. Textile Finishing If you see the fabric as it comes out from the loom you will not be able to recognise it as the material you see in the market. All of the fabrics that are available in the market have received one or more finishing treatments, and except for whites, colour has been added to them in some form or the other. A finish is any treatment on the fabric which can change its appearance, its textures or its behaviour for specific use.
Finishes that are considered absolutely necessary are known as ‘routine’. The finishes may be durable (do not get removed on washing or drycleaning) like dyeing, or renewable (need to be applied repeatedly as they get removed on washing) like starching or blueing. A few important finishes depending upon their functions are: Change appearance : Cleaning (scouring, bleaching), straightening and smoothening (calendering and tentering) Change textures: Starching or sizing, special calendering Change behaviour : Wash and wear, permanent press, water repellent or water proof, mothproof, flame retardant or fire proof, antishrink (sanforisation). (a) Finishing with colour: Colour is often the most important factor in selection of fabric, whether it is to be used for apparel or in the house.
Substances that can add colour to the fabric in a manner that it does not easily wash out are known as dyes . The method of dying depends on the chemical natures of the fibre and the dye, and the type of effect desired. Colour application can be done: at fibre stage – for yarns of different colours or designed felts. at yarn stage – for woven checks, stripes or other woven patterns.
Collect five labels of fabrics. Match the information with what you have just read.