acrylics pro tips

Keeping Your Acrylic Knits Fit

If you shopped for sweaters or other knit garments lately, you have  probably noticed that many of them  contain a fiber called acrylic. Before  purchasing garments containing this  fiber, it is important that you are aware of  the problems you may run into and how  to care for them properly.


What is acrylic?


Acrylic is a fiber often found in  women's sweaters, knit suits, pants, skirts,  and dresses. It is characterized by its ability  to stretch and conform to the shape of  the body and recover to its original  dimensions once the tension is released.  Garments containing acrylic fibers have  become increasingly popular due to their  reasonable price and the fact that they  are available in a wide range of bright,  fashionable colors.


What types of problems can acrylics experience?


Occasionally, these articles may shrink  during the care process. This is almost always a result of improper blocking or  heat setting during manufacturing. An  acrylic fabric that has not been properly stabilized will suffer drastic changes in  shape from normal wear and care  processes. The fabric can stretch during  wear and shrink from the heat and tumbling of cleaning-possibly as much as several inches after the first dry-cleaning.

Unfortunately, there is no way a drycleaner can detect whether an acrylic knit has been stabilized to withstand a dry-cleaning process. Once the shape of the item has been distorted, there is no way to restore the garment to its original dimensions. Since there is no way a drycleaner can control this problem, acrylic knits that stretch or shrink in normal wear or care should be returned to the retailer or manufacturer.

Another problem with acrylics is their tendency to stretch when exposed to high temperatures. Any slight tension on the fabric while it is moist with steam or heat-including the steam or heat used in finishing procedures-can cause permanent distortion. In some acrylic knits, especially those with loose and open knit constructions, permanent stretching and distortion can occur during normal circumstances of wear.

Some acrylic knits are bulky, and the knit is rather loosely constructed. These garments have a greater tendency to become snagged or pilled during normal use or to stretch and distort. Unfortunately, once an acrylic fiber stretches, it is usually permanent.


How can you keep your acrylics fit for next winter?

  • Be sure to check the fiber content label of garments, especially sweaters, for acrylic fibers before cleaning or ironing. This is especially important ,as acrylic knit garments may be  difficult to distinguish from wool or other more stable fiber types. Also check the care label for special precautions.

  • Dry acrylics on a cool, short cycle at temperatures no higher than 120 degrees F.

  • Never hang acrylics to dry. Tension from the weight of the water may cause the acrylic to stretch. Because acrylics have a low moisture absorbency and dry rather quickly, it may be best to lay these items flat to allow them to dry.

  • Iron using light steam. Tension placed on the yarns, along with the heat of the steam, will often cause drastic stretching.

  • Avoid handling acrylics while warm. Acrylics have a greater tendency to permanently stretch if tension is placed on them while they are still warm.

 

DLI's Consumer News You Can Use Vol. 63

Information & Blog Provided by DLI

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