How to Fix a Stretched Knitted Wool Sweater

What do you do if a customer brings in a knitted wool sweater that had stretched in the waistband and is now out of shape? In most cases, this damage can be remedied. Place the sweater on the buck of the press, align the waistband so it is straight, moisten slightly with bottom steam, push ribbing together with fingertips, and vacuum dry. You may need to repeat this more than once until the waistband is restored. Severely stretched knits will need to be reshaped a little at a time to avoid distortion of the waistband.

DLI Premier, Standard, and Gold members may learn more in these bulletins on DLI's Drycleaning Encyclopedia:

• Acrylic Knits Can Stretch: Technical Analysis Bulletin Service No. 419
• Knit Fabrics: Technical Operating Information No. 757