[bondeli]

What is the best way to block a wool knitted sweater to shrink it just a little?

 

[Julie M]

In my experience this is almost impossible to do, since even when it appears successful, the sweater returns to its original size shortly thereafter. I think the best approach might be to undo the seams, if there are any, and resew them several stitches in. You can then trim the extra bulk from the seam, since the sewing will prevent the stitches from unraveling.

 

[Ronie]

I think you should knit up a swatch if you have enough yarn left over... I would try a few different things..
Maybe use extra hot water to block it with, or finess it to the smaller shape while its wet and leave it to dry.. I don't know if that would work but its supose to work the opposit way.. so its worth a try.. if the sweater is seamed you could just seam it again.. but realize that if you take up a stitch on each side then you are taking up 4 stitches.. so it may be just enough to get it to work..
How did I come up with 4 stitches? side A and B are seamed together.. 1 stitch from A and 1 from B thats 2 and then the other side equals 4... that could add up to a full inch depending on your guage..

 

[bondeli]

Would it maybe work if I lay it down , spray with warm water and use a hair dryer on it for a short while?

 

[Ronie]

its worth a try..I would still do it on a swatch before trying it on the sweater...

Would it maybe work if I lay it down , spray with warm water and use a hair dryer on it for a short while?

 

[mousepotato]

No, the action that causes shrinkage and felting is agitation, you could put it in the washer for a short period after you've drawn a schematic for it to the size it should be to gauge the sweater against as it's washed. Don't let it go too long.