Shrinkage In Fabrics: From Manufacturing to Caring, Know How to Determine How Much Your Fabrics Will Shrink

Shrinkage is a widespread problem with fabrics, and it can occur during the manufacturing process or when you wash or dry your clothes at home. It is essential to understand the causes of fabric shrinkage and how to determine how much a fabric will shrink to ensure you get the right size and fit. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about shrinkage in fabrics, from its causes to how to prevent it and care for your clothes. 

Understanding Fabric Shrinkage 

What Causes Fabric Shrinkage? 

There are several reasons why fabrics shrink, including the following: 

•  High heat during manufacturing, transportation, or storage 
•  Over-exposure to sunlight or moisture 
•  Chemical treatments and finishes used during manufacturing 
•  The type of fibre used in the fabric 
•  Washing and drying at feverish temperatures 
•  Aggressive agitation during washing 

How To Determine How Much a Fabric Will Shrink? 

Before you start working with any fabric, it is crucial to determine how much it will shrink. To do this, you can follow these steps: 

1.  Cut a swatch of the fabric. 
2.  Measure the dimensions of the swatch before washing it. 
3.  Wash the swatch in hot water and dry it on high heat. 
4.  Measure the dimensions of the swatch again. 

The difference between the original and post-wash dimensions will give you an idea of how much the fabric will shrink. For example, if a swatch measures 10 inches by 10 inches before washing and 9 inches by 9 inches after washing, it has shrunk by 10%. 

What Types of Fabrics Shrink the Most? 

Natural fibres such as cotton, wool, and silk tend to shrink more than synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. The reason for this is that natural fibres are more prone to shrinkage due to their porous nature and the way they are processed during manufacturing. 

Preventing Fabric Shrinkage 

How To Prevent Fabric Shrinkage During Manufacturing? 

Manufacturers can take several measures to prevent fabric shrinkage during the manufacturing process, including: 

•  Pre-shrinking the fabric before cutting and sewing 
•  Using low temperature washing and drying cycles 
•  Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals during processing 
•  Storing fabric in a cool, dry place to prevent exposure to heat and moisture 

How To Prevent Fabric Shrinkage at Home? 

As a consumer, you can take the following steps to prevent fabric shrinkage when caring for your clothes at home: 

•  Read and follow the care label instructions on the garment 
•  Wash and dry clothes on low temperatures 
•  Avoid using hot water or high heat settings 
•  Hand-wash delicate fabrics instead of machine washing 
•  Air-dry clothes instead of using a dryer 

Caring For Shrunk Fabrics 

Can Shrunk Fabrics Be Restored to Their Original Size? 

Unfortunately, fabrics that have already shrunk cannot be restored to their original size. However, you can still make them usable by stretching them gently while they are wet and laying them flat to dry. Alternatively, you can consider using the shrunken fabric for smaller projects such as patchwork or applique. 

How To Care for Shrunk Fabrics? 

To care for shrunk fabrics, you should follow the care label instructions carefully and avoid exposing them to hot temperatures or harsh chemicals. It is also advisable to hand-wash or machine-wash on low temperatures and air-dry the fabric instead of using a dryer. 

Conclusion 

Shrinkage is a common problem with fabrics, but can be prevented by following proper care instructions and handling fabrics properly. But there’s no need to worry, because if you take the steps to prevent shrinkage mentioned above, the possibility of shrinkage of your clothes can be reduced and can extend the life of your clothes.

And the next determining factor is the quality of the fabric itself. It is better for you to use proven quality fabrics such as those available at the Paramatex Fabric Store. Because the quality of the fabric is getting better, the possibility of it shrinking can also be minimized.

You can see the various types of fabrics available at the Paramatex Fabric Shop through the catalog on this website, or you can also click the link below.

PARAMATEX FABRIC CATALOGUE