Shrinkage testing for knitted fabric involves determining the extent to which the fabric will shrink under specific conditions, such as washing and drying. Here's a basic process for conducting shrinkage testing on knitted fabric:
1. Preparing the Sample:
Cut out a sample of the knitted fabric to be tested. The sample size should be large enough to allow for accurate measurements before and after shrinkage.
Record the dimensions of the original (unwashed) sample, including length, width, and weight. This serves as the baseline for comparison after washing.
2. Washing the Sample:
Follow the care instructions provided for the fabric, such as temperature, detergent type, and washing machine settings. Use a standardized washing procedure to ensure consistency.
Wash the fabric sample in a washing machine according to the specified conditions, such as water temperature, cycle duration, and agitation level.
If testing for multiple wash cycles, repeat the washing process accordingly.
3. Drying the Sample:
After washing, remove the fabric sample from the washing machine and proceed to drying.
Follow the recommended drying method specified for the fabric, such as air drying, tumble drying, or line drying. Use standardized drying conditions to maintain consistency across tests.
If testing for multiple drying cycles, repeat the drying process accordingly.
4. Measuring Shrinkage:
Once the fabric sample has been washed and dried, measure its dimensions again, including length, width, and weight.
Calculate the percentage shrinkage for each dimension using the formula:
Percentage Shrinkage
=
(
Original Dimension
−
Final Dimension
Original Dimension
)
×
100
Percentage Shrinkage=(
Original Dimension
Original Dimension−Final Dimension
​
)×100
Compare the post-wash measurements to the pre-wash measurements to determine the extent of shrinkage in each dimension.
5. Reporting Results:
Record the results of the shrinkage testing, including the washing and drying conditions used, the pre-wash and post-wash measurements, and the calculated percentage shrinkage for each dimension.
Present the findings in a clear and organized manner, such as in a table or report, to communicate the results effectively.
6. Quality Control:
Repeat the testing process for multiple samples of the same fabric to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results.
Conduct regular quality control checks to verify the consistency of shrinkage properties across different batches of fabric.
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