loosen the fibers, allowing the sweater to regain some of its original shape.
The first step is to fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent. Submerge the sweater in the water and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Do not agitate or wring the sweater, as this can cause further felting or damage to the fabric.
After the 30 minutes are up, drain the soapy water and refill the sink with clean, lukewarm water. Rinse the sweater thoroughly, pressing gently to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring the sweater, as this can cause it to stretch or further felt.
Next, lay the sweater flat on a clean towel and roll the towel up, pressing gently to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist the towel, as this can damage the sweater. Unroll the towel and reshape the sweater as much as possible, pulling gently to stretch it back to its original shape.
Once you have reshaped the sweater, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and allow it to air dry. Do not hang the sweater, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape. Allow the sweater to dry completely before wearing or storing.
If the sweater is still too tight or felted after the initial wash and reshape, there are a few other tricks you can try. One method is to use a hair conditioner to soften the fibers. Mix a small amount of conditioner with lukewarm water and soak the sweater in the mixture for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and reshape as described above.
Another method is to use a fabric softener. Mix a small amount of fabric softener with lukewarm water and soak the sweater in the mixture for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and reshape as described above.
It is important to note that these methods may not work for all , and the results may vary depending on the type of fiber and how much the sweater has been felted. It is always best to test a small, inconspicuous area of the sweater before attempting any of these methods on the entire garment.
In conclusion, felting a sweater can be a frustrating experience, but it is not necessarily the end of the road for your favorite garment. With a little patience and a few tricks, you can soften and reshape the felted fibers and restore your sweater to its former glory. Remember to always handle the sweater gently and avoid harsh agitation or twisting, as this can cause further damage to the fabric. With these tips in mind, you can fix a felted sweater and keep it in your wardrobe for years to come.