Wool fabrics are normally finished to ensure that they are fully relaxed and it is important to ensure that they are not subjected to any additional tension or strains during rolling and/or transport. If present, then they can compromise the cutting performance, so fabrics are often relaxed prior to making up to ensure that they have been eliminated. This is achieved using a process called ‘sponging’, during which the fabric is passed over a steaming table under minimum tension, followed immediately by a suction table to cool the fabric and remove excessive moisture. This process is quite effective in removing relaxation shrinkage and any inherent strains within the fabric structure, but even better results may be obtained by increasing the regain of the fabric before steaming, and this is achieved by spraying water directly on to the fabric or by conditioning in a low temperature box (e.g. -40 degree C). After sponging, the fabrics are then stored overnight in conditions which are similar to those which will prevail during making up.