We’ve all been there. You’ll be folding yet another load of laundry, and to your horror, you discover that your favourite woollen blanket, the one you drape over your sofa for that perfect, cosy vibe, has mysteriously shrunk. Instead of its usual overlarge size you love for movie nights, it now looks suited to the dog bed, maybe just barely.
Perhaps your partner accidentally tossed it into a hot wash or mindlessly threw it in the dryer. Or maybe it was you (but hey, we’ll still blame them). Whatever the case, you’re probably wondering if there is any hope of rescuing your shrunken woollen blanket. Thankfully, with a few simple steps, it’s entirely possible to unshrink winter woollies, saving your wallet, while giving the planet a little break too.
Below, we dive into why woollen items are prone to shrinking, how to reverse the damage, and what you can do to prevent precious garments from shrinking in the future.
Why does wool shrink?
Wool fibres are covered in tiny, overlapping ‘scales’, kind of like the shingles on a roof. When wool is exposed to heat, moisture, or agitation, like in a hot wash or tumble dryer, these scales lift and interlock with one another. This causes the fibres to pull tighter together, making your cosy jumper suddenly feel like it’s shrunk two sizes too small.
Water also plays a role and causes the fibres to swell, and as they dry, they can contract and pull closer together, locking in that unwanted shrinkage.
Not all fibres are created equal, though. Wool types with bigger or more numerous scales, like coarse wool and merino, shrink more easily. Meanwhile, smoother fibres such as cashmere, silk, and cotton tend to hold their shape better. Synthetic fibres like polyester are less likely to shrink at all.
How to unshrink woollen garments and blankets
If your beloved winter woollies are suddenly looking more like a crop top than a cosy, oversized jumper, don’t panic. The ‘corkboard method’ is a clever trick that can help bring back the original shape. With a bit of patience and gentle care, this laundry hack works wonders on natural fibres, such as wool, cashmere and cotton.
Start by filling a bucket or sink with lukewarm water and a few drops of super-gentle baby shampoo or conditioner. This helps to relieve the fibres. Let the item soak between 20 minutes to two hours. Some people like to add a splash of fabric softener, too, for extra softness.
Don’t rinse your woollen garment. Instead, gently squeeze out the water, rather than wringing. Lay the item on a towel, roll it up to press out excess moisture. For smaller items, you can also try using a salad spinner.
Once the item is damp (rather than wet), carefully stretch out the garment over a cork board or blocking mat (used for sewers and crocheters to shape their projects) and pin it in place. Let it rest for an hour, then unpin, gently stretch it a little more, and pin it again. Repeat this process until your garment regains its original size and shape.
How to prevent shrinkage
Before you even think of tossing your woolly jumper into the wash, check the care label. According to The Woolmark Company, that tiny tag holds the secrets to keeping your garment safe and sug for years to come.
If you see a little tub symbol with a ’30’ or ’40’ inside, good news: your garment is machine-washable. But be sure to pop it on the wool or delicate cycle, and keep the water temperature below 40 degrees Celsius.
If you see a symbol with a hand dipping into water, that means your garment is hand-wash only. To wash, fill a basin with lukewarm water (30 – 40 degrees), add a wool-specific detergent, and let the item float. Gently swish the water, and don’t rub, wring, or stretch the fabric. When done, rinse thoroughly, press out the excess water, and reshape your garment while its still damp.
Drying wool is just as important as washing it. Lay sweaters or blankets flat on a pale, lint-free towel over a drying rack or table. Never hang them, and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Don’t throw your woollies into the dryer, especially if the care label shows a square with a crossed-out circle.
Stick to these simple rules, and your woollens will stay soft, shapely, and forever wearable – no heartbreak necessary.
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