Shrinkage

Name : MAZADUL HASAN SHESHIR

PREPARED BY
ID: 2010000400008 right
Batch: 13th Batch (Session 2009-
2013)
Department: Wet Processing
Technology
Email: mazadulhasan@yahoo.com
(FB)
Blog: www.
Textilelab.blogspot.com
Southeast University,Bangladesh
Department of Textile Engineering
 Shrinkage
Shrinkage Definition :
A dimensional change resulting in a decrease in the length or
width of a specimen subjected to specified conditions is known
shrinkage.
Reduction in length and width of fabric induced by conditioning,
wetting, steaming, chemical treatment, wet processing as in
laundering, in chemical practice and in literature the following
terms have been used to describe the

shrinkage which occurs in testing procedure:

1. Relaxation shrinkage,
2. Felting shrinkage,
3. Compressive shrinkage,
4. Residual shrinkage.
 Shrinkage

Shrinkage:
Shrinkage is the process in which a fabric becomes smaller than
its original size, usually through the process of laundry.Cotton
fabric suffers from two main disadvantages of shrinking and
creasing during subsequent washing.

There are two types of shrinkage occurs duringwashing

1) Length wise
2) Width wise
 Shrinkage
Cause:
Due to high tension during preparation of fabric which result in
excess stretch in yarn. This type of shrinkage is known as London
shrinkage. Due to swelling of fibers for fiber structure.

Glass plate
Illustration of Shrinkage on Woven Fabric Caused
by Fiber and Yarn Swelling
 Shrinkage : Types
There are Two Kinds of Fabric Shrinkage:
1. Relaxation Shrinkage
2. Progressive Shrinkage
Relaxation Shrinkage
This occurs because the fibers and yarns are under tension when
the fabrics are made. Later when the fabric is wet in a tensionless
condition, relaxation occurs.

Progressive Shrinkage
This occurs each time a fabric is laundered. Unlike relaxation
shrinkage which occurs only once, progressive shrinkage
continues and the fabric shrinks a bit more with each laundering.
Of the major fibers, only wool and viscose rayon are subject to
progressive shrinkage.
 Shrinkage: Types

Relaxation shrinkage:
During manufactures fabrics and their component yarns are
subjeceted to tension under varying conditions of temperature
and moisture content, after manufacturing when the fabric is
taken from the machine and keep on floor or store room, then
the fabric tends to shrink, this type shrinkage is called relaxation
shrinkage.

Felting shrinkage:
In case of wool fibers dimensional changes can be magnified by
felting shrinkage. When untreated wool fibers are subjected to
mechanical action in the presence of moisture.

Compressive shrinkage:
A process in which fabric is caused to shrink in length by
compression. The process often referred to as controlled
compressive shrinkage.

Residual shrinkage:
after washing the fabric is shrunk. This type of shrinkage is
 Shrinkage : Causes-Influencing factors
Causes:
Shrinkage is mainly due to yarn swelling and the resulting crimp
increase during washing in case of cotton fabrics. Yarn swelling
percentage is more in polyester cotton blending yarn.

Influencing factors:
Twist factor: twist factor increases so that shrinkage will be
increases.
Stitch length: stitch length increases so that shrinkage will be
increases.
GSM: GSM increases so that shrinkage will be decreases.
Elasticity of yarn.
 Shrinkage : Factors
The factors that control shrinkage in fabrics or garments
are:

Construction: A tighter fabric construction reduces potential

shrinkage

Yarn twist: Optimum twist (based on yarn size) is very

important for controlling shrinkage and torque.

Type of Weave or Knit: Pain weave of Jersey knit show more

resistance to shrinkage than other types.

Tension During Sewing of Garments: Uneven or too much

sewing tension can lead to differential shrinkage causing
puckering in the seam areas.

Stability of Fiber and Yarns: Improper stabilization could

lead to excessive shrinkage especially in blends where
synthetic fiber shrinks differentially than the cellulosic fibers.
 Shrinkage control

Shrinkage control is based on the following factors :

1. correct knitted construction is essential

2. excessive tensions should be eliminated during processing
(from grey inspection to finishing)
3. untwisting and extraction to below 65% moisture content
4. padding the correct softener on to the fabric
5. spreading with overfeed and pre-drying to approximately
30% moisture content
6. step by step shrinkage reduction.

Computer programs have been developed in an attempt to reliably

predict the shrinkage and dimensional properties of finished, knitted
cotton fabrics using a database of processed fabrics of known
construction, processing sequences and performance. This was given
the name Starfish start as you mean to finish!

Dry finishing processes are usually restricted to brushing (particularly

for fleece fabrics) and cropping. These processes and their
associated machinery have been discussed in section.
Finishing that Alter Durability Shrinkage Control

Compressive Shrinkage (Relaxation Method)

Used for woven cotton, tubular knit cotton, linen and rayon;
the method consists of mechanically compressing the fabric
lengthwise by overfeeding onto a large roller with damp blankets.
Sanforized is a well known trade mark for fabrics treated by this
method.

Heat Set (Relaxation Method)

Used for fabrics from thermoplastic fibers such as nylon, polyester
and acrylic;

it is based on the principle that thermoplastic materials will become

stabilized in their configuration in which they happen to be when
heated to their softening temperature.
Finishing that Alter Durability Shrinkage Control
Sponging (Relaxation Method)
Used for woolen and worsted fabrics;

it consists of thoroughly wetting the fabric with water or steam

and allowing the material to dry slowly in a relaxed tensionless
state. This does not make wool washable or shrink-proof; it
permits wool to be steam pressed or caught in rain without
severe shrinking.

Resin Treatments (Relaxation Method)

Used for fabrics of rayon and cotton;

it involves impregnating rayon and cotton with resins and then

curing which stabilizes the fabric and thus reduces its tendency
to distort. Resins also provide crease resistance. It is preferable
to hand wash resin treated rayon fabrics.
Compressive Shrinkage

Rubber Belt Principle

Belt Principle for Imparting Mechanical Shrinkage for Knits
Shrinkage Remover By Morrison
 Shrinkage Control of Knit Fabrics

The Micrex
Process

For open-width knit fabrics based on cavity type overfeeding

 Construction Shrinkage
Construction Shrinkage:
After a cotton fabric is constructed on a knitting machine or
weaving loom, it has inherent characteristics based solely on the
yarn construction variables used.These characteristics or
conditions are referred to as the greige delivered state and can
be tested for various specifications including shrinkage. The
type of shrinkage measured at this point is defined as
construction shrinkage. Construction shrinkage is defined as the
amount of dimensional change in a fabric based solely on the
construction variables used to create the fabric. It is
measured after fabrication but before subsequent processes.
 Processing Shrinkage

Processing Shrinkage:
All processing steps in a dyeing and finishing plant and in an
apparel manufacturing operation affect the dimensions of a
product. Some techniques have more impact than others. These
steps create processing shrinkage, which can be defined as the
dimensional change that a process adds to or removes from the
construction shrinkage of a fabric, and thereby changes the
residual shrinkage accordingly. Length and width dimensions are
both affected, and the fabrics may either be stretched or
consolidated. Most often, the length is stretched and the width is
reduced during wet processing. Some of this shrinkage is
composed of elastic shrinkage and can be easily recovered while
some of the change in dimensions may not be recovered, because
the elastic limits of the fabric as constructed have been exceeded.
 Drying Shrinkage

Drying Shrinkage:
Drying shrinkage is defined as dimensional change in a fabric
when deswelling of fiber, yarn, and construction occurs in the
drying step. The structure shrinks upon itself as a result of the
physics of drying.
This swelling and deswelling phenomena along with mechanical
action is used in the AATCC Test Method 135-03. The test
uses a washing machine to wet out (swell) the fiber/fabric under
tensionless conditions and a tumble dryer to apply energy in the
form of mechanical tumbling with heat to deswell and fully relax
the fabric/garment. Tumble drying without restrictions (tension) is
a form of mechanical compression and allows for maximum
drying shrinkage to take place.

The importance of the swelling mechanism is significant. As the

fabric wets out without tension, swelling of the fibers and
subsequently the yarns and the fabric results. Upon swelling, the
crimp in the yarn loops increases. In effect, the loops in the
knitted structure try to assume their lowest energy state that is a
more round configuration, which is the lowest energy state for
 Elastic Shrinkage

Elastic Shrinkage:
Elastic shrinkage is defined as a change in dimensions of a fabric as a
result of the ability of the fabric to freely relax from tensions experienced
during construction and other processing. In the case of cotton greige
knit goods, tensions in forming the knitted loop, from the takedown and
from spreader mechanisms on a knitting machine, are examples of
stresses that may induce elastic shrinkage, which becomes a part of the
construction shrinkage. The stress in transporting of fabric in bleaching
and dyeing machines as well as finishing operations will also induce
elastic shrinkage. Normally, the recovery from elastic stresses
(realization of elastic shrinkage) is fairly spontaneous when these
stresses are relieved, especially in a dry medium.

It should be realized that because of these stresses during processing,

the delivered dimensions that were measured for the greige fabrics are
no longer applicable. The residual shrinkage has changed. In fact, the
stresses involved may exceed the elastic limit and will prevent the
finished fabrics from relaxing or bulking as much as the greige fabrics.
Therefore, not only will the residual shrinkage be different, but also the
relaxed dimensions of the processed fabrics will be different from the
greige fabrics. Relaxed dimensions are defined as the state at which a
In todays modern finishing plants, methods are used to attempt to overcome processing
shrinkage and reduce construction shrinkage. These methods include relaxation drying,
compaction, and/or chemical processes.Relaxation drying and compaction are examples of
consolidation shrinkage. The former occurs naturally by deswelling of the cotton fiber/yarn
assembly while applying unrestricted agitation with no tensions in the length or width. The latter
is a dry mechanical effect gained by forcing the fabric structure to compact upon itself. The
more processes of this type the mill can effectively apply along with linear forces removed from
the processing, then the lower and more consistent the amount of shrinkage.
Just as greige and finished dimensions can be measured, the dyer/finisher can also measure the
effect of each processing step on fabric shrinkage. Benchmarks for measuring dimensional
change can be applied on the greige goods and measured at each point along the processing
route. By using this technique of process monitoring, the finisher may realize and correct for any
avoidable distortion problems that may occur along the processing route. For example, if the
extraction step is shown to stretch the fabric in the length by significant amounts, then the
finisher can adjust the machinery to lower the forces applied in this process to thereby reduce the
distortion and lower shrinkage.The initial reaction of most management teams is that they cannot
afford to do this type of monitoring in their plant; however, in-plant process evaluation costs are
offset by the money they save by reducing reworks for shrinkage and also by eliminating
from consideration those constructions for processing that cannot meet customer specifications
due to their unsuitability to the processing equipment in place. An example of the effect of
processing tensions is discussed later in this bulletin.
Measurement of Fabric Shrinkage & Dimensional
Stability
 Shrinkage Test:

Shrinkage test:
Testing time: After dryer or before compacting.
Equipment used: Shrinkage board ,shrinkage scale,
measurement tape, scissor, washing machine, detergent.

Lengthwise shrinkage = (-ve) %.

Lengthwise extension = (+ve) %.
Test method : ISO 6330:2000.
Shrinkage tolerance: 5%.

The fabric is cut according to the shrinkage board. Then the

fabric is washed by washing m/c with PCLF for 60 min. at 40.
Then the shrinkage% is determined by the shrinkage scale.
Shrinkage Test: Determination of dimensional change in
washing and drying
Determination of dimensional change in washing and drying:
International Standard ISO 5077
First edition- 1984-12-01

Principle:
The specimen is conditioned in the specified standard
atmosphere and measured before subjection to the appropriate
washing and drying procedure. After drying and conditioning and
measuring of the specimen, the changes in dimensions are
calculated.

Apparatus and reagents: Specified in ISO 3759 and in ISO

6330.

Atmospheric Condition: The atmospheric conditions

required for pre-conditioning and testing are specified in ISO
139.
 Shrinkage Test: Test specimens
Test specimens:

1. The selection, dimensions, marking and measuring of test

specimens are specified in ISO 3759.

2. The number of specimens to be tested is determined by

the precision of the results required. In this test method, it
is suggested that four specimens of each sample be
tested and these specimens be washed in two separate
wash loads with two specimens per wash load.

3. In certain circumstances, it may be desirable not to test

four specimen may be used.

.
 Working Procedure:Shrinkage Test

Working Procedure:
The sample which is done shrinkage test, spread on table. Then a
glass template put on sample fabric which is square size. There are
six mark on glass template and distance between two mark is 35 cm.
Marking the sample fabric by unchangeable marker. Then sample is
sewn by hand sewing machine. Sample is ready for washing. Simple
wash the fabric at 60c temp for 90 min. after washing the fabric is
taken out. Dry the sample as per any of the method. It can either be
Line Dry or Flat Dry or Tumble Dry.To find the dimensional change
read the Shrinkage/Stretch on 3 points on the Wrap side and 3 points
on Weft Side.Get the mean value of wrap-wise and weft wise
readings to get the Accurate Shrinkage or Stretch.
 Working Procedure:Shrinkage Test

Procedure:

1. Determine the original length and width dimensions, as

appropriate after the specimens have been pre
conditioned, conditioned and measured according to the
procedure specified in ISO 3759

2. Wash and dry the specimens according to one of the

procedures specified in ISO 6330, as agreed between the
interested parties.

3. After washing and drying, condition and measure the

specimens and calculate the dimensional change of the
specimens according to the procedure specified in ISO
3759
Shrinkage Template & Scale is used for finding
accurate Shrinkage in fabric and Garments.

1. Shrinkage Template & Scale also measures the

dimensional changes in fabrics after laundering,
dry cleaning etc.

2. Template and shrinkage scale made up of

 Features of Shrinkage Template & Scale:

1. To determine directly the % dimensional change (shrinkage)

in all types of fabrics.

2. Fine calibrated Shrinkage Template with 18" x 18" & 10" x

10" benchmarks length-wise &width-wise.

3. Two fine tipped black & yellow fabric markers are supplied
for accurate marking on light & dark color fabrics.

4. Calibrated scale to evaluate shrinkage & stretch directly Up

to 15%.
 How Shrinkage Template & Scale works?
1. The marking template should be placed on the specimen
to be tested, making sure that the fabric is in flat position
before marking.
How Shrinkage Template & Scale works?
 How Shrinkage Template & Scale works?

1. Hold the template firm, and carefully mark the fabric

through the eight slots of the template, to ensure that it
does not move
Washing : Now put the fabric in the
washing machine or Dry Cleaning. Dry
the sample as per any of the method. It
can either be Line Dry or Flat Dry or
Tumble Dry.
Washing process:
Method : ISO 6330
Detergent: suitable detergent
(0.5%) on the weight of 1.8kg
sample.
Sample size: 62cm62cm
Marking area: 50cm50cm
Time: 45min
Temperature: 400C
Machine RPM: 1100
Drying : Dry the sample as per
any of the method. It can either
be Line Dry or Flat Dry or Tumble
Dry.
 Calculation for shrinkage percentage:

To find the dimensional change read the Shrinkage/Stretch on 3

points on the Wrap side and 3 points on Weft Side.
 Calculation for shrinkage percentage:
Shrinkage is determined as;

Shrinkage % = (length of fabric before wash)-(length of fabric after

wash))/ (length offabric after wash) *100

Example,
length of fabric before wash = 35 cm
length of fabric after wash = 33 cm
Now, Shrinkage % = {(35-33)/ 33} * 100
= 6%
Here, Shrinkage is 6%. Normally shrinkage is acceptable less than
5%. But it can be change in case of buyer requirement.
 Calculation for shrinkage percentage:
Calculation for shrinkage percentage:

Shrinkage percentage = (Lo-L1) 100/Lo

Where,
Lo = the distance between the datum line before
washing and
L1 = the distance between datum lines after
washing.
 Expression of results:
Expression of results:
1. Calculate the mean changes in dimensions in both the length
and width directions accordance with the arrangement in ISO
3759 as follows:

2. Express the average dimensional changes to the nearest

0.5%.

3. State whether the dimension has decreased (shrinkage) by

means of a minus sign (-) or increased (extension) by means
of a plus sign (+).
 Shrinkage Test result

Get the mean value of wrap-wise and weft wise readings to

get the Accurate Shrinkage or Stretch.
 Remedies :Shrinkage
As already noted, shrinkage is a serious problem with knitted
fabrics. Even a target shrinkage of 5% maximum in both length
and width directions is difficult to achieve. Slit (open-width)
fabrics are stentered with overfeed and without undue stretching,
then often Sanforised to reduce potential shrinkage.

Both open-width and tubular fabrics are dried on what is

effectively a continuous open-width tumbler dryer in which the
fabric passes through the machine in a relaxed state on a
continuous belt and air is blown from jets through the fabric. Both
types of fabric can then be subjected to compacting in which the
fabric is overfed and steamed.
It is claimed that tubular, mercerised and compacted knitted
fabric can have a shrinkage as low as 1%.
Shrinkage Tolerance of Different Fabric:

Fabric Type Length (%) Width (%)

S/J -5.50 -5.50
Lycra S/J -6.00 -6.00
Single Lacoste -7.00 -7.00

Lycra Single
Lacoste -7.00 -7.00
1X1 Rib -7.00 -7.00
Lycra 1X1 Rib -7.00 -7.00
2X2 Rib -8.00 -8.00
Lycra 2X2 Rib -8.00 -8.00
Interlock -7.00 -7.00
Terry Fleece -5.00 -5.00
 FOR 100% COTTON PLAIN
SINGLE JERSEY
ect of GSM on Shrinkage (Tumble Dry):

Samp Shrinkage
le No. 120 GSM 130 GSM 140 GSM 160 GSM 180 GSM
Lengt Width Lengt Width Lengt Width Lengt Width Lengt Widt
h wise h wise h wise h wise h h
wise wise wise wise wise wise
01 -6.5% -5% -4.4% -5% -3.62 -1.96 -3.32 -2.18 -2.18 -2.08
- -
02 4.51 4.16 -3.74 -2.09 -3.7 -0.96 -3.17 -2.5 -2.72 -2.13
% %
03 -5.74 -2.41 -4.15 -4.9 -3.43 -6.06 -3.37 -2.33 -2.74 -2.17
04 -4.44 -3.92 -4.22 -3.37 -3.18 -4.12 -2.94 -2.29 -1.17 -2.19

05 -6.12 -3.75 -0.99 -3.56 -4 -3.15 -2.2 -0.72 -2.03

-4.7
Fig: Effect of GSM on Shrinkage in lengthwise (Tumble Dry)
 METHODS FOR REDUCING SHRINKAGE

Now that shrinkage has been defined, the factors that have an
impact on performance will be looked at in detail. There are
many factors that relate to shrinkage. These include the fiber,
the yarn size and type, construction variables, wet processes,
finishing procedures, apparel manufacturing techniques, and
garment care methods.

Cellulosic fibers are not as easily stabilized as are thermoplastic

synthetics, because they cannot be heatset to attain stability.
Also, synthetic fibers do not exhibit the swelling/deswelling
scenario that cotton exhibits. However, the comfort and overall
appeal of cotton has resulted in greater demand by the
consumer and by usage in the textile industry. Therefore, the
relaxation of fabrics made with cotton fibers requires either
mechanical and/or chemical means for stabilization.
 METHODS FOR REDUCING SHRINKAGE

Yarns, of course, are made with fibers and exhibit the same
characteristics as the fiber. Yet the manner these fibers are
oriented in a yarn will affect certain properties of the fabric
including shrinkage. Cotton singles yarns of high twist will
usually yield higher shrinkage values than yarns of lower twist
levels and will certainly yield greater skewing or torqueing.
Rotor spun

yarns do not typically yield significant different length shrinkage

values than ring spun yarns, but are usually wider and certainly
exhibit less fabric and garment torque. Plied yarns of either type
usually yield very little skewing tendencies, but do not impact
shrinkage.

Different constructions can have significantly different shrinkage

characteristics. For example, the performance of a single pique
is certainly different from that of a jersey or interlock made from
the same yarns and should be processed in a different manner.
For example, the tuck stitches in a pique tend to make the
 METHODS FOR REDUCING SHRINKAGE
Wet processing procedures generally exhibit stress on a fabric.
Continuous processes during dyeing and preparation for drying usually
stretch the length and pull down or reduce the width, sometimes beyond
their elastic limit thereby changing the relaxed dimensions.

Finishing procedures may reduce or increase the dimensional stability of

the fabric. If relaxation dryers, compactors, and/or crosslinking agents
are used, then the residual shrinkage after wet processing can be
reduced.

Apparel manufacturing processes often increase the level of shrinkage in

a fabric. The laying down of the layers for cutting and the physical
manipulation of the panels in sewing are examples of where
shrinkage values can be increased. In fact, garments comprised of
different fabric constructions may have some panels relax with handling
in cut-and-sew while other panels may grow.

Garment care labeling and laundering practices will have a direct

influence on shrinkage performance. If the label calls for line or flat
drying, then mostly elastic shrinkage will affect performance. However, if
tumble drying is suggested, then all available residual shrinkage will be
realized.
 METHODS FOR REDUCING SHRINKAGE
The best chance to achieve low shrinkage in cotton knitted fabrics
is to totally engineer the product from fiber selection through all
processing steps.

The parameters for success can be outlined as follows:

1. Proper product specifications and fabrication.

2. Low tensions during wet processing (dyeing and
extraction).
3. Relaxation drying.
4. Finishing with compaction and/or crosslinking agents.
5. Low tension packaging for apparel manufacturing.
 Low Tension Wet Processing
Low Tension Wet Processing
Each step in wet processing applies some stress to a knitted fabric.
Some processes require that the fabric be pulled continuously
through a range or cycled through a vessel in order to get a desired
effect. Jet dyeing machines, becks, bleaching ranges, and pad and
beam processing units all pull on the fabric in the length direction
during the process. Equipment manufactured today applies less
stress on the fabric than did those of only ten years ago; however, it
is common for these machines to stretch fabrics in the length. At the
same time, some soft flow and overflow jet dyeing machines actually
either do not stretch the fabric or may even relax the goods in the
length. Unless it is restrained, the width of a knit fabric will relax
upon wetting out in all these vessels as a result of the tensions on the
fabric in the length. In this respect, a knit fabric acts like an
accordion.

The extraction process is the single greatest area of concern for

length distortion in wet processing for knit fabrics. Strides have
been made in recent years to reduce the amount of fabric stretch in
extraction; however, length stretch of 10% and higher is
commonplace.
 Relaxation Drying
Relaxation dryers are available in conveyor belt systems, suction drum
units, combinations of both, and continuous tumblers. All systems make
use of mechanical action during drying to provide the energy to yield
lower shrinkage. In order for a knit fabric to shrink during drying, certain
criteria must take place. The methods used to shrink the fabric must be
able to overcome the static friction that exists within the loops of the
knitted structure.

Key factors for relaxation drying should include:

1. Releasing of all tensions from the fabric, especially its own weight
and that of any water it might contain at the entry of and in the
dryer.
2. The use of softeners to aid fabric structure mobility by reducing
the static friction at yarn intersections.
3. Mechanical action either by air flow and belt vibration.
4. Sufficient and uniform mechanical action to overpower all static
friction within the structure but at levels low enough to prevent
stretching.
5. A uniform air flow in intensity, varied in direction, but not offsetting
in application.
6. Necessity to either spread the fabrics with overfeed at the entry of
the dryer or to spread at a station just before the dryer.
 Compaction
During compaction, static friction is overcome by physical force.
Compaction is the use of compressive forces to shorten the fabric
to reduce the length shrinkage. This is achieved by heated roll
and shoe compactors or compressive belt systems to force the
length of the loop in a knit to become not only shorter, but also
more round in configuration thereby resulting in lower length
shrinkage values. This process is a consolidation process
resulting in consolidation shrinkage.

Softener selection has a big impact on the efficiency of the

compactor. The use of improper softeners can prevent the
compaction force from being effective by causing slippage
between fabric surfaces and machine components in the
shrinking zone. Softeners may also reduce the static friction so
much that the yarn loops may easily compact, but then lose the
compaction during subsequent processing. Corrugation or
wrinkling of the surface because of improper loop movement
during compaction can be a big problem to finishers. This is a
defect usually associated with over-compaction, but it can also be
caused by improper or non-uniform softener application as well
as improper moisture content at the compactor.
 Chemical Finishing

Chemical crosslinking has been the most used method for

stabilizing cotton knit apparel fabrics especially those finished in
open-width form. Compaction methods have also been effective
but have been mainly used on underwear fabrics and most
tubular goods. The advent of wet processes that impose lower
tensions on fabric, such as the evolution of relaxation dryers and
the improvement of compaction machinery including open-
width, have combined to reduce the need for or level of chemical
finishing.However, the desire for very low shrinkage without the

corresponding increase in bulk experienced with compaction of a

knit structure has led to the continued use of crosslinking agents
for cotton products.
Chemical crosslinking affects the swelling of cotton and
reduces shrinkage by altering the normal shrinking
(swelling/deswelling) phenomena. In fact, a well-designed
crosslinking system will permanently alter the shrinkage thereby
altering the relaxed dimensions. Other benefits of a chemical
finish would be a better appearance as related to wrinkling after
washing and tumble drying, less tendency to pill or form surface
 CONCLUSIONS

The importance of understanding shrinkage and it causes is

key to its control. In summary, a partnership between a mill
and an apparel firm is a necessity for success in the
marketplace. This is true whether the product is a national or
store brand at retail.

Mutual planning and engineering of a product is the only recipe

for success. In order to meet product specifications, the
correct yarn, machine set-up, and dyeing and finishing
processes must be chosen. Arbitrary specifications and
improper choices of processing routes are a guarantee for
failure in the battle to control shrinkage for cotton fabrics.
 Reference :

A GUIDE TO IMPROVED SHRINKAGE

PERFORMANCE OF COTTON FABRICS
ISP 1009

2004 Cotton Incorporated. All rights reserved; Americas Cotton Producers

and Importers.

Class lectures of Textile Physics and Textile Testing

and quality Control , Southeast university, Fall -
2013 .