You can put the sweater in a pillowcase to prevent the fibers from snagging in the machine. Another way to fight fading is to turn it inside out.
Machine drying a sweater agitates the scales in the wool fibers, which makes the wool become shorter and thicker, causing it to shrink. [3] X Research source
Look in the mirror at all angles to see if the sweater fits well. Observe if it feels too tight or is still a little loose where you want it to be form-fitting.
Don’t twist or bunch the sweater when you swirl, as this will damage its material.
Alternatively, roll the sweater up in the towel like a burrito to remove more water. Just be sure to avoid wringing it out, as this can ruin the fabric.
Put a towel down to soak up excess water from the sweater. Place the sweater on a flat surface while you reshape it.
Keep your sweater out of direct heat and sunlight to prevent too much shrinkage.
Add 1 c (240 mL) of white vinegar to the water to prevent the colors from fading. The garment should be 100% cotton to shrink it with boiling water and an iron. This may not work for a preshrunk garment.
If your iron has a steam function, you could use that by filling the iron with water and letting it warm up before ironing the garment.
If your iron has a steam function, you could use that by filling the iron with water and letting it warm up before ironing the garment.
Make sure the sweater is pressed completely flat and symmetrical on a table, so it’s not altered crooked. Use chalk to draw a line on the sweater where you will be making the seams. This will make it easier to remember where to put the pins. [15] X Research source
To make an accurate seam allowance, use the seam guide on your sewing machine. Most sewing machines come with 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm) seam guide.
Stop sewing just before the ribbing or hem of your sweater to prevent an odd flip out of fabric at the bottom.
Look at yourself wearing the sweater in the mirror to see if it looks as though it fits right. If not, repeat the process.
