Almost all types of fabrics are subject to shrinkage during washing and wet-heat treatment. We can only talk about its degree. Of the natural fabrics, linen, velveteen, and plaid “sit down” most of all. Crepe fabrics made of synthetic and natural silk are slightly less susceptible to it. The degree of tissue shrinkage often depends on the improperly selected washing temperature and subsequent ironing.
Causes of tissue shrinkage
During washing and ironing, a reversible elastic deformation of the threads occurs in the fabric structure when the fabric seeks to correct the tension set initially. There is an increase in the cross section of the threads of the fabric during swelling. This leads to the straightening of the threads of one system (weft or warp), after which the deformation of the threads of another system (warp or weft, respectively) occurs.
Shrinkage depends on the type of fabric fibers: linen, cotton, viscose. From the degree of twisting of the threads, while more twisted threads stretch more due to an increase in their diameter and changes in the structure of the fabric. From improperly selected temperature during washing and ironing.
List of shrinkable fabrics
Cotton shrinks. Depending on the weave, it varies from 3% to 5%. The greatest shrinkage is given by a plaid and velveteen. Calico, poplin, teak, satin, calico, cambric, and other cotton fabrics are slightly less. Flax and linen containing fabrics shrink up to 6%, as well as mixed fabrics. At the same time, the more cotton or linen is contained in the fabric, the more shrinkage will be.
After washing, the fabric with elastane contracts, as elastane stretched earlier compresses it. Then the fabric can again stretch to 10% of the original length.
Woolen fabrics shrink from 1.5 to 3.5%. This applies to drapes and thin woolen fabric. According to some reports, wool is subject to shrinkage to a greater extent, up to 5-6%. This deficiency is observed in woolly fabrics.
Shrinkage of fabrics made from natural silk is slightly less than that of fabrics made from rayon. The greatest shrinkage is observed in silk crepe fabrics: from natural silk - up to 5%, crepe from artificial silk - up to 7%. Satin silk fabrics can lose from 3.5% to 5% of their original length. Staple and viscose fabrics - up to 4%. Nylon fabrics - up to 1.5%, semi-nylon fabrics - up to 3.5%. Shrinkage is given by cushioning materials: non-woven, duplin, adhesive strip.
