Understanding

the Global
Apparel
Manufacturing
Process 2.02
How our clothing is
created…
From Design to Reality…
 Once a prototype, or example of the product
has been created, then the manufacturing
process begins…

Image Source:
http://www.sdfltd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/clothing_manufacturer.jpg
Developing a Production
Pattern
There are four steps to the process of
creating a pattern for a manufactured
apparel product:

1. Grading
2. Marking
3. Spreading
4. Cutting
ImageSource: http://www.artec3d.com/upload/iblock/ee2/Pattern-production.jpg
Creating Different Sizes
 Most apparel products come in various sizes.
Patterns have to be created for each size. This
process is called grading.

Image Source: http://www.patternsandgrading.com/sitebuilder/images/grading_only-540x355-540x351.png

How is Grading Done

Grading can be done by:

 a CAD (Computer Aided Design)
software program
or
 By hand on paper
 Developing a Marker
 Marking is the process that uses a computer or
paper to create an outline of the shape of the
pattern piece .
 The markers are then placed on the fabric in a
way ensure the least amount of wasted fabric
possible.

Image Source: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqjRC1l3VA8/Td5Mxl9GpGI/AAAAAAAAG0E/eX_rqraOjss/s1600/LADIES+NIGHT+DRESS-NIGHTY-

MARKER+PLANNING.bmp
Spreading the Fabric
 Spreaders are machines used to place
multiple layers of fabric so they can be cut
into pieces ready for assembly.
Cutting It All Out…
 The cutting process usually involves one of
two primary types of machines:

1. Electric Cutting Knife

2. Laser Cutting Machine

Electric Knife Machine
Computerized Laser Cutter
Assembling the Product
Apparel assembly usually involves one of
four basic methods:

1. Tailoring/Whole Garment
2. Progressive Bundle/Piecework
3. Unit Production
4. Modular Manufacturing
Tailoring/Whole Garment
One person creates the design, pattern and
assembles the garment from start to finish.

Image Source:http://images.clickliverpool.com/admin/article/articleimages/1263472034-tailor.jpg
 Progressive Bundle/Piecework
 Each operator does different parts of the
assembly process

 Image Source: http://morethanshipping.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BANGLADESH.bmp

Unit Production
 This system
involves
transporting all of
the parts of the
product together
in a carrier
through the entire
assembly process.

Image Source:
http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/437786/4273562/0/11894040
64/Euratex_Unit_Production_System.jpg
Modular Production
 Multiple
operators work together as a
team to create the product with each
individual performing multiple steps.
Standards of Quality Control
When measuring the quality of a finished
product, there are two different types of
quality to consider

• Design Quality
• Manufacturing Quality
Design Quality
 Designquality takes into consideration the
features that are part of the design of a
garment. Certain sewing techniques and
seam finishes are used on higher quality
garments that would not be seen on
garments of lesser quality – ie. bound
seams, top stitching etc.
Manufacturing Quality
Manufacturing quality considers the care
with which a garment has been created.
Workers in this area of inspection would look
for:
1. color defects
2. construction defects
3. sizing defects