Woven interlining shrinkage does not depend on one factor. The material, production process and outer fabric all contribute to how dimensional change may occur. Because of this, a result from one material or process should not automatically be applied to another combination.
Fabric construction can affect dimensional stability because the way the base fabric is built and finished influences its behaviour. Composition is another factor to consider because different fibres can respond differently to heat and moisture. GSM describes the weight of the fabric, but it does not by itself predict dimensional change. A heavier or lighter grade should therefore not be assumed to behave in a particular way.
Heat and moisture can also affect woven interlining during production. Fusing, pressing and steaming introduce heat, while washing and other finishing methods can create additional exposure. Fusing conditions such as temperature, time and pressure therefore form part of the testing process. The outer fabric also matters because its fibre, weave and stretch characteristics influence how the fused materials move together.
Garment construction can affect how any dimensional change becomes visible. Fusing direction, panel size and seam placement may influence whether changes appear as rippling or puckering. For this reason, manufacturers should compare like with like. A shrinkage result from one woven interlining grade should not automatically be transferred to another grade, outer fabric or production process. Testing the actual material under the conditions it will experience gives a more useful indication of its dimensional behaviour.
