How to Make a Sweater Smaller Without Sewing: A Complete Guide

Have you just bought a sweater? But after purchasing, you have discovered that it’s too big for you, Or your favorite sweater has stretched out over time and has started to look too big on you. 

Well, whatever the case, now you might be wondering how you can fix this issue without the need for sewing. In other words, how do you make your sweater smaller in size without sewing? 

The art of sewing is challenging to master; that’s why people often look for alternatives to fix this issue. However, there are some alternatives that you can use to make your sweater regain its original shape. 

Sounds Interesting, right? Let’s begin! 

1. Why Not Sewing? 

People often avoid sewing because sewing machines can only be accessed sometimes. You can’t take a sewing machine with you everywhere. 

Another reason people are looking for sewing alternatives is that this skill is very hard to master. However, temporary solutions are always available. Here are my top ones: How do you fix an oversized sweater without sewing? 

Here are some methods you can try instead of sewing:

1. Hot Water and Detergent Bath method

This method is straightforward, all you need to do is soak your sweater in hot water. Here’s how you can do it:

1.1 Step 1: collect tools

First of all, you need to collect the tools that are mentioned below:

• A bathtub with hot water
• Detergent 
• Oversized sweater

1.2 Step 2: soak the sweater

1. Fill your bathtub with hot water and mix detergent in it. Also, make sure that the water is hot, not scalding.

2. After that, soak your sweater in the hot water for at least 15 minutes. 

1.3 Step 3: Air Drying

After soaking, carefully air-dry your sweater.

Don’t use any machine dryer for drying it, it can damage your sweater. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired result. However, don’t overdo it, as it can lead to excessive shrinking.

Note: Make sure to turn the sweater inside out during the soaking process to avoid uneven shrinking. 

2. Steam Ironing Method

You can use a steam iron to make your sweater smaller. However, this method takes a lot of effort to give the desired results. Here is how you can do this method:

2.1 Step 1: Collect Supplies 

For this hack, you’ll need these tools:

• An iron and ironing board
• Oversized sweater

2.2 Step 2: Set up the Ironing board

1. First, Set up an ironing board in your room.
2. Take your steam iron and set it up to the appropriate heat level. 

2.3 Step 3: Iron Your Oversized Sweater

1. Now, you need to iron your oversized sweater. 

2. Use the steam iron evenly over the fabric of your sweater. Also, make sure to do it evenly to avoid unevenly shrinking. 

2.4 Step 4: Check the Outcome

Put your back sweater on and check if it reached your desired size. 

You can repeat this process until you have obtained your desired outcome. 

3. Drying Method

For this one all you need is to place your sweater in the dryer machine for this. But make sure you only do in  a low heat setting (trust me, I learned the hard way).

3.1 Step 1: Collect Supplies

You’ll need supplies like;

• oversized sweater
• A dryer machine on a low heat setting

3.2 Step 2: Set the Dryer

 Put your dryer on a low heat setting and place your oversized sweater in it.

3.3 Step 3: Closely Monitor

You already know about the over-shrinking risk; that’s why you always closely monitor the drying process. Make sure to check the fit of your sweater after some time. 

3.4 Step 4: Check the Result

After the drying process is over, all  you have to is to check the result. Just put your sweater on and check the result.

For whatever reason If you are not satisfied with the desired size, then you can repeat the process. 

4. Cutting and Alteration Method

You can cut the extra fabric and sew it yourself or just take your sweater to a tailor if you are open to some alteration. This option is always open for you. Here’s how you can alter it yourself:

4.1 Step 1: Measure and Pin

Mark your measurements on your sweater sweater to cut it. Now, you need to secure your measurements with strong pins. 

4.2 Step 2: Cut the Excess Fabric

After you are done securing the measurements, now you need to cut the excess fabric carefully and sew it back. But don’t trim all the extra fabric, as it can damage the overall fit of your outfit. 

4.3 Step 3: Check the Result 

Put your sweater on and check the results by standing in front of a full-length mirror. Now, you have a smaller and more fitted sweater.

5. Hemming Method

For this hack, you just need an iron and your oversized sweater. Here is how you can complete this method: 

5.1 Step 1: Prepare the Set Up

First of all, lay your oversized sweater (Inside out) on a flat surface. 

2. After that, fold the excess fabric and place it inside of the garment. Make sure that it’s not visible. 

5.2 Step 2: Use Iron

1.Once you have completed the above mentioned step now, you need to press the iron into it. Leave it for a few seconds. 

2. After you are done setting the fabric, now just secure it with a few stitches.

5.3 Step 3: Trim Extra Fabric

This step is actually optional; you can trim the excess fabric if you want. But make sure to cut the fabric carefully. 

5.4 Step 4: Check Results

Now, put your sweater back on and check the size of the results. You will now have a smaller sweater. 

Closing Thoughts

To sum up, for many people, this task is unachievable even though there are plenty of methods  are known about it in the nitty circles.

However, you can achieve this task as long as you follow the steps I’ve mentioned in detail.