Q: After spotting fabrics that contain Spandex, why does the fabric distort or develop “blisters?”
A: Spandex yarns give the fabric the ability to stretch and recover (return to their prestretched state). Since Spandex yarns lack tensile strength, they often break from excess mechanical action (tamping or excessively heavy use of the spotting bone) while attempting to remove a stain on the spotting board.