Do not begin with a generic shrinkage allowance
A broad percentage quoted for linen is not a test result for the fabric you intend to cut. Identify the exact quality, shade, finish and sample or lot before discussing dimensional change. Ask whether available information applies to that reference and to the intended care process.
The pure linen catalogue identifies our current qualities. Published GSM and width describe the listed specification; they do not supply a verified washing result. This guide gives questions to prepare a review and does not claim a Hanzhong shrinkage rate.
Ask what was washed and how
Request the sample identity, testing date and fabric condition. A report should make the washing and drying conditions understandable so the buyer can judge whether they address the project. Record the number of cycles and any relevant preparation or conditioning information supplied by the laboratory.
ISO 5077:2007 describes determination of dimensional change using specified washing and drying procedures. AATCC TM135-2025 addresses length and width changes of fabrics after home laundering. They are examples of references to discuss with a competent testing provider, not claims that this supplier or a particular SKU has passed either method. Refer to the actual method for its procedure rather than treating this checklist as a substitute.
Keep directions and measurements separate
- Identify the fabric length and width directions in the report or sample record.
- Retain the original measurements and the reported change, including the sign convention used.
- Record the washing and drying procedure and number of cycles with the result.
- Check whether the result covers the selected finish, color and batch or only another reference.
- Keep any acceptance criterion separate from the measured result.
A single number without this context cannot establish how the intended order will behave. If a result or its measurement basis is unclear, ask the testing party to explain it before putting an allowance into the cutting plan.
Distinguish fabric review from garment approval
The garment maker needs the pattern, size mix and agreed usable width to plan consumption. A fabric result does not automatically describe the finished garment, which has its own seams, components and construction. Discuss whether a garment trial and separate garment-care review are needed for the design.
The width and order-quantity guide explains why GSM, linear metres and usable width are different inputs. Do not apply an unverified percentage to all of them as a shortcut.
Agree the preparation before bulk cutting
Ask the responsible production and testing teams which preparation, if any, is appropriate for the selected fabric and the intended process. Record that decision and the acceptance basis in the order discussion. This guide does not prescribe one washing temperature, drying setting or pre-treatment for every linen quality.
If the sample finish differs from the planned bulk finish, retain the difference as an open issue. A changed finishing process or new reference may require another review rather than reusing the earlier number.
Send a traceable request for evidence
Include the SKU, color, garment, care intention, destination requirements and estimated quantity. Ask for the applicable existing report or for a quotation and scope for additional testing if it is required. Availability of a report must be checked; it is not guaranteed for every quality.
Use the quality page for the review route and the sample-to-bulk checklist to retain the agreed decisions. Send the requirement with the product reference so the answer can stay attached to the fabric being considered.