Step into the world of garment manufacturing and witness the transformation of fabric into fashion.
The world of fashion is vast and ever-changing, with new trends emerging every season. Behind the scenes, the garment manufacturing process is a meticulously coordinated series of steps that transform raw materials into stylish clothes. In this blog post, we will explore the step-by-step process of garment manufacturing in a factory, highlighting key aspects that contribute to the creation of high-quality clothing items.
Design and Pattern Making
The process begins with the creation of designs, either by fashion designers or in-house design teams. They sketch out their ideas and create detailed technical drawings. These designs are then transformed into patterns, which are essentially templates for cutting the fabric pieces. Pattern makers create these patterns, either manually or using computer-aided design (CAD) software, to ensure the garment's perfect fit and style.
The pattern maker's job is critical in the creation of a well-made garment. When creating a pattern, a pattern-maker must consider many factors, including the shape and size of the wearer, the fabric type, and seam allowances. The pattern-maker must also be capable of drafting and modifying patterns as needed.
Sourcing and Purchasing Materials
Once the designs and patterns are ready, the next step is to source and purchase the necessary materials. This includes fabric, buttons, zippers, thread, and any other embellishments required for the garment. The quality and type of materials used play a significant role in determining the final product's look, feel, and durability.
Preparing and Cutting Fabric
During this stage, factories typically mass-produce garments. Depending on the production volume, modern garment factories use fabric spreading machines to layer the fabric evenly before cutting, which improves efficiency, reduces material waste, and ensures cutting consistency. Fabric spreading machines are essential equipment in garment factories. Once the fabric is laid out smoothly, and the patterns are placed on the top layer, various cutting tools (such as scissors, knives, or computerized cutting machines) are used to cut the fabric. This process requires precision and expertise to achieve the correct shapes and sizes.
One of the advantages of automatic cutting is that the system can automatically arrange the patterns, minimizing fabric waste. Additionally, automatic cutting reduces the likelihood of cutting errors. If errors go undetected and the production process continues, the resulting quality issues may damage the factory's reputation or lead to customers refusing the products.
Sewing and Assembly
After the cutting room has cut each piece of fabric for the garments, the pieces are sent to the sewing and assembly area. This involves sewing the cut fabric pieces together to create the finished garment. The assembly process may also involve attaching embellishments, such as buttons or zippers, to the clothing.
Sewing techniques are commonly used for garment construction, but there are increasingly more alternative methods available, such as adhesive bonding or heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, and tape bonding. These methods can offer a more aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to traditional sewing techniques. However, factories must consider the suitability of each bonding method for the specific garment and fabric type to ensure the best results in terms of appearance, durability, and functionality.
Checking for Quality
Throughout the production process, quality control measures are put in place to ensure the garments meet the required standards. Inspectors scrutinize each garment, checking for any defects in the stitching, fabric, broken needles, sharp metals left in the garments, or overall construction. If any issues are found, they are addressed and corrected before the garments proceed to the next stage.
Ironing and Final Touches
To give garments a polished appearance, they undergo pressing and finishing. This step involves steaming, ironing, or pressing the garments to remove any wrinkles and ensure a clean, professional look. Additionally, any loose threads or minor imperfections are corrected during this stage.
Final Checks Before Shipping
Quality control of finished garments is an inspection before the merchandise are shipped to the customer and is done when at least 80% of the order has been packed for shipping. This process helps to detect any defects and reduces the risk of complaints from customers.
The inspection process typically includes: visually inspecting the garment for any flaws visible to the human eye finished product, checking the labeling, and counting the items in the production lot. Alternatively, some use conveyor belt inspection system including needle detection, barcode checking, box sorting.
Packing and Sending Off
Finally, the garments are folded, tagged, and packaged for shipment to retailers or customers. The packaging process may involve placing the items in plastic bags, attaching hangtags with product information, and placing them in boxes or cartons for transportation. Once the garments are packaged, they are shipped to their final destination, where they will be displayed and sold to customers.
Conclusion
The garment manufacturing process is a complex, multi-step procedure that requires precision, expertise, and quality control at every stage. From design and pattern making to cutting, sewing, and finishing, each step contributes to the creation of fashionable, high-quality clothing items. By understanding the intricacies of this process, consumers can better appreciate the craftsmanship and effort that goes into every garment they wear.
As a leading garment machinery manufacturer, Oshima is dedicated to offering a comprehensive range of machines needed by garment factories. Our approach not only saves valuable time in communication and maintenance but also ensures a unified appearance in manufacturing facilities. With over 50 years of experience in both production and sales, we at Oshima strive to be more than just a supplier – we aim to be a growth partner, providing the most suitable machinery tailored to your factory's needs. Contact us today to discover the added services Oshima has to offer.
