Page 209 - CITS - Fashion Design Technology - Trade Theory

FASHION DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY - CITS

6 Spotting gun: This equipment is used to remove stains from garments. Using a spotting gun, the solvent is
sprayed at high speed to the stained area. The solvent dissolves stains found on garments. Sometimes liquid
soap, solvent, and toothbrush are used for cleaning stains.
7 Kimble gun: Different types of tags, such as hang tags, price tags, and special tags are attached to folded
garments, with a kimble gun.
8 Steam boiler: To keep the steam press hot all the time, steam generated in a boiler, is supplied to irons. Boiler
with the single pressing workstation is also available.

9 Washing machine: For bulk washing, the factory uses a high-capacity washing machine. For washing a
smaller number of garments and sample pieces, the domestic washing machine is used for removing dirt.
Pressing

Objectives: At the end of this lesson, you shall be able to explain
• purpose of pressing
• categories of pressing equipment.

Introduction: 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.
Purpose of Pressing
The primary goal of pressing is to improve the overall appearance of the garment on the outside. Purpose of
pressing is far broader in scope given as below.
1 To flatten out the undesirable wrinkles, creases and crush marks.
2 To make creases where the garment design needs it.
3 To mould the garment to the silhouette of the body.
4 To prepare garments for further sewing.

5 To refinish the garment after completion of the production process.
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.
1 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.

2 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.

3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
Classification of Pressing Equipment
The pressing machines are classified in three major categories based on how the machines are pressed.
1 Solid Pressure Equipment (Pressing Equipment)
• Pressing irons

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CITS : Apparel - Fashion Design Technology - Lesson 25