Finishes that alter fabric handling drape and texture

Finishes that alter fabric handling, drape and texture Grade 11 Term 1 Week 10 Lesson 2

� Starching � Raising � Napping � Sueding � Brushing

� During the starching process fabric is dipped into a starch solution to give it a smooth, stiff finish that makes it crisp to handle � Starch is removed during laundering but you can replace it � Often used to make inferior fabrics appear to be of a better quality

� This is a process in which the ends of fibres are drawn out from the surface using wire brushes � The nap then gets trimmed or sheared to ensure that all the raised fibres are the same length � Done on wool and cotton.

A nap is formed when the fabric’s fibre ends are brushed so that the surface of the fabric becomes soft and fuzzy � Fabrics may be napped on one or both sides � The air trapped in the fuzzy layer will keep you warm � Used for lightweight blankets, winter garments �

� Brushing is a mechanical finish that removes short, loose fibres � Proper brushing will ensure that the surface is smooth even after shearing

� Applied to fine, silky fabrics made of natural or manmade fibres. � Fabric moves over abrasive rollers � Gives fabric a soft handling and unusual appearance � Process decrease the strength of fabric and they need to be handled carefully