Fashion and textile manufacturing technologies

Traditional Manufacturing Technologies

Weaving is a traditional method of making fabric that involves interlacing two sets of threads, the warp and the weft, at right angles to each other. The warp threads are held tight by the loom whilst the weft thread is woven in and out of the warp threads.
Knitting involves interlocking series of loops of yarn or thread to create fabric. It can be done by hand or by machine. The two primary types of machine knitting are weft and warp knitting.
Non-woven production is used to produce fabrics by entangling fibres mechanically, thermally or chemically. Non-woven fabrics are associated with specific properties including absorbency, resilience, stretch, softness and strength.

Modern Manufacturing Technologies

Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems assist in the creation, modification, and analysis of a design. CAD for fashion design can produce both 2D sketches and 3D models of a garment.
Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems control manufacturing operations through computerised machinery. CAM can be used to control machinery such as sewing machines, cutting machines, and knitting machines in the production of textiles and garments.
3D Printing has the potential to revolutionise aspects of fashion and textiles by allowing complex designs and structures to be constructed layer by layer. This technology offers the possibility of making clothes to exact body measurements and specifications.
Laser cutting and etching are processes used in the textiles industry for precision cutting, engraving, and marking of fabric. Laser cutting allows for intricate designs to be cut accurately, while etching allows for surface decoration without using inks or dyes.
Ultrasonic welding is used with synthetic fabrics to join pieces without stitches. Ultrasonic vibrations generate heat, enabling the production of waterproof and airtight seams.

Sustainability in Manufacturing

Closed-loop manufacturing aims to eliminate waste by recycling materials at the end of their use back into the beginning of the production process. This is in contrast to traditional ‘linear’ manufacturing models, which create waste.
Low-impact dyeing techniques such as cold pad-batch dyeing and CO2 dyeing can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the dyeing process.
Digital printing can reduce waste by printing only the required amount of fabric with the desired design, rather than printing large runs that may not be used in full.
Slow fashion is a movement which promotes sustainability by encouraging the production and purchase of high-quality, durable garments as opposed to fast, disposable fashion.

Quality Control and Testing in Manufacturing

Quality control is the process of inspecting products to ensure they meet the desired quality. In textile manufacturing, this may involve inspecting fabrics for defects such as broken threads, color consistency, and fabric weight.
Testing is often carried out on textile products to ensure they perform as expected under various conditions. Tests may include tensile strength testing, colourfastness testing, and flammability testing.
Consumer testing involves testing products with consumers to obtain feedback about their practicality, durability, and desirability. This type of testing can provide valuable insights into how a product will be received in the marketplace.