How much will wool shrink?

KAZ · September 15, 2014, 09:22:00 AM

I was in your same position a couple of years ago with my Asbell wool... XL pullover, Lost weight,needed a medium. Called Teresa and she took mine back for discounted resale for a reasonable "fee" as mine was in great condition. She made me new medium and it fits perfect and is awesome! I don't recommend the shrink-to-fit, but that's a personal opinion. I'd work with Teresa, sell them or trade them, and get back in the game with some new Asbell in the right size!!! Celebrate the accomplishment, you'll feel good doing it. Well done!!!

calgarychef · September 15, 2014, 10:29:00 AM

Shrinking wool also known as "felting" has been done for hundreds and hundreds of years on purpose. The garment gets smaller but also thicker and the weave will tighten up making it warmer and more wind proof. Have you heard of Norwegian boiled mittens? That's felting to the max and they're pretty warm. I make felted mittens out of old sweaters a lot but I felt them then cut out the mitten patterns and sew them together.

If give it a try if I was you, wash on gentle using cold water. Then toss in the dryer on low heat, I use high heat and throw in a tennis shoe when I want to really felt something. At low heat you'll have more time to catch it before it shrinks too much. Watch it really closely though because it happens fast.

creekwood · September 15, 2014, 10:46:00 AM

I have a wool pullover that has sleeves that are too long and bulky. Been thinking about trying to shrink just the sleeves. Does that sound possible? I've been in worse trouble than what the outcome might be

so I'm thinking about going for it.

September 15, 2014, 12:34:00 PM

If you do a sweater lightly soak just the above the cuffs to shrink the whole arm. I have shrunk the arms on sweaters in the drier when they got baggy. The moisture will get to more than the sleeve, so now I wet just the part of the forearm to the cuff.

todd smith · September 15, 2014, 03:16:00 PM

Interesting read... If anyone else has wool shrinking tips or stories - keep sharing.

Mountain Lion - congrats on the weight loss!!

Roger Norris · September 15, 2014, 10:27:00 PM

My sincere advise is to go see a seamstress. Sometimes you get lucky with the home shrinkage methods, usually you don't. Not worth it, in my opinion. Congrats on the weight loss!

Bill Turner · September 16, 2014, 10:49:00 AM

Depending on size and condition put them up for sale and start over with new gear. Asbell wool sells quick in the classifieds, especially when priced to sell. As for shrinking contact Teresa for expert advice.

Jon Stewart · September 17, 2014, 06:28:00 AM

As been suggested, go to a tailor and have them fitted to your new frame. They are way too nice to take a chance on.

I wash my wool army blankets when they get dirty and then toss them into the dryer. I didn't see much loss in size and it felted them.

Whip · September 17, 2014, 07:32:00 AM

I did exactly what you are thinking with one of Teresa's pullovers. Had bought an xxl thinking I could layer better under it but decided that I prefer XL. I put it in the washer and then line dried it after, checking every so often and hand stretching as needed. Absolutely do NOT put it in the drier!

Maybe I got lucky, but it worked very well for me, and that piece of wool did seem to end up with a tighter weave and was even warmer as a result.

That being said, as has been mentioned, Asbell wool does sell very well in the classifieds, so the safer and easier method is to sell yours and order a new one in the proper size.

SCATTERSHOT · September 17, 2014, 10:55:00 AM

I have mistakenly washed two garments, a wool sweater and a shirt. It's hard to say with any certainty, but they both shrunk about two sizes. Pretty risky to expect predictable results. You could probably wash your garments and just monitor the drying process until it's where you want it.

Best advice is to call Teresa.

Three Arrows · December 31, 2016, 09:40:00 PM

I buy all of my wool a larger size so that I can shrink them. I personally find that felting wool makes it tighter and warmer. I usually start with a cold water wash and put the wool on for size. If I need more shrinkage, I wash in warmer water and try on the wool. I have a large chest and wide shoulders along with long arms. I have a 49" chest, 17.5" neck and 35.5" sleeve but a 34" pants size and a 5'8" frame. Most wool size large is too tight around the shoulders and neck. Most size XL is too long in the sleeves and too large in the belly. My controlling the shrinkage I can get a better fit with the added benefit from the felting process. I do not put anything wool in the dryer as the wool will shrink too much and beyond control.

Sam McMichael · January 01, 2017, 12:38:00 AM

I have had wool shrink before, and it did not shrink evenly. I would recommend having it altered.

wapiti · January 01, 2017, 03:17:00 AM

Felting wool is not an exact process. Moderate control is all you can expect. Either have someone who makes garments alter it or sell it and get stuff that fits. Attempts at shrinking will most likely result in good felted material for mittens and slippers.Seriously! Ex wife was a professional and could sew ANYTHING and did from custom wedding dresses to wool felted slippers and everything in between.

Patknight · January 01, 2017, 08:42:00 AM

I too shrank an expensive,well made Irish sweater...My friend made my wife and I two very cool hats ..Warmest hat I own...

SCATTERSHOT · January 01, 2017, 10:11:00 AM

Shrank a wool shirt one time by mistake. An educated guess would be about two sizes.

Shrinkage is not predictable, though, so your best bet might be to sell that garment and just buy one that fits to begin with.

tzolk · January 01, 2017, 01:25:00 PM

I've shrunk a couple of Teresa's XL pullovers. Gave one to my buddy, he made out on that deal. The other went down to a large that I sometimes wear for work when it's cold. I thought about that too. About ordering an XXL and washing it with a hang dry to felt it up a bit and take it down to an XL.

Archie · January 01, 2017, 02:56:00 PM

Sell them in the TG classifieds and go buy new ones.

Michael Arnette · January 01, 2017, 04:14:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Jerry Jeffer:
I once shrank an expensive wool sweater from a man large to an toddler 3.

Oh my! I bet that was a bad day

Michael Arnette · January 01, 2017, 04:15:00 PM

...I wish some of you folks would gain weight and sell your stuff on the classifieds so I could wear it! Why is it only extra extra-large sizes LOL

Hermon · January 01, 2017, 04:17:00 PM

What size you wear Michael?