Supervisors and managers have a tendency to look at sewing supplies as something of an afterthought. Clothing design is something that plenty of thought goes into. Unfortunately, not as much work is often put into the materials that are used to make these designs. If you’re in a position to revamp your organization’s sewing operations, then you’ll want to look over these three hints. They could help save money and simplify your manufacturing workflows once you ramp up production. Here are three ideas to help a retail company choose the right sewing supplies for commercial projects.
1. Invest in Strong Thread
Getting professional-grade quality thread products is every bit as important as the needles and fabric you plan on using. The thread needs to be at least as strong as the textile it’s stitched into. Since it’s the only thing holding two pieces of cloth together, a piece of thread is under a great deal of stress. Imagine how much force is applied every single time someone wearing a garment simply takes a few steps. Considering just how small most stitches are, the amount of mechanical power is quite dramatic by comparison. Investing in rolls of good thread will help your brand earn a reputation for durability with your consumers. Since many clothing companies need good word-of-mouth marketing, this purchase promises an excellent return for the amount of money put into it.
2. Learn the Needle System
A majority of sewing machine manufacturers use a standard needle naming system that makes it easy to match the type of replacement needles with the equipment you’re using. At least, it’s supposed to in theory. Different jobs need various sizes and points, so it makes sense to get acquainted with the way they’re named. On top of this, both customary and metric sizes are often used when specifying the length of a needle. Material specifications are equally important. Don’t use a needle that’s not durable enough to hold up to the kind of sewing you’re going to be doing.
3. Use the Right Tools for the Job
When it comes to threading a needle, you’ll want to use something that’s around 60% larger than the string diameter of your bobbin. That’s especially important if you’re working with tough fabric that doesn’t readily accept stitches. Think carefully about the kinds of patterns your company uses and whether or not they’re right for the raw materials your team is working with. Even your choice of sewing machine is largely dependent on the type of garments you’re making and the thickness of the fabric you’re working with.
Start by making a quick list of every tool your team uses on a daily basis, and check to see if there are any edge cases that call for other supplies. You might find that some of the choices your organization made in the past no longer really make sense. There’s also a possibility that you’ve noticed that you’re lacking some important pieces of material that would simplify your manufacturing workflows. In any of these situations, the best way forward is to work with a high-end supplier who understands your concerns.
