In the realm of garment manufacturing, there exists a term commonly employed by merchandisers. When these individuals inquire about the thread average for a specific garment style, they seek to ascertain the quantity of thread in yards that will be consumed during the stitching process of a single garment. But what exactly does this notion of thread average entail? Let us explore its definition below.
What precisely does thread average signify?Â
Thread average refers to the average length, measured in meters or yards, of sewing thread required to produce a single garment. This calculation takes into account the sewing thread wastage, including the thread tails at both ends of the seam and the leftover threads on cones or tubes. Each apparel item has a distinct thread average. For instance, a t-shirt may necessitate 38 yards of thread, while a pair of jeans may require 223 yards of sewing thread (as per the A&F Technical Bulletin).
As a manufacturer of ready-to-wear garments, you must procure stitching threads for your operations. However, would you proceed to purchase thread quantities for your entire order without having a clear understanding of the amount of thread required for stitching each individual garment? Such a decision would not be prudent, as it incurs unnecessary costs associated with thread procurement.
The Significance of Estimating Thread Average
- Control Material Costs: Acquiring excess thread results in increased material costs per garment.
- Ensure Adequate Thread Supply: By accurately estimating the thread average, you can ensure that you have sufficient thread to complete the order without the need for reordering. The act of reordering sewing thread can cause production delays and potential issues related to matching thread colors.
Who is Responsible for Calculating Thread Average for a Given Style?
In the realm of industrial engineering, the task of estimating thread consumption for production garments lies with the professionals known as industrial engineers. However, in manufacturing facilities where there is no dedicated industrial engineering department, the responsibility often falls upon the merchandiser or the production manager. In such cases, the estimation of thread average is based on their practical experience, rather than a precise calculation based on the garment style. Typically, engineers estimate the thread average by studying the garment’s construction and measuring the total seam length for each stitch class, considering the type of machine used for stitching the seam. The stitch length is then multiplied by the thread consumption factor to arrive at the estimated thread average.
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