Abstract: Apparatus for stretching and folding a limp fabric piece (1), having a plurality of opposed elastic bands (12,12',13,13') extending therefrom comprising a platform (2) having a foldable segment, means for folding said foldable segment relative to the platform (2),A limp fabric piece feeding plate (5) for feeding said limp fabric piece (1) to said platform (2) and holding said fabric piece (1) thereon in an extended condition and in a pre-determined position to enable eventual folding of the fabric piece (1) to produce a garment,means for moving said plate (5) horizontally or vertically,suction means located adjacent said platform (2) for applying suction to the elastic bands (12,12',13,13') extending from the fabric piece (1),elastic band gripper means associated with the suction means for gripping and holding the sucked-in elastic bands (12,12',13,13'), relative to said suction means,means for moving said suction means relative to said platform (2) to stretch said fabric piece (1),garment gripper means assoc