b'BULLETINNO. 505TABSE X T I L E A N A LY S I S B U L L E T I N S E R V I C ET By Jim Kirby, DLI Textile AnalystMetallic Yarn Distortion What Is The Problem?Fabrics made from metallic yarns or metallic blends oftenshow isolated or general yarn slippage after minimal use Even a short,or care.gentle drycleaningprocess wasWhat Does It Look Like? unable to preventThe metallic finish is no longer smooth and shiny, being severe yarn distor-dull and very distorted. The fabric appears puckered or wavy. tion on this goldThis can be more prominent in some areas, or the entire blouse.piece can be damaged. These yarns are not actually broken,but simply shifted from side to side, severely distortingthe fabric. What Caused It?The characteristic structure of the fabric makes it vulnerableto yarn slippage. In most cases, manufacturers weave thesefabrics with very fine yarns in one direction and a somewhatheavier metallic filament in the other direction. While thismakes a beautiful fabric, it is not very stable to repeated useor cleaning. Any flexing, stress, and/or abrasion can causetheyarntoshift,whichisaccentuatedbythenormalagitation of professional cleaning. Can It Be Prevented?Special precautions in use or during cleaning usually haveno affect on preventing this type of damage. Using a bettercombinationofyarnsandamoredurablewovenconstruction is the only method of reducing the possibilityof this type of damage from occurring. Who Is Responsible?The maker of the fabric should be held responsible forconstructing a fabric that has little or no serviceability forits intended end use. This adverse condition is a qualitycontrol deficiency in manufacture and is beyond the controlof the user or the cleaner.Microscopic view shows the yarns are not actually broken but shifted from side toside, distorting the fabric.Is There A Remedy?Yarn slippage on metallic fabrics is permanent. Note: All in-print DLI bulletins, including this one, are available on DLIs Drycleaning Encyclopedia App or on the Drycleaning Encyclopedia webedition accessible in the Members Only section of DLIonline.org. This resource is available to Silver, Gold, Premier, and International Members.'