5 Steps To Make An Old Cardigan Look Good Again
The joy of slipping into a newly acquired cardigan is undeniable – its vibrant hue, flattering silhouette, and plush texture all combine to create a sense of satisfaction. However, as time passes, these attributes can begin to fade. Cardigans, in particular, are prone to developing an unsightly pilliness, losing their shape, and surrendering their once-snug fit. The image accompanying this post showcases Brora’s stunning cashmere oversized pocket cardigan, a true showstopper. For those interested, you can find the cardigan on the US site by adjusting your country selection to view pricing in local currency. To breathe new life into last year’s cardigan, I recommend following these five straightforward steps:
Step 1 Restore the surface of your cardigan
To keep your sweaters and cardigans looking their best, you’ll need a few tools: a clothes shaver or disposable razor, a pumice stone with a wooden handle, sharp nail scissors, and a sticky lint roller. Start by spreading your sweater out flat on a table in good light. If necessary, move the table to a sunny window for optimal lighting.Once you’re set up, put on your reading glasses if you use them for close work like reading. You’ll want to take them off when checking the overall look of your cardigan in a mirror, of course.Begin by inspecting the areas where pilling tends to occur: under the arms, down the side seams, and along the seam under the sleeve. Remove these annoying balls of wool or other materials by gently shaving from top to hem with a clothes razor or normal razor. Focus on rough and worn areas that need attention.Next, check the areas around your over-shoulder purse or tote, as well as the cuffs and hem of the cardigan. These areas can quickly become shabby-looking if not maintained.Instead of using a shaver, you can opt for a pumice stone with a light touch to catch those pesky pills. Sweep it down the cardigan to remove any unwanted fibers.As you shave downwards, you may notice extra frizzy bits and threads hanging onto the hem. Use small sharp scissors to snip these off one by one, taking your time to ensure accuracy. And don’t worry if it takes a while – after all, you’re invested in preserving the quality of your cardigan!Finally, use the lint roller to roll from top to hem over all areas of your cardigan to pick up any remaining pill balls that are still clinging to the garment.
Step 2 Restore softness to your cardigan
To effectively dry your delicate garments, you’ll need a few key items. First and foremost, choose a gentle hand-washing liquid designed for woolens – this mild formula is suitable even if your cardigan isn’t made of wool. For added protection, use a mild shampoo as an alternative option.Next, gather two large clean towels that are non-fluffy in texture. Old, clean towels work particularly well. When it comes to drying the garments themselves, you’ll require a flat surface. A drying rack with a spacious, flat top area serves this purpose perfectly – or simply fold up your existing rack and lay it across the bathtub for a makeshift solution.
How to wash a wool, cashmere, merino or mohair cardigan
When it comes to cleaning your cardigan, use off-cold or just warm water to avoid stripping its natural fibers of their protective properties. Cashmere, wool, alpaca, and mohair are all spun from animal hair that originally served as a shield against the elements. Since these fibers were designed to protect against weather conditions, it’s essential to maintain their natural temperature when washing.To ensure a thorough clean, mix the washing product with the water until it dissolves completely. Then, slowly massage each area of your cardigan in the soapy solution without worrying if bubbles don’t form – they’re not indicative of cleaning power.Avoid rubbing or wringing your cardigan, as this can cause damage to its fibers and alter its shape. Instead, focus on squeezing out excess water in a gentle manner, taking care not to distort its natural drape.Don’t skip the washing step, even if you believe your cardigan is spotless. Over time, the pile may flatten or stitches stretch due to storage or hanging. Washing helps restore these areas to their original state.After two or three rinses in off-cold water, gently press your cardigan against the bowl as excess water flows away. Finally, work area by area to remove any remaining moisture, much like you would when washing your child’s hair – use gentle pressure and avoid excessive squeezing.
Step 3 Restore the shape of your cardigan
When handling a damp garment, such as a cardigan, care must be taken to prevent stretching or distortion. To achieve this, start by laying the garment on a flat, waterproof surface, such as a bathroom floor or a countertop. Arrange the item so that side seams are parallel, and the front and back are wrinkle-free but not stretched, with any collars in their natural position.Next, fasten any buttons or zippers to maintain the garment’s shape. This step is crucial, as it will help prevent unwanted stretching later on. Now, roll the cardigan up tightly, using a towel to absorb excess moisture and help the drying process.Place the rolled-up cardigan onto a clean, dry towel that has been stretched out flat. Gently reshape the garment to its original form, handling it as little as possible. Repeat this process several times, replacing the towel each time and turning the cardigan as needed to ensure even drying.Avoid placing the cardigan near direct heat sources or radiators, as this can cause rapid evaporation and potential shrinkage. Similarly, refrain from using a tumble dryer unless the garment is made of a cotton blend or synthetic fibers; in these cases, use low heat and minimize spin cycles. Finish the drying process by laying the cardigan flat to dry indoors.It’s also important not to hang the cardigan out to dry on a line or expose it directly to sunlight, as this can cause stretching, shrinkage, or color changes.
Step 4 Add volume and bounce to a wool cardigan
When it comes to storing your cashmere sweater, you want to ensure that it remains in top condition. To achieve this, start by folding the garment in a manner similar to how it’s displayed in stores – flat with no folds on the front and the arms placed neatly behind the back. Then, fold it twice or thrice widthwise to preserve its lightweight texture. For stacking purposes, place cardigans on a shelf, but be mindful of the height as too many piled up can push out all the air from the bottom item. It’s also essential to avoid direct exposure to strong light sources as they may cause fading. By following these simple storage tips, you’ll be able to maintain your cashmere sweater’s bounce and softness for a long time.
How to store a cardigan until next year
When it comes to long-term storage, it’s essential to keep your folded cardigan in a breathable container that protects it from damage caused by moths, mildew, mold, and fading. Avoid using plastic or non-woven bags, as they can exacerbate these issues. Instead, look for storage bags made of natural fabrics like linen or those featuring mesh panels on the side. If your chosen bag doesn’t have a zipper, consider adding an anti-moth cedar ball to prevent any unwanted visitors from making themselves at home.
Can you hang a cardigan?
When storing cardigans frequently, I prefer to use well-shaped padded hangers, but only for a short period – ideally no longer than a week. This approach works best for lightweight, non-coatigan knits that don’t tend to droop or develop unsightly creases. It’s essential to avoid using hooks, as even brief exposure can cause unwanted pucker marks that can be challenging to remove. Instead, I recommend ironing the cardigan on low heat while wearing an ironing mitt to maintain its shape.For longer stays in accommodations with flimsy hangers, it’s crucial to find alternative storage solutions, such as folding or rolling, to prevent damage. If you lack shelving and have shallow drawers, rolling is a viable option. However, this may lead to some wrinkles when putting the cardigan back on. To revive its shape, I suggest hanging it over the bathtub for an hour while the bathroom remains steamy and warm.Alternatively, you can utilize a handheld steamer or hair dryer on medium heat. Remember, moderation is key – avoid using excessive heat, as this can cause damage.
Step 5 Mend or update an old cardigan
When tidying up your beloved cardigan, you may have noticed loose threads or missing buttons. This is the perfect opportunity to take care of any imperfections by snipping off stray threads with precision scissors or reweaving slipped stitches and securing them discreetly at the back of the garment using a needle and thread. If a button has come undone and you no longer possess the spare one that came with the cardigan, it’s time to replace all the buttons. To find the perfect replacement, take a measurement from the original button or bring it along when shopping to compare online offerings. While you can stick to the same color or style of button, consider updating your old cardigans every few years as a matter of course. This could be an exciting opportunity to introduce new textures, colors, and designs, such as tweed, pearl, or vibrant buttons, or even cover them in fabric of your choice. This simple exercise can help you fall back in love with your cardigan and its versatility.