In home laundering, one would never iron stockings—that would produce a gloss—and similarly it is the finisher’s duty to avert all shine, but to impart a sleek elegance which, combined with a dressy “bloom”, is the beau-ideal of the good finisher’s aim. All the following properties combine to produce the perfect finished article—a graceful, trim line, that much-desired soft “handle”, and a natural dull finish. This operation is known as “Final Boarding” or “Trimming”.

Each stocking is thus treated individually, the stocking loops being arranged so that they lie in perfect uniformity, care being taken not to weaken the fibres of yarn from which the stocking is made.

Because of the frail, sheer texture of the hose, the desired result in finishing is best achieved by the use of a patent roller system, the adjustable pressure of which imparts a modern, scientific, and hygienic finish.

Fig. 55 shows a machine which is used extensively on the Continent and in this country, having a row of upright metal forms shaped to the contour of the leg. The stockings are placed on these forms when dry (this is to avoid finger-marks and probable damage—rayon stockings in particular are tender when wet). Next, the hose on the forms, attached to a conveyor belt, pass though a damping chamber, where they are moistened with atomised water. During the operation just described, sufficient time is allowed after the spraying for the penetration and swelling of the fibres by water.

The machine moves continuously, its rate of speed depending upon the skill of the operator in placing the hose on the metal shapes, and the conveyor belt brings the stockings to various pairs of the patented