How to Shrink a Sweatshirt
Sweatshirts, soft, cozy tops that people wear every day, come in many styles. From a simple crew neck to custom hooded sweatshirts with your logo. Yet even the best sweatshirt can fit too loose or too tight.
There are times when your sweatshirt doesn’t fit quite right on your shoulders. And sometimes, you simply want to give an old sweatshirt a brand-new vibe.That’s when resizing and customizing become handy. You can shrink a sweatshirt for a snug feel or stretch it out for extra room.
In this guide, you’ll learn easy DIY tricks to shrink and stretch your sweatshirt. You’ll find step-by-step tips for cutting, stitching, and styling. Plus, you’ll discover where to buy high-quality custom sweatshirts that fit your style.
How to Shrink a Sweatshirt
Once you know the fabric of your sweatshirt and are aware of the precautions, you are ready to shrink your sweatshirt. Follow these two simple methods to get a snugger fit.
Hot Water Wash and High Heat Dry
- Turn your sweatshirt inside out.
- Set your washing machine to the hottest water safe for the fabric.
- Add a small amount of laundry soap.
- Run a full wash cycle.
- Move the sweatshirt to the dryer.
- Dry on the highest heat setting.
- Check the size. If it needs more shrink, repeat the dry cycle in 10-minute bursts.
Steam Iron Technique
- Lay the damp sweatshirt on an ironing board.
- Set your iron to “steam” or “cotton.”
- Keep the iron moving slowly across tight spots (like cuffs or the body).
- Press firmly but gently.
- Let the sweatshirt air dry.
Now your favorite custom crewneck sweatshirt or hooded sweatshirt can fit just right! These methods work on cotton and cotton-blend sweatshirts. Avoid very high heat on fully polyester pieces.
How to Stretch Out a Sweatshirt
If your sweatshirt feels too tight, there’s a quick way to get a more comfortable fit without losing the cozy feel. Try the following steps to add a bit of extra room.
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of hair conditioner or fabric softener, stirring gently.
- Lay the soaked sweatshirt flat. Gently stretch and pull the fabric in the areas that feel tight until it loosens to the size you want.
- Smooth the sweatshirt back into shape on a towel. Keep it flat while it air-dries, giving it a light stretch now and then to help it hold its shape.
How to Cut a Sweatshirt
You can crop your sweatshirt short, remove bulky hems, or make it fit your style. The tools you’ll need are sharp fabric scissors, measuring tape or ruler, and a flat surface to work on.
To Cut for a raw hem or crop top style:
- Measure how short you want the sweatshirt to be
- Mark the cutting line with chalk or a washable marker.
- Cut a long the cutting line
- Leave the edges raw for a relaxed casual look
- Or, fold and stitch the edges to create a cleaner finish.
Now your old sweatshirt becomes a custom-made sweatshirt that fits your personal style!
How to Cut a Hooded Sweatshirt Neck
Cutting your custom hoodie gives it a fresh, fun neckline perfect for layering or showing off accessories. To safely cut the neck of a hooded sweatshirt, giving it a cool, relaxed vibe:
Cut for a Wider Neckline
- Wear the sweatshirt and mark where you want the new neckline to sit.
- Take it off and lay it flat.
- Use fabric chalk to draw a smooth curve below the original neckline.
Create an Off-the-Shoulder or Boat-Neck Look
- Cut along your marked line using sharp scissors.
- For a boat-neck, cut straight across.
- For an off-the-shoulder style, cut a deeper curve.
- Leave the edge as it is for a casual, trendy style.
- If you prefer a smoother finish, sew along the cut to stop it from fraying.
How to Cut a Sweatshirt Off the Shoulder
When creating an off-the-shoulder look, you can choose between two different styles. Here’s how to do it right:
- Wear the sweatshirt and mark where you want the neckline to fall, whether on one or both shoulders.
- Take it off, lay it flat, and draw a gentle curve connecting your marks.
- Before cutting, fold the sweatshirt in half so each side turns out the same.
- Cut slowly and follow your marked line carefully.
- Cut one side lower for a one-shoulder look or cut evenly across both sides for a wide, relaxed neckline.
Now you’ve got a customized sweatshirt that feels casual and stylish and it’s perfect to pair with jeans, leggings, or skirts.
How to Embroider a Sweatshirt
Adding embroidery is a great way to turn a plain sweatshirt into a custom sweatshirt that shows off your personality. The tools you’ll be needing for this DIY project include embroidery hoop (to keep the fabric tight), embroidery thread in your favorite colors, needle, and fabric stabilizer (which is optional).
Start by choosing your design and placement.The popular spots you can embroider on are the chest, sleeve, or back. Pick a simple word, image, or symbol. Then follow these easy steps to create your own custom pet sweatshirt, favorite quote, or anything else you love on your customized sweatshirt.
Lightly Sketch Your Design with Fabric Chalk
Before you start stitching, draw your design on the sweatshirt using fabric chalk or a washable fabric pen. This helps you plan where each stitch will go. Keep your design simple if you’re a beginner. Words, small shapes, or outlines work best. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the thread will cover most of the chalk lines.
Basic Stitching Techniques for Beginners
If you’re new to embroidery, start with a few simple stitches. These are easy to learn but still make your sweatshirt look great.
Backstitch:
Use this stitch to outline letters, shapes, or borders. It’s like drawing a line with your thread. Bring your needle up through the fabric, then go backward into the last hole you made. This makes a neat, strong line.
Satin Stitch:
This stitch fills in your design with solid color. Bring the needle up at one side of your shape and down across on the other side, laying the stitches close together. Keep your lines straight and tight to cover the fabric underneath.
French Knot:
French knots create small, raised dots. They work well for tiny details like eyes or flower centers. Wrap the thread around your needle once or twice, then push the needle back through the fabric close to where you started. Pull gently to tighten the knot.
How to Style a Sweatshirt
Whether it’s a crewneck or custom zip-up sweatshirt, it doesn’t have to look plain. With the right styling, you can wear your sweatshirt anywhere.
Pairing with Jeans, Leggings, or Skirts
For a relaxed look, wear your sweatshirt with jeans and sneakers. Try leggings or joggers for a cozy comfort. You could also tuck it into a skirt and add ankle boots if for an added cute twist.
Layering with Jackets or Coats
If you are going for a cool vibe, throw on a denim or leather jacket. Layer your sweatshirt with a long coat for a classy, put-together style.
Accessorizing for Casual or Chic Looks
Where to Buy Sweatshirts
If you want a sweatshirt that feels like it was made just for you, FastPrintStar is the brand to trust. They create custom sweatshirts that reflect your personal style, fit perfectly, and stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a custom quarter zip sweatshirt for colder days, a custom crewneck sweatshirt for layering, or even a custom pet sweatshirt for your furry friend, they’ve got something for everyone.
They offer a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles to help you design a one-of-a-kind piece that you’ll love wearing. And the best part? They ship worldwide, so your custom sweatshirt arrives right at your door, no matter where you are. Plus, with affordable prices and free delivery on select shipping options, you’re getting premium quality without the premium cost.
In Conclusion
Shrinking a sweatshirt is easy when you know the right steps. First, check what your sweatshirt is made of, then shrink it carefully using either of the two ways: washing in hot water and drying on high heat to tighten the fabric. Or using a steam iron to shrink certain areas like the sleeves or waist.
Remember to always start slow and check the size after each wash or dry cycle. Don’t overheat polyester or blended sweatshirts as they may get damaged. If your sweatshirt is still too big after one try, you can shrink it a little more by repeating the steps.
Also, you now know how to cut the neck, crop the hem, or turn it into an off-the-shoulder style. Plus, you’ve learned simple embroidery tricks to create your own custom embroidered sweatshirt.
If you are ready to upgrade your wardrobe with a custom sweatshirt, check out FastPrintStar for high-quality pieces that reflect your style.
