SOP: Standard Operating Procedure of Fabric Shrinkage | Different Types of Fabric Shrinkage

SOP Fabric Shrinkage

Fabric Shrinkage

Objective:

·        To determine the amount of shrinkage within the cross sectional area of the fabric once subjected to steam pressing or washing as required by customer.

·        Group the fabric rolls/Lots based on their shrinkage percentage and then add shrinkage percentage to the pattern to achieve consistent measurements in final product (after washing).

Scope:

This test covers activities before application of shrinkage on Pattern.

Authority:

This procedure is being controlled by Cutting Head.

Responsibility:

Execution and maintenance of this procedure lies on the cutting In-charge.

Procedure:

·        10% of Rolls selected from each lot and cut half yard in case of 100% cotton fabrics. For Spandex Blend, 100% Rolls checked for Shrinkage.

·        Mark Fabric at Four (4) equal points (e.g.50 centimeters) and provide stitch at the marking.

·        Follow the washing standard as required

·        Measure the marked area width wise and length wise to determine wash shrinkage accordingly.

·        If there is a huge variation (over 2%) between the rolls in the same lot for 100% Cotton fabric, then go for 100% Wash shrinkage testing.

·        Fabric rolls/lots grouped as per washing shrinkage percentage every -1% & +1% variation need to be grouped and washing shrinkage added accordingly to the patterns.

·        For 100% Cotton, if wash shrinkage exceeds over 8% need to inform fabric supplier/customer as this may lead into inconsistent measurements after wash.

·        If shrinkage variation between the Length & width is more than 5% for 100% Cotton fabrics consider as fail for shrinkage.

·        For Power stretch Fabric, need to get expected/allowed shrinkage range from buyer. If actual shrinkage range is higher than 5% of allowed/expected shrinkage, then it is considered as fail. Intimation shall send to concern buyer for approval prior to cutting.

Note – For Non-wash orders, same procedures need to be followed except to do steam pressing three times instead of washing. Non-wash orders shrinkage should not exceed plus or minus 1%.

Hope this article will help you to know about Fabric Shrinkage Procedure.