Page 149 - CITS - Dress Making - TT - 2024

DRESS MAKING - CITS

LESSON 13 - 21 (4) : Introduction to pressing technology

Objectives

At the end of this lesson you shall be able to:
• know about basic components of Pressing and its purposes.
• understand all types of garment pressing used in apparel Industry.
• know about different types of Pressing equipment and methods used in clothing industry.

1 Pressing
Pressing is the process of application of heat, pressure and moisture either individually or in combination to shape
or crease garments or garment components into the geometric forms proposed by the designer.
The pressing process influences the final garment appearance and hence the garment appeal. Pressing is done
by compressing the fabric between either two flat or curved surfaces.
Finishing and pressing machines contour the semi-finished garment panels as well as finished garments by
bringing down the fibers in the fabric to an elastic state and then deforming and setting them.
2 Purpose of pressing
The primary goal of pressing is to improve the overall appearance of the garment on the outside. The garment’s
visual appeal is improved with pressing. However, the purpose of pressing are far broader in scope:

• To flatten out the undesirable wrinkles, creases and crush marks.
• To make creases where the garment design needs it.
• To mould the garment to the silhouette of the body.
• To prepare garments for further sewing.
• To refinish the garment after completion of the production process.

3 Basic components of pressing
The main elements of the pressing process are heat, pressure and moisture, which deform fibers, yarns and
fabrics to accomplish the required effect.
• Heat – It is necessary to soften the fibers, stabilize and set the fabric in the desired shape. Temperature
must be selected based on the fibers, yarns and fabrics.
• Steam (Moisture) – It is fastest way of transmitting the heat onto the fabric. Steam and heat are essential
to ease the fabric from tension and make the fabric with adequate flexibility so that it can be moulded to get
the required contour.

• Pressure – It is applied to change the form and increase the durability of the moulding. Pressure could be
applied by means of a mechanical device or steam.
• Drying – Subsequent to the steam and pressure application on the fabric, the garment panel or finished
garment must be dried and cooled; thus, the fabric can return to its regular moisture content and steady
condition. This could be done by removing the surplus water from the fabric by means of a vacuum action
which cools it at the same time.
• Time – The time period for which the garment is exposed to steam, pressure and drying depends on the
type of fabric being pressed and there will be an optimal time period for each component.

4 Types of garment pressing
The garments are different types, especially, different in design and garments materials. The pressing of garments
are five categorized, designs and materials are given below:

i No pressing: Some garments are available; these are not need to pressing. Such as, underwear, briefs,
swimwear. These types’ garments are made by knitted fabric.

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