An Excel template is useful for formula-based calculations. So the thread consumption calculation template is.
You might know the thread consumption ratios for different sewing machines.
But if you do not use a template, you are wasting time estimating sewing thread requirement calculation for the new styles.
Don’t know how to make the template?
No problem. I have developed one template in Excel for you.
Go ahead and download the free template. (Find the download button below)
Remember, different thread consumption ratios are developed by thread manufacturers (those factors are developed based on different fabric thicknesses and stitches per inch).
In the another article, How to calculate thread consumption for garments, I have explained how to develop your own thread-consumption-factors for different types of stitches.
In this excel thread consumption calculation template, I have given you options to choose one from the various sources of thread consumption factors. Choose one from the following
- Coats
- A&F-1
- A&F-2
- A ratio developed by you
I have also explained how to use the thread consumption template (in the help worksheet). There is a limited number of rows in the template. Instead of adding more rows, I suggest you add the seam lengths together for the same stitch types and enter them into a single row.
I have already shared a template developed by A&F (US-based thread manufacturer) in this article Thread consumption calculation process simplified. These templates are very good and helpful for newbies.
| Table:1 Thread Ratio Sources | ||||
| Your ratio | ||||
| Stitch type | Coats | A&F-1 | A&F-2 | Other |
| 301 Lockstitch | 2.5 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| 401 Chainstitch | 5.5 | 5 | 7 | |
| 503 Overlock (2 thread) | 12 | 7 | 10 | |
| 504 Overlock(3 thread) | 13 | 12 | 16 | |
| 515 Safetystitch (4 thread) | 18 | 12 | 17 | |
| 516 Safetystitch(5 thread) | 20 | 17 | 23 | |
| 406 Coverstitch(3 thread) | 18 | |||
| 602 Coverstitch(4 thread) | 25 | |||
| 605 Coverstitch(5thread) | 28 | |||
You might be interested to learn the Factors that affect thread consumption in garments.
Click on the following ‘download’ button to save the template on your computer.
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Data source: Coats Industrial and A&F.
Thread Consumption Calculation Template
Follow the below steps after downloading the Excel template.
- Take the garment samples for which you want to calculate sewing thread consumption. If you have already prepared an operation bulletin for the style, keep it handy.
- Keep one measuring tape for measuring seam length, pen and notebook ready for quick notes.
- In the template fill up the header information – Style number, Buyer name, and average thread wastage percentage.
- Refer to the operation bulletin and list down the operations name in the second column on the Excel template. You can follow the same operation sequences that is in your OB. Exclude all manual operations.
- Next, measure the seam length in centimeters for the each operations on by one and enter the value in the next column (column 3)
- Check the seam thoroughly and identify the stitch class and what type of machine will be used for sewing the seam. From the dropdown list, select the correct stitch Class corresponding to each operation. Like- 301 Lock stitch, 401 chain stitch, 504 Overlock etc.
- Following columns (Thread ratio, thread consumption and estimated consumption including wastage) will be auto populated based on the Stitch type selection.
- Following the above steps for all sewing operations, you get the estimated thread requirement by operation and seam length. The thread wastage percentage is included in each operation. Total thread consumption for the sewing whole garment, is shown in the bottom row.
- You can change stitch style any time you need to check the to
Notes:
The seam length will vary by garment size. So, you if we calculate thread consumption for two different sizes (Small and Extra Large) using this template, we will get different results for thread consumption for the same style. But for thread consumption calculation, it would difficult to estimate thread consumption for all sizes one by one. It will be time consuming task. Therefore , looking into the order volume and size ratio in the order, you can decide the average size of the garment and calculate thread consumption using that garment size.
