Integration of Reed Width Contraction and Loom Crimp Take up in Linen Weaving
Reed width contraction and warp crimp take-up in linen weaving require dynamic adjustment of loom tension and denting space to offset flax inelasticity.
Off Loom Greige Width
Fabric Dimension
Measurements taken across the width of a loomed fabric immediately after it is released from the loom’s tension represent the raw state of the material before wet processing. The off loom greige width is a critical baseline value used to calculate the subsequent shrinkage and contraction that will occur during dyeing and finishing. This dimension is always narrower than the reed width due to warp and weft crimp.
Loom Control
Operators measure this width on every roll as it is cut from the take-up roller to ensure that the tension settings on the loom are consistent. If the measured width is too narrow, it indicates that the weft crimp is too high or the temple tension is insufficient, which can lead to structural defects and fabric density issues. In Chinese flax mills, this measurement is recorded on the greige inspection card before the roll is sent to the warehouse.
Finishing Adjustment
Data collected from these measurements are used by the finishing department to set the width of the stenter frames during final drying. This baseline ensures the fabric can be finished to the buyer’s requested width. It acts as a primary control point for dimensional quality.