FABRIC SHRINKAGE

TEST
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY FABRIC
SHRINKAGE?
Loss of fabric dimension length & width wise
due to the absorption of water .
FABRIC SHRINKAGE TEST
Before doing any shrinkage test the sample
should be conditioned in at atmosphere of
65% R.H. and 240 to 270 C for a minimum of 4
hours.
 Sample size as per as collected.
 Marking area 10 x 10 inches.
 Samples weight should be 1.8 ± 0.1 kg.
 At first it needs to be conditioned .
 Then mark 3 lines in both warp and weft direction having
measured there distance(Lo)
 Liquor ratio : 1:50
 Suitable detergent (0.5%) on the weight of sample i.e. 1.8
kg
 At 400C for 60 minutes in washing m/c.
 Dry the sample at 600C to 650C using tumble dryer.
 Press the sample in flat bed hot press at 150 0 ± 150C with
30 gm/cm2 pressure.
 Then dry the sample, Cool the sample

and again condition .

 Then measure the distance of the previously marked
lines(Ls).
WHAT IS SHRINKAGE
ALLOWANCE ?
Shrinkage allowance is the ratio of shrinkage
length to the initial length.

 Shrinkage % = [ (Lo-Ls) / Lo] x 100

Where, Lo= Distance between two ends before
treatment
 Ls = Distance between two ends after
treatment.

For knit fabric its 5 % & for woven fabric its 2-3
%.
PROBLEM
For a fabric shrinkage allowance=4.4%,
Distance between two ends after
treatment=55 inches .

Find out the distance between two ends before

treatment.
PROBLEM
For a knit fabric ,

Distance between two ends after treatment=43

inches

Distance between two ends before

treatment=44.1 inches

Find out the shrinkage allowance & find out

the fabric is accepted or rejected.