Shrinkage is the reduction in the dimensions of a textile material after washing, drying, or exposure to heat or moisture. It can affect the fit, appearance, and performance of garments and fabrics, so it is important to measure it accurately. In this article, you will learn how to use different methods and tools to determine the shrinkage rate of various textile materials.
Shrinkage can occur due to various factors, such as the type of fiber, yarn, fabric structure, dyeing, finishing, and laundering processes. Some materials are more prone to shrinkage than others, such as wool, cotton, and rayon. Shrinkage can also vary depending on the direction of the fabric, whether it is warp, weft, or bias. Measuring shrinkage can help you to select the appropriate materials, adjust the pattern dimensions, and prevent quality issues and customer complaints.
Before measuring shrinkage, you need to prepare the samples according to the intended use and care of the material. You should cut at least two samples of the same size and shape, preferably square or rectangular, from different parts of the material. You should also mark the corners and the edges of the samples with indelible ink or thread, and measure the initial dimensions with a ruler or a tape measure. Then, you should wash and dry the samples according to the manufacturer's instructions or the standard testing methods.
I usually prepare one shrinkage test by: 1) Drawing a 20X20 INch/CM square with indelible ink 2) Make sure to leave an external border around the square you just drew of at least 2"/5cm 3) Do not leave the selvedge attached to the shrinkage test as this could affect the shrinkage 3) Write the date, wash or color ID in the middle of the square you drew 4) Mark which way is warp and weft (I usually use an "L" and a "W") along all 4 corners of the square 5) Use 1 shrinkage test for each color, wash or treatment you want to check shrinkage for
A shrinkage scale is a device that consists of a metal plate with a grid of lines and numbers that indicate the percentage of shrinkage. It is designed to measure the shrinkage of woven fabrics in both warp and weft directions. To use a shrinkage scale, you need to place the washed and dried sample on the plate and align one corner with the zero point. Then, you need to read the numbers that correspond to the opposite corner and the edges of the sample. The difference between the initial and the final dimensions is the shrinkage rate.
A shrinkage ruler is a device that consists of a plastic or metal ruler with markings that indicate the percentage of shrinkage. It is designed to measure the shrinkage of knitted fabrics in both length and width directions. To use a shrinkage ruler, you need to place the washed and dried sample on a flat surface and align one edge with the zero point. Then, you need to read the numbers that correspond to the opposite edge of the sample. The difference between the initial and the final dimensions is the shrinkage rate.
A software tool is a device that consists of a digital camera and a computer program that analyzes the images of the samples and calculates the shrinkage rate. It is designed to measure the shrinkage of any type of fabric in any direction. To use a software tool, you need to take pictures of the samples before and after washing and drying, and upload them to the program. Then, you need to select the corners and the edges of the samples on the screen, and let the program do the rest.
The results of the shrinkage measurements can help you to evaluate the quality and suitability of the textile materials. Generally, the acceptable shrinkage rate for most fabrics is between 2% and 5%. However, this may vary depending on the end use, the customer expectations, and the industry standards. You should compare the results with the specifications of the material, and decide whether to accept or reject it. You should also document the results and report any problems or deviations to the supplier or the manufacturer.
?Shrinkage relates to TPM / Twist per metre TPI /twist per inch ??It’s the hardness of material TWIST MULTIPLIER ??HIGHER THE TWIST HIGHER THE SHRINKAGE ??FOR PRECISION ,QUALITY and VIABLE SPINNING AND FINE FABRIC ,THIS FACTOR IS VERY SERIOUS ??IT ALSO CONCLUDE THE QUALITY OF RAW MATERIAL USED IN PARENT YARN ??LOW TWIST /OPTIMUM TWIST IS REALY PRODUCT CONFORMATION AND VIABLE OPERATION