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.