Abstract: A method for controlling the size of a fabric of a garment includes providing an extensible garment fabric and attaching a relatively inextensible tape or cord proximate to an edge of the extensible garment fabric with the tape or cord made from a material which can be eliminated or made extensible during subsequent processing.

Abstract: A method of attaching a waistband to a garment is disclosed which comprises providing a strip (26) of waistband fabric having outer portions more extensible than the centre section, and presenting the fabric to a sewing machine through a folder (18) for attachment to a garment, characterized in that the folder is angled to the sewing zone (16) whereby to force the outer sections of the waistband strip to proceed faster than the central section resulting in a curve being formed during attachment to the garment. Since the strip does not have a shape until it is treated in accordance with the invention, it may be provided on a reel for continuous operation. Moreover, the angle at which the folder presents the waistband to the sewing zone can be altered whereby to give shapes that are not of constant curvature.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of fabric which comprises transport means (20, 26) for effecting relative movement between a heat and pressure application means and the fabric, whereby the passage of the fabric through the apparatus results in the yarns substantially across the width of the fabric being forced closer together, thus imparting semi-permanent “ease” or “stretch” into the fabric, characterised in that fabric speed control means (28) are employed downstream of the apparatus whereby to maintain the fabric output speed at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of controlling the size of a fabric of a garment is disclosed which comprises overfeeding the fabric into a sewing machine while simultaneously providing a tape or cord to stabilise the sewn fabric. The tape or cord is made from a material which can be eliminated or made extensible during subsequent processing. Preferably the tape or cord is made form a material which is water-soluble and will therefore dissolve during garment washing. However, other materials can be employed such as heat-activated or steam-activated materials which become extensible on activation. The basis of the invention is that the tape or cord produced from the material will be sufficiently rigid so as to stabilise the drawn in garment fabric for application of the waistband, and yet will be removed or become extensible in subsequent processing before it reaches the wearer so that the fabric and waistband can expand during wear.

Abstract: A method of treating a woven fabric of thermoplastic synthetic fibres to produce a two-way stretchable fabric (20) which comprises providing a fabric (20) having stretch characteristics in the width direction, applying heat and pressure to the fabric (20) in such a manner that the yarn strands substantially across the width of the fabric (20) are forced closer together thus imparting stretch into the fabric (20) in the length direction. The fabric (20) material is a synthetic material which is thermoplastic and can be heat set, such as a polyester or polyamide textile material. Stretch in the width direction (normally the weft direction) may be produced conventionally, but owing to processing constraints, it is not normally as easy to produce as much stretch in the length (or warp) direction. By subjecting such a fabric (20) to compressive shrinkage, the stretch in the warp direction is increased.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric composite capable to assuming a desired shape including the steps of forming an interlining fabric (10) containing elastic yarn (15) running longitudinally of the fabric, varying the density of yarn across the width of the interlining to control the longitudinal extensibility across the width, and attaching the interlining to a fabric backing material (12).