is it possible to "unshrink" fabric?

[akihito89]

Does anyone know if it's possible to unshink fabric?  Than'd be cool to know.

[Kiyoaki]

Akihito,

I think all you can do is to try stretching the fabric out after it's dried. I know that denim wil stretch when it's worn, and so will a wool knit, but there are limits to how much they will loosen up. If you are talking about a wool shirt or sweater that was accidentally heat dried, then it's probabaly a permanent thing. You may have to find someone else that can wear the reduced size and give the garment a new home.

I once had a Pendelton wool shirt that I really liked. My roomate at the time did some wash and just threw it in with the rest. He did manage to separate the colored clothes from the white ones at least. After it had gone through a tumble dryer cycle, it was all wrinkled and shrunken. I tried to resurect it by sending it off to be dry cleaned. It came back perfect (except that it was two sizes too small for me). I had to find it a new home.

If it's some other fabric, perhaps you have a chance. If it's wool and been heat treated, then it's most likely permanent.

Kiyoaki