The good news is, felted sweaters can be recovered by following a few simple steps that can bring a new lease of life to your favourite garment.
Step 1: Soaking the sweater
The first step to recover a felted sweater is by soaking it in cool water. Put the sweater in a bowl or a tub and fill it with cool water. Make sure the water reaches the whole sweater evenly. Leave it to soak for about 20 minutes. This step will help to loosen the fibres and make it easier to regain the original shape of the sweater.
Step 2: Remove the sweater from the water
After soaking, remove the sweater from the water and gently squeeze out the water. Don’t wring it tightly as this can damage the fibres. Remember, the sweater’s fibres are fragile due to the felting process, so it’s important to handle it gently.
Step 3: Place the sweater on a clean towel
Spread a clean towel on a flat surface, like a table or countertop. Lay out the sweater on the towel and spread it out as much as you can. Make sure the sweater is flat and not bunched up in places. Using a second towel or pressing with your hands, squeeze out any excess water.
Step 4: Reshape the sweater
The next step is crucial in recovering the sweater. Gently stretch the sweater back into its original shape. Pull it in different directions to stretch the fibres. Don’t pull it too hard in one direction as this might stretch it out of shape. The key is, to be gentle and try to distribute the tension across the entire sweater.
Step 5: Allow the sweater to dry
Once you have reshaped the sweater, lay it out on a dry towel or a drying rack. Make sure the sweater is still in its original shape. Leave the sweater to air dry. Do not put it in the dryer. Wool fibres are particularly sensitive, and putting the sweater in the dryer can cause them to shrink or felt again.
Some additional tips:
– If the sweater has shrunk too much, you can stretch the fibres by using a clothes-blocking tool. These tools can help to block and shape the garment into its original shape.
– If your felted sweater is still knotted and tangled after soaking, try using a detangling shampoo to smooth out the fibres. This can make it easier to stretch and reshape the sweater.
– When washing wool sweaters, always follow the care instructions on the label. Handwashing in cool water is generally the safest option, and it’s also important to avoid using hot water or harsh detergents.
Recovering a felted wool sweater might seem difficult, but it’s a simple process that can save your favourite knitwear from going to waste. With a little patience, and gentle care, you can recover your felted sweater, and enjoy wearing it again for years to come.