An early industrial textile machine designed to unroll, spread, and evenly wind woven cotton fabrics before they underwent block or roller printing. The mechanism ensured the cloth was fed at a consistent tension and without creases, which was critical for achieving accurate, continuous pattern alignment during the printing process. It represents a key transitional technology in the automation of fabric finishing.
Heard on the job
The museum restored an original candroy to demonstrate how the raw cotton yardage was prepped for the roller presses.