Abstract: The shrinker comprises a soft, pliable, sock-like receptacle for the stump having a closed toe and an open upper end. Initially flat, opposite sides of the shrinkere are joined along their longitudinal extremities without seams due to the one-piece, knitted construction of the shrinker. By knitting the shrinker on flatbed knitting machines, a tapered configuration without seams can be achieved through the technique of adding more knitting needles to progressively widen the shrinker as the knitting process is carried out after beginning at the toe. The lack of seams at the toe and along the sides increases comfort, and the yarn utilized for the knit fabric is stretchable to such an extent that at 50% stretch of the shrinker, a compression of approximately 10 to 30 millimeters of mercury is achieved, whereby to reduce edema and shape the stump in preparation for receiving a prosthesis.