To stretch a wool sweater using fabric softener, you use it as part of a soaking process to relax the fibers before shaping or stretching.
Utilizing fabric softener or a similar conditioning agent can help loosen the tight weave of wool that may have shrunk, making the garment more pliable and easier to reshape or stretch. The process involves a specific soaking method described in the provided reference.
Softening Steps with Fabric Softener
The method outlined involves soaking the sweater to prepare the fibers for stretching. Here are the steps:
- Prepare the Soak: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water.
- Add the Agent: Mix in about two tablespoons of fabric softener, baby shampoo, or hair conditioner into the water.
- Submerge: Place the wool sweater into the prepared water mixture, ensuring it is fully submerged and saturated.
- Soak: Let the sweater soak for 10 to 20 minutes. This allows the fibers to absorb the mixture and relax.
- Drain: After the soaking time, drain the water from the sink or basin. Do not rinse the sweater. Keeping the softener/conditioner in the fibers helps maintain pliability.
- Remove Excess Water: Gently press the sweater against the sides of the sink or roll the garment tightly in a clean towel to remove as much excess water as possible without twisting or wringing, which can damage the fibers.
| Step | Action | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Soak | Fill basin/sink | Lukewarm water |
| 2. Add Agent | Mix in softener/conditioner | Approx. 2 tbsp of fabric softener, baby shampoo, or hair conditioner |
| 3. Submerge & Soak | Place sweater in water | Soak for 10 to 20 minutes |
| 4. Drain | Remove water | Do not rinse |
| 5. Remove Excess Water | Gently press against sink sides or roll in a towel | Avoid wringing |
Note: While the provided reference describes this softening process as part of "Soften and stretch," it focuses on the soaking and water removal steps using fabric softener or similar products. The physical act of stretching the sweater to the desired size typically occurs after these steps while the garment is damp.
This softening method using fabric softener helps make the wool fibers more flexible, preparing the sweater for reshaping or gently stretching to regain its size or shape.
