Finishing

Photographed by Khush Kakkar

Finishing in the textiles sector means the process through which a woven or knitted fabric is converted into a material which is suitable and ready for sale. It improves the fabric performance, look and the feel of the fabric.

There are three steps of finishing : 1. Scouring 2. Milling 3. Ironing

Scouring refers to the removal of oils which maybe present on the surface of the fabric due to addition during yarn spinning stage, hand contact or naturally. The oil then holds dirt and gives the fabric a yellow tinge. Scouring is done by washing the wool in hot water and detergent which removes the non-wool components and then the fabric is dried.

Milling is done to increase the fullness and volume of the fabric which subsequently results in a weaving pattern which becomes obscure. Depending entirely on the kind of fiber used as the scaliness, waviness and fineness affects the amount of felting, it alters the appearance, body, elasticity and strength of the fabric.

Milling is done by applying a balanced amount of heat, moisture and pressure to the fabric in a rotary milling machine.

Ironing is the last stage of finishing after which the shawl is ready to be packed. It is done by a press and polish machine. The machine has a cylindrical roller which gets hot and has multiple layers padding and final layer of muslin on it.

The shawl is passed through it in an even manner when the cylinder spins at a low speed which results in a creaseless and polished fabric.