Textile joining techniques

Textile Joining Techniques

Stitches and Seams

  • Stitches are significant components of textile joining; their selection depends on the fabric type, use of the product, and aesthetic requirement.

  • Chain stitch and lock stitch are the two fundamental kinds of stitches used in textiles. A chain stitch provides a robust and flexible join but might unravel easily, whereas a lock stitch is less likely to unravel and is stronger but gives less stretchability.

  • Seams are created when two pieces of fabric are joined together using stitches.

  • Flat seams are used when a flat join is required, often in sportswear to avoid abrasion. Open seams and closed seams are variants of flat seams.

  • Lapped seams have one edge of fabric extending over the other, often used in leather and denim due to their strength and durability. French seams and bound seams are strong seams suitable for delicate, lightweight, and transparent fabrics.

Adhesive Bonding

  • In adhesive bonding, adhesive substance is applied between layers of fabric which when cured forms a bond, used extensively in sports garments and outdoor clothing.

  • Hot melt adhesives (HMA) are frequently used, they bond quickly with a strong bond, suitable for materials that can withstand the heat.

  • Selection of the right adhesive is crucial to ensure a strong bond without impairing the fabric’s characteristics.

Welded Seams

  • Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations to join two pieces of fabric together. It’s mainly used with synthetic fabrics.

  • Heat sealing or bonding uses heat and pressure to melt a heat-activated adhesive placed between fabric layers to bond them together. It’s used for creating waterproof seams in outdoor garments.

Fabric Manipulation Techniques

  • Shirring involves two or more rows of gathering to create volume, shape, and design to a garment.

  • Pleating creates folds in the fabric that are secured at the top end, used for adding design details.

  • Smocking is a type of embroidery where the fabric is gathered and then embroidered to hold the gathers in place.

Factors Influencing Joining Techniques

  • Material characteristics, garment requirements, aesthetic and functional requirement, and production cost, determine the choice of the joining technique.

  • Appropriate joining technique ensures the integrity of the garment and meets user’s requirements in terms of comfort, durability, and aesthetics.

  • Joining techniques influence the garment’s performance such as its strength, durability, water-resistance, and aesthetic appeal.