How to Revive Your Sweaters

How to Refresh Your Sweaters for a Trendy, Voluminous Look

As autumn deepens, it’s finally sweater weather! Why not give your old knitwear a fresh update with a simple wash? Though the title might be a bit unusual, today I’ll show you how to refresh your sweaters by washing them. I want to wear those sweaters sitting in my closet from last season in a sleek, cool way, with a slightly trendy, voluminous look!

Check the Material Composition of the Sweater

This method works best for sweaters made primarily of wool. If the sweater contains a high percentage of long fibers like acrylic or rayon, you won’t get the desired volume even if you extend the washing time.

As a guideline, aim for wool content of at least 70%. For this example, I’m using a 100% wool yarn sweater, as well as one made of 70% alpaca and 30% worsted wool.

Plan the Look Before Washing

If you want the sweater to shrink and create a more structured, masculine look, extend the washing time.If you prefer a fluffy, voluminous texture, keep the washing time shorter.

How to wash

Before washing, an important step is to secure the hem and cuffs. This prevents sleeve tangling and helps maintain a uniform texture.

Now, let’s get to washing! I’m using a two-layer washing machine, which is rare, but the idea is to get a textured finish at home. It’s easy to use because you can monitor the condition of the fabric.

Add a suitable amount of wool detergent to lukewarm water, and wash for 3 to 5 minutes. If you want more texture and shrinkage, you can extend the time based on how the fabric looks. If you’re washing by hand, mimic the same motion as a washing machine for 3 to 5 minutes instead of just soaking it.

After rinsing and spinning, dry it in a tumble dryer. If you want a firmer texture, dry it completely. For a softer finish, dry it about 60-70% and then let it air dry.

Using a tumble dryer helps the fibers fluff up and tangle, adding a bit of shrinkage and volume to the sweater.

Size Adjustment with a Steam Iron

Once the sweater is dry, use a steam iron to straighten the seams and adjust the size. If you have a pressing board, that’s even better for achieving a smooth, neat finish. Then turn the sweater right-side-out and steam the whole garment, adjusting the size as you go.

By intentionally washing and shrinking the sweater, you’ll get a fluffy, bouncy, and voluminous result.

Summary

Transform those sweaters in your closet into stylish knits with a simple washing technique! Expect them to shrink about 1 to 2 sizes, so plan accordingly. By taking advantage of the fiber entanglement effect, you can easily refresh and renew your sweaters. Give it a try!