S U BM ITTED BY:

A S H IS H O M A R

K R ISH A N U BO SE

D EEPA K M A LI K

M A N S I A S WA N I

P R A M O D K U M A R

“Testing procedures and standards of two brands of

Home Furnishings”

Welspun Retail Limited

India’s largest specialty retailer in the Home furnishing segment. An integral part of the US $2000 million Welspun Group, customer convenience and satisfaction is the driving force behind all our endeavors.

India’s largest maker and exporter of terry towels; largest overseas supplier of terry towels to the USA.

flagship brands

Spaces - Home & Beyond – A Lifestyle brand that caters to the demands of high-end customers

Welhome – A brand that provides value-products to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers at large scale.

Spaces Home & Beyond

Spaces Home & Beyond was set up in February 2005, with the first store at In orbit Mall in Mumbai with a view to meet the aspiration demand of the upper strata of population.

Welhome

Welhome was initially launched in October 2005 with a view to cater to the masses and the value for money conscious clientele. Today, it offers a wide range.

Welhome is a leading chain of Home Décor stores, offering quality products at competitive prices.

Price range comparison of welhome and spaces:

(average price Rs/ piece)

Category welspun spacesBed sheet single 400 1000

Bed sheet double 750 1500

Bed spread single 250 700

Bed spread double 600 1200

Bath towels 350 600

Hand towels(cotton) 120 200

Bath robes 300 800

Bath mats 150 350

Quilt single (cotton filled) 600 1500

Quilt double (cotton filled) 1000 2000

Shower curtains 750 1400

Table cover (cotton) 400 600

Table cover (synthetics) 300 500

Table napkins (set 5 pieces) 150 350

Table mat (per pieces) 150 350

Curtains (cotton) 500 1200

Cushion covers (5 pieces) 450 750

Decorative wall hangings 700 1500

 Market Characteristics

The Home Furnishings Industry in India falls under the purview of the textile industry. Indian home furnishings manufacturers and home furnishings exporters offers a spectacular range of bedspreads, furnishing fabrics, curtains, rugs, durries, carpets, placemats, cushion covers, table covers, linen, kitchen accessories, made-ups, bed spreads, bath linen, and other home furnishings accessories to the world.

Manufacturers of Home Furnishings from India, whether floor coverings, kitchen linen, bath linen, cushion covers, bed spreads, curtains etc. create a rage in the international markets.

Market Size

The total urban market for the home textiles in India in 2006-07 was estimated to be Rs 93 billion.

With a modest growth rate of about 14%, the market in 2008-09 is about Rs 140 billion and is expected to cross Rs 200 billion by 2012.

55%

13%

3%

10%

11%

8%

Home furnishing market in India( 2008-09)

bed linenbath linenkitchen linencurtainsupholestryothers

Product range

Bed linen, Table linen, Kitchen linen, Toilet linenBeddingsBed covers, Bed spreadsCushions, Cushion coversQuilts and quilting materialsCurtainsTerry towelsComfortersCarpets and other floor coveringsBlankets and Rugs

MattressesUpholsteryOther made-upscomforters and bedspreads under-blankets cushion inserts and pillows bean bag covers, cushion and couch covers filled cushions and chair pads aprons and shower curtains tea towels

Quality Parameters

Color fastness of the raw material and the developed product is checked.

Weaving & finishing quality.Packaging done in compliance with the

requirement & is duly maintained.Production techniques are duly monitored, to

ensure best quality products are developed.Special attention is being laid on high quality

yarn, thread, dyes, embellishments and finishing.The final product in subjected to multiple quality

assurance tests before considered approved.

Different types of Testing done in home furnishings

color fastness to washing color fastness to rubbing color fastness to water color fastness to light color fastness to seawater color fastness to chlorinated water color fastness of prints dimensional change to washing pilling resistance tear strength seam slippage

fabric weight filling weightitem total weight fabric construction water absorbency wettability thickness appearance after washing warmth rating pile construction fibre content tensile strength.

Performance

Performance standards set out the minimum physical requirements and standards of the fabric and finished item.

The following performance standards have been developed for bed linen:

Color fastness and print fastness tear strength seam slippage Dimensional change to washing pilling resistance Fabric construction color matching.

 Color fastness to washing

The ratings are based on a grey scale. The grey scale ranges from 1 to 5 where:

1 = severe color change or stain 5 = no color change or stain.

Criteria Plain dyed Printed

Change of shade 4 4

Cotton stain 4 3.4

Color fastness to rubbing

The ratings are based on a grey scale. The grey scale ranges from 1 to 5 where:

• 1 = severe color change or stain • 5 = no color change or stain.

Criteria Plain dyed Printed

Dry 4 3-4

Wet 3 2-3

Color fastness to water and perspiration

Criteria Plain dyed Printed

Change of shade 4 4

Cotton stain 4 4

Nylon stain 3.4 3.4

Colorfastness to light

Determination of colorfastness to light is performed using an artificial light source (mercury vapor, tungsten filament or internally phosphor coated lamp).

The minimum exposure period is 60 hours.

Criteria Plain dyed Printed

Dark shade 5 5

Medium shade 4 4

Light shade 3 3

Print fastness after three washes

The print fastness-after-three-washes test is conducted by using the wash method in accordance with the Australian Standard AS 2001.5.4

Criteria Plain dyed Printed

Change of shade 4 4

 Color matching

Color matching is the visual comparison of two samples, an original and a new sample, under natural or standard light conditions to determine whether there is any color variation between them.

Criteria Standard

Color matching 4.5

Tear strength

Tear strength is a test that determines how much force is required to tear a material.

Criteria Standard

Tear strength 5.5 N

Seam slippage

This is the measurement of seam separation, which occurs when sewn fabrics are pulled apart at the seam. Determination of seam opening due to the application of force in the transverse direction.

Criteria Standard

Seam slippage 65 N

Dimensional change to washing

Dimension Polyester and Polyester/Cotton

Cotton

Length -3% -5%

Width -3% -5%

Pilling resistance

The test measures the resistance of a material or fabric to pilling. Pilling is the formation of balls and fuzzing on the surface of a textile material or fabric. This test is based on ISO 12945: Textiles. Determination of fabric propensity to surface fuzzing and to pilling.

Criteria Premium Low pill

Before wash 4 N/A

After wash 3.4 3.4

Fabric construction

Fabric Type Ends/Picks per 2.5 cm Cotton Count

Muslin 76 x 68 30 x 30

76 x 56 35 x 35  

60 x 60 22 x 25  

68 x 68 30 x 30  

Flannelette 40 x 42 22 x 10

42 x 44 20 x 10  

Fabric weight

The standards are expressed as a tolerance based on a percentage difference of the contracted weight.

Upper tolerance Lower tolerance

+10% -5%

Sizing Standards

All measurements and dimensions are for finished products.

sizes are absolute minimum with no negative tolerances.

All measurements are: width x length x height (where applicable) in

metric centimeters.

Flat sheets

Premium Mainstream/Commodity Infants bassinet

N/A 76 cm x 96 cm

Infants cot N/A 112 cm x 150 cm Single bed 180 cm x 254 cm 160 cm x 250 cm King single bed

180 cm x 254 cm 180 cm x 260 cm

Double bed 230 cm x 254 cm 230 cm x 250 cm Queen bed 245 cm x 265 cm 230 cm x 260 cm King bed 265 cm x 270 cm 250 cm x 260 cm

Quilt covers

Single bed Double bed Queen bed King bed

140 cm x 210 cm 180 cm x 210 cm 210 cm x 210 cm 245 cm x 210 cm

Quilt covers ruffled

Single bed Double bed Queen bed King bed

140 cm x 210 cm + 8 cm frill

180 cm x 210 cm + 8 cm frill

210 cm x 210 cm + 8 cm frill

245 cm x 210 cm + 8 cm frill

Gathered and Pleated valance

Single bed King single bed Double bed Queen bed King bed 91 cm x 193 cm x

33 cm 106 cm x 203 cm

x 33 cm 137 cm x 193 cm

x 33 cm 152 cm x 203 cm

x 33 cm 180 cm x 203 cmx 33 cm

Pillow cases

Infants bassinet

Infants cot Single bed Double bed Queen bed King bed

28 cm x 39 cm 40 cm x 60 cm 48 cm x 73 cm 48 cm x 73 cm 48 cm x 73 cm 48 cm x 73 cm

Pillow cases ruffled

Single bed Double bed Queen bed King bed Europe Tailored

48 cm x 73 cm + 8 cm frill

48 cm x 73 cm + 8 cm frill

48 cm x 73 cm + 8 cm frill

48 cm x 73 cm + 8 cm frill

65 cm x 65 cm + 5 cm edging

48 cm x 73 cm+ 5 cm

edging

Elasticizing fitted sheets

Fitted sheets are sheets that cover the bed mattress. The fabric is darted to allow fitting over the mattress, and the edges are partially or completely elasticised to ensure form fitting.

Criteria Standard

Minimum elastic width 7 mm with a 9 mm fabric casing.

Construction Both ends must be securely stitched to prevent elastic from running into the casing.

Minimum stretch ratio 1:1.5

This is the minimum length of elastic sewn to the fabric which will stretch when tension is applied.

Frilling

Frilling is used to form ruffled edges for a decorative effect. Frilling can be applied to pillow cases, valances and quilt covers.

Criteria Standard

Appearance A minimum of 150% gathering is required.

All gathering is to be evenly distributed.

Gathering is to be around all edges unless otherwise specified.

Hems and edges Raw edges of the frill must be hemmed/overedge stitched.

The edge of the frill may be overlocked with overedge stitching.

Frill width The recommended frill width is 8 cm.

Seams The start and end of frill seams must be securely back stitched or bar tacked.

The join between frill edges must be aligned.

 Fasteners

Standards have been developed for the following fastener types:

• snap fasteners • buttons • zippers.

Zippers

A zipper is a type of fastener that can close and open up a space by sliding up and down along the zipper chain.

Criteria Standard

AS 2332 Slide Fasteners All zippers must comply with AS 2332 Slide Fasteners.

Zipper slides Zipper slides must:

• travel freely and not jam • be neatly machined with no sharp edges • have an auto-locking device.

When the Zipper slide fastener is inserted, a minimum of 3 mm margin must be maintained between the outside edge of the zipper chain and the material.

Characteristics Zippers must be rust resistant.

Snap fasteners

A snap fastener is a type of fastener that consists of a matching male and female part for attaching one part to another.

Criteria Standard

Attachment Snap fasteners must be securely attached to the facing on either side of the quilt cover opening or pillow case opening. A concealed opening is also acceptable.

Alignment Snap fasteners must be positioned parallel to the edge along the quilt cover opening or pillow case opening.

Snap fasteners must be aligned with each other as well as their corresponding halves.

Characteristic Snap fasteners must be:

• smooth, with no sharp edges • rust resistant • non-brittle • UV stabilised.

Buttons

Fabric pieces are fastened together by passing the button that is attached to one piece of fabric through a button hole made in the other piece of fabric. Buttons can also be used for decorative purposes.

Buttons must be: colorfast smooth with no sharp edges rust resistant free from flash with clean sew holes that will not cut the thread able to withstand wear and tear compatible with the care instructions provided

Analysis and ComparisonFabric Testing Summary

TESTS SPACES WELLHOME

Flammability YES YES

Fiber Content YES YES

Dimensional Stability YES YES

Fabric Weight YES YES

Thread Count YES YES

Yarn Slippage YES NO

Yarn Size YES NO

Bursting YES YES

Seam Strength YES NO

Tear Strength YES YES

Tensile YES YES

Pilling YES YES

Analysis and ComparisonFabric Testing Summary

TEST SPACES WELHOME

Resistance to Snagging YES NO

Appearance after Laundry YES NO

Sizing YES YES

Color fastness to Crocking YES YES

Color fastness to washing YES YES

Non Chlorine Bleach YES YES

Chlorine Bleach YES YES

Color fastness to Light YES YES

Color fastness to Perspiration YES YES

Color Fastness to Dry-Cleaning YES NO

Color fastness to Water YES YES

Bibliography

And special thanks to Mr. Lingam Sreenu , Head of testing department, Welspun India Limited, Vapi for providing us with valuable information.

www.google.comwww.welspunind.comwww.hometex.comwww.fibretofashion.comwww.welhome.comwww.spacesindia.comwww.homefurnishing.com

THANK YOU!