Stretch clothes are made to stretch without fraying, always returning to their original shape, which is why they are so comfortable. The downside is that it is very difficult to permanently lace them. But nothing is impossible and you can loosen the fabric, shaping them a little.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using the Clothes to Lace It
Step 1. Soak the piece in hot water at 50 to 60 °C for 30 minutes
If you want to lacer a garment with stretch, wash it in hot water to relax the fibers. If your washing machine has higher temperature cycles, take advantage, as most heat the water to a maximum of 60 °C. Otherwise, fill the tank with hot water and let the piece soak.
Step 2. Put on clothes that are still wet
This may seem uncomfortable, but you can put it on little by little, even if it's too tight. Heat and moisture help the stretch to mold to your body, causing the desired effect.
This method is perfect for parts that don't need much lacing. If you can't get it on, stretch it out using weights
Step 3. Stir for about an hour, or until the clothes dry
To make the fabric mold to your body, you need to dress the garment and let it dry naturally. Keeping moving also helps to force the material, stretching it further.
- Make several different movements so that the fabric stretches in different directions. You can, for example, roll around, run in place, do squats or even jumping jacks.
- The time it takes to dry depends on the thickness of the fabric. If it's thinner, 20 or 30 minutes is enough, otherwise it can take up to an hour.
Method 2 of 4: Using Weights to Stretch Stretch
Step 1. Soak the piece in hot water at a temperature of 50 to 60 °C
You can either wash it in the hot cycle of the washing machine, or heat water in a pan to soak it. Both methods will help to relax the fabric's fibers, allowing it to lace.
Most heaters heat the water in this temperature range, so if you have one at home, you can even use tap water
Step 2. Place the piece on a flat surface while it is still hot
It's best to use the ironing board, but the kitchen sink, floor or table are also options, as long as they don't spoil with the water.
To find out if you can wet a table, drop a drop of water on it, in some hidden part, and if the spot is whitish, it means that the surface stains with water
Step 3. Attach one side of the piece with a weight of 1 to 2 kg
It can be anything as long as it's heavy enough to hold the fabric. Objects in this weight range are more than enough to hold the garment, and just place it over one end.
- You can use free weights, a stack of books, or even bedposts.
- See if the object can come into contact with water without damaging or staining clothing. Something made of painted wood, for example, is usually not a good option.
Step 4. Stretch the fabric and place another weight on the other end
Pull the other side of the piece as far as you can without tearing it, and secure it with another weight. The tension created will help to permanently lace the elastic in the fabric.
As the stretch is designed to always return to its original shape, try to stretch it a lot, more than you think would be enough
Step 5. Allow the fabric to dry for at least one hour while it is being stretched
Releasing it while it is still wet will cause the fibers to contract, returning the piece to its original shape. So wait until it dries completely before taking it out from under the weights.
- It will take about an hour for the piece to dry completely, but the thicker ones should take a little longer. For best results, leave it under the weights for another hour after it has dried.
- If you think the piece needs to stretch a little more, repeat the process.
Method 3 of 4: Soaking Stretch in Children's Shampoo
Step 1. Fill a basin with water at a temperature of approximately 30°C
You can use a sink, bucket, or bathtub, however you like, and the water should be a little warmer than room temperature. For this method, you will need to use about 1 l of water.
Step 2. Add baby shampoo or mild conditioner to the water
You will need about 1 tablespoon of shampoo for every liter of water.
- The idea is that the water gains a foamy consistency with the shampoo.
- This product helps to loosen the fabric's fibers, allowing them to knit more easily.
Step 3. Leave the piece to soak for about half an hour
Ensure the fabric is fully submerged in water, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to ensure the mixture has time to penetrate the material.
Step 4. Squeeze the fabric well to remove excess water
Twist it hard enough until it stops dripping. It is also very important not to rinse the garment, so that the shampoo will continue to relax the stretch fibers.
If it's still too wet, wrap it between two towels and leave it there for about ten minutes
Step 5. Stretch the fabric and secure it in place with 1 to 2 kg weights
Children's shampoo will make it easier to stretch the piece beyond normal limits. And once you've done that, secure it by the edges using some heavy object, such as books, paperweights, or free weights.
Use objects that won't spoil with water. It's also good to avoid things with painted or varnished surfaces, such as wood, as they can end up staining the piece
Step 6. Let the piece rest for an hour, or until it has completely dried
Removing the weights while the material is still wet will cause the fibers to contract back to their original shape.
The fabric will take about an hour to dry completely
Method 4 of 4: Taking care of the part after lacing it
Step 1. Avoid exposure to heat
It can cause the fabric fibers to retract, returning to their original size. In addition, high temperatures can also affect the elastane present in them, fraying the part.
Step 2. Always wash it at a temperature of about 25 °C
After lacing the piece, you should wash it only in cold water.
If you prefer to wash it by hand, fill the tank with water at room temperature, and add about a teaspoon of mild soap. With your hands, stir the clothing in the water for about two or three minutes, or until it looks clean. Then empty the tank and rinse the piece in cold water
Step 3. Let it dry naturally for two or three hours
After each wash, the ideal is to dry the garment in the wind, to protect the fabric's fibers. To do this, place it on a flat surface or hang it on the clothesline using pegs or a hanger.