Sweatering

Resizing a sweater via a process called "Blocking" can be useful when a sweater would fit better if just a bit larger or sometimes when a sweater has begun to loose its shape. This method can increase a chest size from two to four inches, body length by two inches and sleeve length by a couple of inches.  The blocking method probably isn't a cure for a sweater shrunken from accidently being put through a dryer cycle. If you haven't any other options you can try blocking it, but there's little chance it'll return to its original size.  (More on that in a future blog post.) To block a sweater with relative ease, it's best to have: Felt blocking board with a one-inch grid pattern Small diameter steel rods "T" pins Clothing measuring tape Clothing steamer Using the steel rods and "T" pins, the sweater is stretched both horizontally and vertically to the desired size and pinned into place. A steamer is slowly run across the fabric causing the yarn to relax and change the memory of the knitted stitches.  Watch the video of me blocking a cardigan sweater