From Design To Finished Product – The Clothing Manufacturing Process

 

Have you ever think how a clothing manufacturer produces apparel for your brand? There are  steps in the process, including product design, fabric sourcing, cutting, sewing, and finishing.

If you have your own  fashion brand, it will help to learn the basics of clothing production. This clothing manufacturer uk will guide you through the primary stage, lead times, and design stages. Plus, it can help set your expectations.

The process of   clothing  manufacturing  varies slightly depending on the size of the factory. However, most  standardised steps to produce apparel on both small and large scale are mentioned below.

 

THE BASICS OF CLOTHING MANUFACTURING

 

1.DESIGN STAGE

Every garment starts with an initial design such as  a technical drawing and specifications for each product.

2.PATTERNS

The digitised design and technical specifications are used to produce patterns. A manufacturer will create a digital file from this outline if paper patterns are created externally. Using digital patterns ensures consistency and accuracy in the design stage. They are also used for size grading once approved for use.

3. FABRIC SOURCING

With your initial designs, suitable fabric is sourced for production. Clothing manufacturers  uk typically have a wide variety of materials to choose from. They can also advise on the best options depending on the design and use of the final garment.

4. LAYING, MARKING AND CUTTING

The laying and marking process helps save costs and reduces waste fabric. Patterns are arranged, so each piece in the design optimises the material available.

A plotter machine prints out a lay plan, which is used to cut the fabric. Depending on the size of the order, this is sometimes completed by hand with a machine finish. In bulk orders, clothing manufacturers cut fabric in layers. However, this depends on the thickness and properties of the material.

5. TRIMS, EMBROIDERY AND SCREEN-PRINTING

Once the pieces are ready for sewing, it’s time to consider the finer details. This stage looks at trim options and any embroidery or screen-printing requirements from the customer. Again, there are numerous colours and finishes to meet the design needs.

6. SEWING

The above stages provide all the pieces you need for the finished product, which can now be sewed together. This may be completed by a machinist or a production facility, depending on the order size.

7. FINISHING AND QUALITY CONTROL

Each product is checked against the initial specifications and tested for quality on completion. Products are then finished with tags and labels with your branding.

8. SHIPPING YOUR PRODUCTS

Products are individually packaged and boxed up, ready to be shipped. There are different freight options available, and these vary in cost.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE CLOTHING MANUFACTURING PROCESS

• Samples are produced before the final sign off. This will give you time to make tweaks and address any QC issues.
• Designing and producing clothing from scratch is a long process, and quick changes here and there are not always possible.
• The process for clothing production using wholesale garments is shorter, as products are ready to be embroidered or printed after the design sign off.
• Lead times differ depending on the order size and specifications.