A fabric shrinkage test is a mandatory procedure done by all the leading cotton suppliers to understand the shrinkage quality of the fabric while washing and while undergoing other wet procedures during manufacture. A simple math and an easy procedure is all it takes to determine the shrinkage. Read on as we elaborate on why we think the shrinkage calculation is a must and the myriad of benefits that will follow this procedure. Top textile companies in India have been following this technique to ensure their product quality matches customer expectations and to ensure that they know their fabric well to bring the designs they desire to life.
Why should you calculate fabric shrinkage?
When it comes to quality control measures, fabric shrinkage is one of the top priorities of textile companies in India work with blended fabrics. It is pretty standard for fabrics to shrink after the washing process. So, while manufacturing garments, it is essential to pre-wash fabrics and understand the shrinkage percentage before designing garments so that they stay true to the size.
How Top Textile Companies in India Calculate Fabric Shrinkage
To easily and accurately calculate fabric shrinkage, follow these steps:
- Calculate the length and width of the sample fabric before any washing or other treatments. Depending on customer guidelines or standard SOP, take a piece of fabric in 50cmx50cm, 100cmx100cm, or 200cmx200cm
- Wash the fabric in the preferred hot/cold machine cycle method.
- Once the washing process is complete, air dry the fabric or follow per instructions. Usually, air-drying fabric from 6-12 hours would be optimum.
- After the fabric is completely dry, now measure it both lengthwise and breadthwise.
- If you had taken a 50cmx50cm fabric piece for testing and after washing, it could have become 48cm in length and 47cm in width. This is the shrinkage level of the fabric. So, to calculate the shrinkage percentage for higher volumes of the fabric, a simple formula can be used.
- Formula to calculate shrinkage: Shrinkage percentage = ((Before wash Measurement – After wash measurement) / Before wash measurement) x 100
Based on the fabric we examined earlier, the shrinkage calculations will be as follows:
Length Shrinkage= (50 – 48)/50*100 = 4%
Width Shrinkage= (50 – 47)/50*100 = 6%
Benefits of Accurate Shrinkage Calculation
Improved Fit:
The shrinkage percentage calculator is an important tip that allows manufacturers to adjust patterns or cutting layouts accordingly, ensuring that the finished garment or textile fits as intended.
Quality Assurance:
Accurate shrinkage calculations contribute to the overall quality of your creations. Customers appreciate garments that maintain their shape and size after washing.
Cost Efficiency:
Proper shrinkage calculations help in minimizing fabric waste. All leading manufacturers, including cotton buyers and sellers, optimize their cutting layouts and reduce the risk of producing garments that are too small or misshapen.
Precision is always the key when it comes to textiles and, more importantly, fashion. Using a simple preventive measure can help manufacturers avoid huge mistakes in their garments’ size and fit quality. Hence, with an accurate shrinkage formula, precise cutting techniques, and seamless garment manufacturing, a textile industry can stand out from the crowd, giving a tough fight to their competitors.
All our manufacturers and suppliers at Damodar Menon International have always prioritized quality and precision in all our products with stringent quality checks, including shrinkage calculations. Connect with us now to source the best quality cotton fabric online from India.
