What is the process of garment manufacturing? | Garments manufacturing process

Garment manufacturing is a complex process that involves a series of stages, from order receiving to shipment of the finished product. The process involves various stages such as product study, fabric development, pattern making, sampling, grading, fabric procurement, cutting, sewing, finishing, and packing. Each stage is crucial in ensuring that the final product is of high quality and meets the customer's requirements. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the garment manufacturing process and each of the stages involved.

Order Receiving: The first stage in the garment manufacturing process is order receiving. At this stage, the manufacturer receives the order from the buyer, which includes the style, quantity, and delivery date. The order also specifies the fabric, trims, and other materials required for production. Once the order is received, the manufacturer prepares a production plan and assigns the order to the respective department.

Product study: Once the order is received, the manufacturer studies the product specifications and creates a detailed plan for the production process. This includes selecting the fabric, trims, and other materials required for the production. The manufacturer also checks the feasibility of the order and ensures that the product can be completed within the specified time.

Fabric development: The fabric development stage involves selecting the fabric for production. The manufacturer selects the fabric based on the customer's requirements and preferences. The fabric may be sourced from various suppliers or may be produced in-house. The fabric may be made from natural or synthetic fibers, and its quality, color, and texture are carefully evaluated.

Fabric lap dip development: Once the fabric is selected, the manufacturer prepares a lap dip, which is a small swatch of the fabric with the desired color. The lap dip is tested for color fastness, washability, and durability. The manufacturer also ensures that the lap dip matches the customer's requirements and preferences.

Fabric approval: After the lap dip is approved, the manufacturer proceeds to the fabric approval stage. At this stage, the manufacturer checks the fabric for defects, such as color variations, holes, or tears. The fabric is also tested for shrinkage, stretch, and durability. Once the fabric is approved, it is ready for use in the production process.

Pattern Making: The pattern-making stage involves creating a pattern for the garment based on the customer's requirements. The pattern maker creates a blueprint of the garment, which includes the measurements, shape, and style. The pattern is created on a paper or digital format and is used as a guide for the cutting process.

Garment sampling & sample approval: Once the pattern is created, the manufacturer produces a sample of the garment. The sample is used to test the fit, style, and design of the garment. The sample is also used to check the fabric quality, color, and texture. Once the sample is approved, the manufacturer proceeds to the next stage.

Pattern grading: The pattern grading stage involves creating a range of sizes for the garment. The pattern is graded up or down to create various sizes, ensuring that each size fits the body proportionately. The graded pattern is then used for the cutting process.

Fabric procurement: The fabric procurement stage involves purchasing the fabric required for production. The fabric is purchased from various suppliers based on the customer's requirements. The fabric is carefully selected, ensuring that it meets the quality standards and is delivered on time.

Fabric checking: Once the fabric is received, it is checked for defects, such as color variations, holes, or tears. The fabric is also tested for shrinkage, stretch, and durability. Any defective fabric is rejected, and a replacement is requested from the supplier.

Shade band preparation: The shade band preparation stage involves grouping the fabric based on its shade or color. The fabric is grouped based on the dye lot, which ensures that all the fabric in the same group has the same shade or color. This ensures that the final product has a uniform color and appearance.

Fabric testing: Fabric testing is a critical stage in the manufacturing process. The fabric is tested for color fastness, shrinkage, pilling, and other quality parameters. The testing ensures that the fabric meets the quality standards and is suitable for the production process.

Fabric grouping: After the fabric is tested, it is grouped based on its quality and suitability for the production process. The fabric is sorted into groups based on its color, texture, and other parameters. This ensures that the fabric used in the production process is of the required quality and meets the customer's requirements.

Fabric layering: The fabric layering stage involves laying out the fabric in layers. The layers are stacked on top of each other, ensuring that the fabric is aligned correctly. The layers are then cut to the required size, ensuring that the pattern is followed correctly.

Marker making: The marker-making stage involves creating a marker for the cutting process. The marker is a template that is used to cut the fabric in the required size and shape. The marker is created based on the pattern and the required size of the garment.

Fabric cutting: The fabric cutting stage involves cutting the fabric based on the marker. The fabric is cut using a cutting machine or manually using scissors. The fabric is cut to the required size and shape, ensuring that the pattern is followed correctly.

Sorting & bundling: Once the fabric is cut, it is sorted and bundled. The fabric is sorted based on the size and style of the garment. The bundles are then labeled and sent to the sewing/stitching floor.

Issue to sewing/stitching floor: The fabric bundles are issued to the sewing/stitching floor. The bundles are assigned to the respective operators who sew the fabric together to create the garment. The sewing/stitching floor is responsible for assembling the garment, adding trims and finishes, and ensuring that the garment meets the customer's requirements.

Garment sewing/stitching: The garment sewing/stitching stage involves sewing the fabric together to create the garment. The sewing/stitching is done by skilled operators who follow the pattern and the customer's requirements. The sewing/stitching process involves adding trims and finishes, such as zippers, buttons, and pockets.

Quality checking: The quality checking stage involves checking the garment for defects. The garment is checked for stitching defects, such as loose threads, uneven stitching, or missed stitches. The garment is also checked for fitting, style, and design.

Issue to washing/finishing: Once the garment is checked, it is issued to the washing/finishing department. The washing/finishing department is responsible for washing and finishing the garment to give it a final look.

Checking after washing and ironing: The garment is checked after washing and ironing to ensure that it meets the quality standards. The garment is checked for shrinkage, color fading, and other defects.

Finishing complete: The finishing complete stage involves adding the final touches to the garment. The finishing process involves adding labels, tags, and packaging the garment. The finishing process ensures that the garment meets the customer's requirements and is ready for shipment.

Folding and tagging: The folding and tagging stage involves folding the garment and adding tags and labels. The tags and labels include the size, style, and care instructions for the garment. The garment is then packed into boxes or bags.

Packing and boxing: The packing and boxing stage involves packing the garment into boxes or bags. The boxes are labelled with the product information, including the style, size, color, and quantity. The boxes are then sealed and prepared for shipment.

Shipment audit / Inspection: The shipment audit/inspection stage involves checking the final product before it is shipped to the customer. The product is checked for quality, size, style, and packaging. The audit/inspection ensures that the product meets the customer's requirements and is ready for shipment.

Ready to ship the finished garments: Once the product has passed the shipment audit/inspection, it is ready to be shipped to the customer. The finished garments are loaded onto trucks or containers and transported to the customer's location. The shipping process involves coordinating with logistics providers and ensuring that the product is delivered on time.

Garment manufacturing process is a complex process that involves various stages, from order receiving to shipping the finished garments. The process involves several departments, including design, production, quality control, and logistics. Each department plays a critical role in ensuring that the final product meets the customer's requirements and is of the required quality.

The process begins with order receiving, followed by product study and fabric development. The fabric is then tested, grouped, layered, and cut to the required size and shape. The fabric is then issued to the sewing/stitching floor, where skilled operators sew the fabric together to create the garment.

Garments is then checked for defects, issued to the washing/finishing department, and checked again for quality after washing and ironing. The garment is then finished, folded, tagged, and packed into boxes or bags. The final product is then audited/inspected before being shipped to the customer.

Garment manufacturing process is a time-consuming process that requires precision, accuracy, and attention to detail. Each stage of the process plays a critical role in ensuring that the final product meets the customer's requirements and is of the required quality. The success of the process depends on the coordination and cooperation of each department involved in the process.