Shrinkage

SHRINKAGE

Shrinkage is described as the reduction in length and width of the cloth when washed. If a garment shrinks, it will ruin the fit. Therefore all fabric should be sub-jected to shrinking before cutting and sewing. Shrinkage can be carried out in different methods. They also vary from fabric to fabric.

Shrinkage of Fabric without Water

The fabric should be placed on the table with face side lying down for the shrinkage. A wet cloth or towel should be kept between the two fabrics and iron with warm heat. While ironing, the wet cloth that is pres-ent inbetween will give air due to heat and help in the shrinking of the fabrics. Then ironing must be done in all places.

For woolen fabric the wet cloth must be kept in between the fabric for one night. After that the cloth that was kept above the wool fabric should be removed. The wool fabric should be spread on the wrong side facing upward. Ironing should be done by keeping the fabric above the wool fabric and it should be left to dry naturally. This process should be done two times.

Shrinkage of Fabric with Water

The fabric to shrink should be kept in the soap solutions for four hours. In case of cot-ton fabric hot water is needed. The fabric should be stirred from time to time. After that, it should be washed for 3-4 times and dried by hanging in the lengthwise direc-tion. While drying the cloth avoid using steel rods and use thread ropes. Ironing must be done while the fabric is wet slightly. In case of coloured cloth they must be soaked sepa-rately and washed.