Bespoke Cutter And Tailor

Apprentices => Drafting, Fitting and Construction => Topic started by: SO_tailor on December 07, 2023, 12:22:56 PM

Title: Unshrinking wool fabric?
Post by: SO_tailor on December 07, 2023, 12:22:56 PM
Hi there!

Is there a way to Un shrink wool fabric? I was trying to shape the coats' back with the iron, but ended up shrinking the half back by a 1/4". I read a little and found that wool sweaters can Un shrink in hot water, but didn't know if this worked on fabric.
Title: Re: Unshrinking wool fabric?
Post by: SO_tailor on December 07, 2023, 12:30:24 PM
P.S. I have no usable inlay in the center back seam (cut on the selvedge), so I can't do anything there to widen it.
Title: Re: Unshrinking wool fabric?
Post by: posaune on December 08, 2023, 08:10:06 AM
I would rip the seams. So the fabric can relax. Then wet the fabric roll it together and let it rest. After resting pin it in the real size on a blanket. Be careful with the grain. Let out steam from above and soak the fabric evenly. Take a fine cotton fabric piece, lay it over the your fabric and press with a dry iron. Don't pull. Just press. Let it  cool. This should work.
Lg Posaune
Title: Re: Unshrinking wool fabric?
Post by: SO_tailor on December 08, 2023, 08:49:17 AM
Will try that then. Thanks!  :D
Title: Re: Unshrinking wool fabric?
Post by: Schneiderfrei on December 08, 2023, 10:33:32 AM
That's a great description, thank you posaune.
Title: Re: Unshrinking wool fabric?
Post by: Steelmillal on December 12, 2023, 06:34:00 AM
Yes, thank you, Ma'am.

A similar process works for knit wool but adds salt to help fill the fiber 'ridges' and holds them away from each other during drying. Warm, salty water, stretch t' shape and pin, let dry slowly. Rinse in fresh cold water. Usually works but wouldn't at all use salt on suitings for staining likelihood. Just adding to round out topic.