Find out more about how Fabric Cutting Works and the mistakes people make When Cutting.
Cutting fabric is the initial step in the clothing manufacturing process. It involves dividing a spread into sections that match the size and shape of pattern pieces on a marker through sectioning, bending, and cutting.
Marks and notches are frequently transferred to garment parts before precise cutting of individual pattern forms to assist operators in stitching, chopping, or sectioning a spread into blocks of separate items. This improves the accuracy of fabric pattern matching or simplifies the production of cutting knives.
Marks and notches are frequently transferred to garment parts before precise cutting of individual pattern forms to assist operators in stitching, chopping, or sectioning a spread into blocks of separate items. This improves the accuracy of fabric pattern matching or simplifies the production of cutting knives.
Typical Mistakes When Cutting
Below is a list of typical fabric-cutting mistakes:
1. Inadequate Patterns
Patterns remain unadjusted when fabric shrinkage issues are reported, and FIT feedback is not incorporated into production patterns. This kind of mistake is frequently seen when there is no established method for marking patterns and transferring them to the cutting department. This error may also happen because of workers who cut carelessly or do not fully grasp patterns and their impact on the final product.
2. Fabric Obtained Without Prior Quality Inspection Or Clearance Based On Test Results
This is a result of the cutting department not adhering to traditional fabric issuance procedures. Shade bands are not produced for materials that have shade variation.
3. Absence Of Notch Mark
The design either lacks a notch mark where it should be, or the notch mark is present but not cut into the fabric by the cutter. This might occur due to negligence of staff members.
4. Mistakes In Counting
This may occur due to carelessness from the workers. Employees sometimes lack experience or are negligent in their tasks.
5. Not Following The Proper Cutting Plan
If the cutting department fails to adhere to the daily cutting plan, there is a possibility that the cutting plan will not align with the sewing department's needs. Nonetheless, the individual responsible for cutting may not always be informed of alterations to the production schedule.
6. Delay In The Initiation Of Production
While the production planning department may schedule on time, the fabrics might not arrive by the planned cutting date. Machinery and workers are prepared on the lines, however, the cutting departments may experience delays in cutting, leading to production delays due to late supplies to supervisors.
7. A Lengthy Queue
Poor prior queue organization results in an extended timeline for setting up.
8. High Levels Of Downtime
Machine operators lose valuable hours due to several factors. Possible reasons include a lack of coordination between departments, an unfinished previous process, a shortage of supplies, or other quality issues. It can be difficult to understand complex concepts without proper guidance.
9. Production Planning Frequently Undergoes Changes
After receiving a production plan and starting work, the production department loads a style onto the line only to subsequently receive new instructions to switch from the current style to a different one. This results in a slowdown of the manufacturing process and disrupts the production schedule.
10. Insufficient Information
The production department is not provided with precise details after receiving the meeting's specifics. Because of the pressure to meet delivery deadlines, mass production commences before all the requirements of the order are understood.
11. Overcutting
Overcutting of the section may have occurred due to careless handling of the knife, resulting in damage to the garment piece. The marker was incorrectly placed atop the layout. Some sections of the clothing are absent on the lay's border. The garment becomes distorted when certain parts are either too tight or too loose.
Possible Solutions To Consider
Here are a few potential fixes for the errors that were brought up:
Handling Issues Within Designs
Prior to transferring a pattern to the cutting department, establish a point for examining garment patterns. Prior to large-scale cutting, it is possible to generate a few samples following the production pattern. Look at the procedure of cutting fabric with templates, stitching clothes, completing garments, and checking for quality.
Before cutting a large quantity, make sure to correct any discrepancies in the final clothing pieces. Issues such as measurement discrepancies and fit problems may arise during bulk production if the pre-production (PP) samples are not properly prepared and checked against the buyer's specifications.
Before cutting a large quantity, make sure to correct any discrepancies in the final clothing pieces. Issues such as measurement discrepancies and fit problems may arise during bulk production if the pre-production (PP) samples are not properly prepared and checked against the buyer's specifications.
Assigning Numbers to Components Of The Pattern
Patterns must indicate explicitly if the fabric is supposed to be cut while folded or unfolded. What is the number of parts that should be cut from one pattern piece to one piece? In the cutting department, they receive one cuff pattern piece among the four components needed for shirt cuff patterns. At times, the problem lies not in the patterns themselves but in the cutting department's utilization of incorrect/outdated patterns.
Establish a consistent protocol for the pattern expert to finalize and authorize every finished design. Include the article number and component name on the pattern. Departments are restricted to using only approved designs for a particular style and season and are not allowed to make any cuts.
Establish a consistent protocol for the pattern expert to finalize and authorize every finished design. Include the article number and component name on the pattern. Departments are restricted to using only approved designs for a particular style and season and are not allowed to make any cuts.
Overseeing The Complete Cutting Procedure
The answer is a small-scale trial production. A pilot run is a recommended step to take before extensive cutting. By following this process, any problems that occur during the cutting stage, such as fabric or pattern issues, will be identified in the trial pieces. This method might lead to a reduction in fabric, but not the complete destruction of the fabric.
Trimming Imperfections Or Mistakes
Using high-quality components assists in reducing cutting defects. Make sure to also explore the sorting and bundling activities - options for different combinations of size and ply, for instance.
Adhering to the Cutting Scheme
Various companies use different methods to conduct their planning for cost reduction. The cutting department is given a cutting schedule each week by most organizations, and if any changes are made, they are provided with an updated plan. If a possible lack of communication still exists between the editing and production departments, a regular morning meeting among the factory's main production departments can prevent this issue.
Conclusion
Fabric-cutting tasks can be simplified by adhering to a standardized process. Create a standard operating procedure (SOP) for cutting room activities if it hasn't been done yet and make sure all employees in the cutting department adhere to it. Also, establish standard protocols for the fabric department and the sampling and pattern-making departments to enhance their level of error-proofing.
