Fabrics Shrinkage Test
Fabrics Shrinkage Test is performed to find out dimensional stability after washing. This testing is done after fabrics finishing and before cutting for Garments Manufacturing. To determine Fabric Shrinkage to adjust Patterns as per Buyer’s Spec and assure Buyers Measurement is maintained in the bulk production by Fabrics shrinkage test.
Fabrics Shrinkage testing Method
1. Fabric shrinkage test is not applicable for non-wash woven garments. This is not limited to any other special fabric which may require a specific % for shrinkage test.
2. Fabric Q.C shall select for knitting, spandex fabric 100%, and woven 10%. This is not limited to any other special fabric which may require a specific % for shrinkage test of a total number of rolls and cut 50cm x50cm in each roll selected. Some factories cut 25cm x 25cm fabrics swatch to find out dimensional stability after washing.
3. Shall mark a squire of exact 50cm x 50cm and Roll No, Lot name, L & W for Length and Width of the fabric by using a marker with un-washable ink.
4. Shall wash these swatches as per the Buyer’s approved wash standard and dry.
5. Need to assure by the quality department that these swatches have achieved the correct standard for a wash effect, hand-feel, and shade as approved by the Buyer.
6. If the standard is achieved, shall iron these swathes and re-measure each swatch, and make records to determine the Length and Width wise shrinkage.
7. Then the fabric QC shall record the actual shrinkage of the swatches representing the roll numbers and submit it to the QC manager and Patternmaker to finalize the Average shrinkage to determine how many patterns are set to be utilized and to prepare.
8. Finally, this completed “Fabric Shade Width wise segregation” and “Shrinkage Report” to be signed by QM, Pattern Master, stores in-charge and copies to be distributed to Store, Sample Room, and Cutting in-charge. (Cutting in charge shall utilize this report for the preparation of Cut plan and Fabric request.)