4 Benefits of Inline Thread Cutting in Garment Factories

In traditional production system, sewing operators used to stitch garments only, they are not used to trim thread tails after stitching. Stitched garments with threads are sent to finishing section and in finishing section helpers are employed for thread trimming. In recent years it is understood by many readymade garment manufacturers that thread trimming is a non-value added process and this process can be eliminated.

So they initiated thread trimming activity by sewing operators and enjoying many benefits by introducing thread cutting at sewing station. When thread trimming is done by operators himself inside the sewing line, the process is known as 'inline thread trimming'. Here I have listed 4 benefits of inline thread cutting.

1. Reduced part changing in finishing stage

While thread trimming is done by workers, there is a chance of garments getting cut by trimmer. This will increase defect generation in garment. Part changing activity will increase. As a result quality issues added in this process and this process many increase cost of quality.

2. Process time reduction

You can reduce process time by eliminating a separate thread trimming process after garment stitching.

3. Reduced manpower (Thread trimming)

By introducing inline thread trimming by stitching operators, no thread trimming helper is required for trimming threads of each garment prior to garment finishing. Thus you can reduce indirect labour and labour cost.

4. Reduced thread wastage

If your operator instructed to cut thread tails after stitching of garments, they would use UBT (if available) to trim threads at the end of stitching a garment. Or they will try to cut thread near the seam. Otherwise they used to leave long tails of threads or chain after stitching garment.

Companies look for opportunities for cost cutting in the factory. Why not removing the separate trimming process and save money?

While implementing this process, you may get resistance from operators and line supervisors as it takes additional time of operators. You have to convince them by implementing thread cutting as standard practice. I have seen many factories now practicing inline thread cutting by sewing operators. You can also implement this in your factory.

Also see: Apparel Manufacturing - an Overview