1. Understanding the Global Apparel Manufacturing Process 2.02
How our clothing is created…

2. From Design to Reality…
Once a prototype, or example of the product has been created, then the manufacturing process begins…
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3. Developing a Production Pattern
There are four steps to the process of creating a pattern for a manufactured apparel product:
Grading
Marking
Spreading
Cutting
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4. Creating Different Sizes
Most apparel products come in various sizes. Patterns have to be created for each size. This process is called grading.
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5. How is Grading Done Grading can be done by:
a CAD (Computer Aided Design) software program or
By hand on paper

6. 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.
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7. Spreading the Fabric
Spreaders are machines used to place multiple layers of fabric so they can be cut into pieces ready for assembly.

8. Cutting It All Out…
The cutting process usually involves one of two primary types of machines:
Electric Cutting Knife
Laser Cutting Machine

9. Electric Knife Machine

10. Computerized Laser Cutter

11. Assembling the Product
Apparel assembly usually involves one of four basic methods:
Tailoring/Whole Garment
Progressive Bundle/Piecework
Unit Production
Modular Manufacturing

12. Tailoring/Whole Garment
One person creates the design, pattern and assembles the garment from start to finish.
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13. Progressive Bundle/Piecework
Each operator does different parts of the assembly process
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14. Unit Production
This system involves transporting all of the parts of the product together in a carrier through the entire assembly process.
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15. Modular Production
Multiple operators work together as a team to create the product with each individual performing multiple steps.

16. 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

17. Design Quality
Design quality 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.

18. Manufacturing Quality
Manufacturing quality considers the care with which a garment has been created. Workers in this area of inspection would look for:
color defects
construction defects
sizing defects