the dimensional stability of knitted fabrics, especially cotton and cotton mixtures, has always posed a real problem for finishers and clothing manufacturers alike. in recent years, moreover, the demands of an increasingly discerning market have made this problem even more evident and pressing, to such an extent that a technological race is taking place between the finishers and the textiles machinery makers, trying to find valid solutions with a view to both the strictly technical results and the equally important feel and appearance of the finished articles. in the case of woven fabrics, this problem has already been solved by a well-established technique. attempts have recently been made to transfer the same method to knitted fabrics, especially in open width form, by means of suitable adaptations to the well-known sanforizing plants, but with results that have not always been satisfactory