Finishing and Hand Rolling

In the early days, we finished the silk and other fabrics by cutting them into scarf or tie panels and pinning these out onto a press to “iron” them flat. Fashions changed and scarf sizes got bigger and longer, meaning they would no longer fit on the press. At this stage hand ironing was our only option. 

Then in 1996, we were lucky enough to buy a Clip Stenter Finishing Machine. This consists of two moving chains which are adjustable to width and taper at one end, allowing the washed fabric to be fed on. Once pulled out to its correct width, the taut wet fabric passes through the infra-red oven. This draws out the moisture leaving the fabric dry and crease-free, as it rolls out at the other end.