Sewing is the thread that holds the fashion industry together – quite literally! Every manufactured garment is a product of its fabric and the stitches, threads, and finishes that hold it together. Anyone involved in this process should know the difference between the many types of stitches used in the industry today.

A Guide to Basic Sewing Stitches

This brief introductory guide to basic sewing stitches will introduce and explain the most common machine and hand stitches used.

Hand Stitches

Before sewing machines became everyday commodities in the home and factory, garments were made solely by hand. This included every step of the sewing process (hemming an edge, joining two separate pieces of cloth, finishing a seam, etc.). Many garments today are still sewn by hand utilizing the following basic stitches.

Running Stitch

The running stitch is the most basic and commonly used, in which the needle and thread simply pass over and under two pieces of fabric. It’s the same as a basting stitch, except it is sewn more tightly to create a secure and permanent bind. The technique can be identified by the spaces left between each stitch on both sides of the fabric, creating a dashed thread line.

Basting Stitch

A basting stitch is one of the simplest stitches in sewing, used to temporarily hold together two pieces of fabric. Think of it as a “rough draft” later replaced by a more secure and permanent stitch. Sometimes also called a tack stitch, it is done quickly with a simple over/under motion, resulting in a long, loose stitch easily removed.

Back Stitch

The back stitch is a variation of the running stitch, but with each needle pass, the needle and thread doubles back on itself. This eliminates the visible spacing – the dashed effect – seen in the running stitch and instead creates a more polished straight line of thread on the fabric’s surface.

Catch Stitch

A catch stitch, or cross-stitch, is a standard sewing technique for hemming. The use of this stitch creates a zig-zag series of X’s on the underside of a piece of fabric. Strong and flexible, these stitches are barely visible on the outside of a garment and offer a clean finish for raw edges.

Slip Stitch

The slip stitch is a strong, sturdy, and permanent way to finish a garment. This is another great stitch for securing hemlines. However, unlike the catch stitch, using a slip stitch results in a nearly invisible bond on both sides of the fabric.

Machine Stitches

The advent of the sewing machine in the early 18th century completely revolutionized the apparel industry, streamlining production. It changed how the traditional clothing manufacturing process. Today, machines construct most apparel. These machines often possess a wide range of capabilities. Almost every machine contains the ability to perform these three basic stitches.

Straight Stitch

The straight stitch is a series of straight stitches equidistant from one another, all in uniform length and spacing. It is the most common stitch that serves as the backbone for nearly all sewing machine varieties.

Backward Stitch

The backward stitch is merely the machine’s ability to carry out the straight stitch in verse. This capability helps secure the beginning and end of any other stitch. Additionally, this keeps the thread from unraveling or losing its shape.

Zigzag Stitch

The zigzag stitch is a sewing technique where the needle and thread move back and forth at alternating angles. It is the second most common stitch after the running stitch and is present in nearly all sewing machines today. Additionally, its strength is often used to finish seams and raw edges, reinforce buttonholes, and in stretchable fabrics.

Most sewing machines, both industrial and home models, possess the ability to make buttonholes and create a variety of hemming and decorative stitches. It all depends on the specific machine, with each brand and model offering its unique assortment.

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Softline Brand Partners, a soft goods manufacturing industry leader, offers integrated design and manufacturing solutions. Softline Brand Partners ensures each detail is crafted with precision and quality, perfectly embodying your brand’s identity. Contact us for expert assistance in developing patches and labels that resonate with your brand’s message and appeal.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

The Softline team is extremely proud to support the Quetico Foundation Ridley Wilderness Youth Program. The program provides students from across the Toronto District School Board with an immersive wilderness canoe-tripping experience in Quetico Park. Check out the video below to see some images from their trip!

From the Quetico Foundation website:

“We get involved where the stakes are high, and our value will be greatest, leveraging results through our broad base of supporters and allies.

We also recognize the power of collaboration, teaming up with like-minded organizations who share our aims. Together, we strive to help decision-makers, users, and stakeholders value the Quetico wilderness and ensure its preservation for generations to come.”

We at Softline Brand Partners couldn’t agree more.

Capsule, FFANY, The Chicago Collective, and, of course, MAGIC in Las Vegas. Designers, manufacturers, and retailers utilize these fashion trade shows and others to grow their businesses, expand their clientele, and network among industry professionals. When utilized wisely, these shows are some of the best marketing tools. However, mere attendance does not equate to marketing success. A business must plan before, act during, and follow up afterwards to maximize the outcome of having a booth at any of these conventions. This trade show guide will explore the best practices for making a lasting impression at trade shows.

Planning Ahead for Your Trade Show

Trade show success starts before the convention center doors open. Smart preparation begins in the weeks and months in advance. Taking care of all possible details beforehand gives vendors more availability for interacting with visitors. This is paramount, as ample attention paid to each potential customer is the key to earning his or her business.

Reach Out To Clients In Advance & Make Appointments

Rarely do buyers attend trade shows merely to browse. Most industry professionals attend trade shows with set appointments and a list of specific booths to visit. Networking ahead of time is the best way to ensure your booth is seen. Contact prospective retailers that match your products or services in advance and make appointments to meet with them during the event. As the event draws nearer, stay in contact to keep prospective buyers interested.

Negotiate A Location

Location is everything at trade shows. A booth near the entrance or adjacent to the food court is considered prime real estate, and acquiring these locations is often as simple as asking the right people. Negotiate with the event organizers to obtain the best spot and do it early.

Generate A Following

Utilizing a variety of PR and Marketing to announce your brand’s attendance is critical.  Employ multiple avenues of communication, such as postcards, print mailers, social media, emails, and phone calls. There are many avenues of communication (most of which are free), which is one of the best ways to ensure a good turnout of prospective buyers. It will also generate a sense of urgency and help facilitate a brand’s identity.

Book Accommodations Early

Sort out all travel, lodging, and travel plans ahead of time. Having these details worked out in advance will give vendors more attention and focus on the real goal during the event. Thoroughly research and plan an agenda for parking at the event. Draft a budget ahead of time that accounts for all potential expenses that come with attending. Do this portion of the to-do list early to avoid sold-out flights or hotels and save yourself the stress of last-minute booking.

What to Do at the Trade Show

Employ the following tips at your trade show.

Cultivate A Unique Space

Create a visually enticing and eye-catching booth to attract your ideal clientele. Spaces are often small at trade shows, but that doesn’t have to affect the impression you make. Vendors sometimes aim to replicate the ideal storefront carrying a brand’s product.

Various other smart options are available for designing a booth, but always keep it clean and clutter-free and ensure every detail sends a succinct message that defines a brand’s image. Simplicity and clarity are crucial. The goal is to attract the right customers rather than trying to attract every customer.

Messaging & Image

Stick to concise copy – often as simple as the brand name and a brief, one-sentence tagline – and aim to convey one main point to potential customers. Many vendors fall victim to the belief that more is better when, in fact, too many visuals or graphics often overwhelm and deter visitors.

Have a Standout Booth

A great booth reflects a company’s image and product offering. It should also be a friendly place that encourages and attracts customers. Below are some potential options to achieve this goal:

• Include seating for visitors who have likely been walking all day.
• Offer candy, food, and refreshments.
• Make sure there is ample lighting.
• Set up a free WiFi zone or a spot to charge electronics.

These types of added amenities might just bring in otherwise disinterested patrons. Quality beats quantity, especially in the fashion industry.

Staff & Stock The Booth

Even the most visually astounding booth will fall flat if the staff seems disinterested, distracted, or disorganized. Enforce an electronics-free zone during the show and ensure each staff member is knowledgeable and passionate about the brand. Also, be diligent in enforcing that everyone involved practices his or her pitches ahead of time and emphasize crafting every speech to the specific nature of every client. Nothing is more deterring than a routine monologue. A smart salesperson aims to make every interaction a personal connection.

Tips for After the Trade Show

After the trade show is over, implement the following steps.

Keep In Touch

Have a system for collecting business cards and contact information. Follow up after the event. It is essential for successfully turning visitors into customers. Remember that the attendees have spent hour upon hour visiting booth upon booth, and it can be easy for them to forget the pitch details or confuse the product. Direct contact after the event shows initiative and personal investment in potential customers.

Gear Up For Round Two

Trade shows may only occur every few months, but the end of one event means it is time to start preparing for the next. As soon as the doors close, notice what worked well and what could use improvement. Spend a few moments during the event to observe other popular booths. Note their successful tactics and consider implementing them in some way at the next event. Always be willing to try new strategies and ideas as preparations begin for future shows.

Contact Softline Today!

Softline Brand Partners, a soft goods manufacturing industry leader, offers integrated design and manufacturing solutions. Softline Brand Partners ensures each detail is crafted with precision and quality, perfectly embodying your brand’s identity. Contact us for expert assistance in developing patches and labels that resonate with your brand’s message and appeal.

Two of the costliest Hurricanes in U.S. History, Harvey and Irma, have decimated Southern Texas and Florida in the last two weeks. The total cost of the damage is still being calculated, but economist Michael Montgomery of HIS Markit is reporting that August and September output data will be affected by Hurricane Harvey. “Supply disruptions will rock oil refining that accounted for 3 percent of industrial production last year, and the chemical industry, responsible for 12.4% of industrial production in 2016, Montgomery said Friday.”[1] This article will briefly explore how hurricanes are affecting manufacturing around the United States.

Hurricanes Wreak Havoc on Supply Chains and Infrastructure

The U.S. Gulf Coast is home to many oil production and refineries that create base plastics for various industries. The disruption due to Hurricane Harvey is a major hit to supply chains nationwide, and manufacturers are struggling to find new short-term suppliers.

“If we get into the middle of September and we’re not back up and running and producing various plastics, even at some minimal sustainable rate, you’re going to start being concerned about the overall supply chain,” said Mark Eramo, Vice President of Global Chemical Business Development at IHS Markit.[2]

After Harvey, Hurricane Irma was quick to follow. Irma demolished the Florida Keys, took out power for half of all customers in the state, and brought storm surges to the southern and western sides of the state that wiped out beachfront communities and crippled shipping ports. Florida is home to over 19,000 manufacturers employing more than 331,000 workers, many of whom may temporarily be out of a job.[3] Initial estimates for the damage caused by Irma were between 150-200 billion, but have been reduced in recent days due to a change of course that caused the storm to mostly miss the most populated areas of the state, including Miami-Dade County. The total cost is still unknown.

Economic Impact

As noted earlier, many expect affected supply chains in the short term. This may cause delays in deliveries and production time and is cause for concern for economists who measure the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

The hurricanes have destroyed or crippled many businesses and permanently damaged infrastructure, which will add stress to the local and national economies. Goldman Sachs analysts warn that Hurricanes Harvey and Irma could have a “sizable” impact on the U.S. Economy. The bank reduced its GDP growth projections by 0.8% to 2%.[4]

Rebuilding Effort

Due to a concentrated effort by State and Federal officials, Texas and Florida ports are already starting to open today, and many have had their power restored. “In the U.S., more than 50,000 utility workers from the U.S. and Canada are descending on Florida and other states hit by the storm, part of a long stream of trucks joining returning residents on highways with loads of water, generators, food, and construction materials.”[5] There have also been an incredible amount of donations and people flooding into the areas affected. The effect on manufacturing and the economy might be short-term, but local officials and residents will be cleaning up the mess made by these devastating hurricanes for months, if not years, to come.

What is Softline?

Softline Brand Partners, a soft goods manufacturing industry leader, offers integrated design and manufacturing solutions. Softline Brand Partners ensures each detail is crafted with precision and quality, perfectly embodying your brand’s identity. Contact us for expert assistance in developing patches and labels that resonate with your brand’s message and appeal.

[1] US Manufacturing and Spending Seen Taking Short-Term Hit From Hurricane Harvey’s Impact
[2] Harvey has ‘paralyzed’ a critical part of US manufacturing supply chain
[3] Florida Manufacturing – Industry Overview
[4] Hurricane Irma Might Have a Sizable Impact on U.S. Economy, Goldman Sachs Warns
[5] Top Supply Chain and Logistics News From WSJ

There is optimism that the 11% increase in man-made fiber and textiles (including apparel) shipments made by the U.S. textile manufacturing industry since 2009 will continue into 2017. [1]  The last six months have taught experienced industry analysts new lessons as the economic and political climate became more unpredictable. The President and CEO of NCTO, an organization that represents U.S textile companies, suggests that despite a “stable and strong environment for about five or six years, the market has been flat for 18 months due to sluggishness in the global and U.S. economies and the uncertainty in the retail sector.”

September U.S. Textile Manufacturing Outlook

The recent ‘sluggishness’ of the market has not greatly affected the textile manufacturing industry in the U.S. Along with China and India, it continues to be one of the big three players in the global textile industry. The United States’ 1.3% share of the $483 billion global apparel market is mainly due to exports to free trade partners, which requires that local yarns be used in the production of fabrics.[2]  These partners accounted for 70% of the $13 billion in fabric, fiber, and yarn U.S. exports in 2016. Canada and Mexico bought $1.6 billion and $4.4 billion of the total, respectively. Honduras, along with the Dominican Republic (members of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), combined for another $2 billion.[3] According to textile industry experts, this alone accounts for over half of U.S textile exports, which account for 40% of the GDP in textiles.[4]

Free Trade Agreements

We are facing a new political and economic global landscape in 2017, where the promise of the Trans-Pacific Partnership is now a thing of the past. There is growing pressure to increase U.S. textile exports to its profitable free-trade partners, who will undoubtedly account for an even greater percentage of textile GDP in 2017.

The yarn, mainly from China, accounts for half of the fabric used in Mexican apparel manufacturing, and removing the ways out of trade-preferences should boost the state of U.S textile exports to Mexico soon. The impact of proposed changes may still be mitigated because the trade-preference loophole is less important to Canada, which barely used a quarter of its current 88,000,000 square meter allotment.

Additional Textile Threats

Other threats to the state of U.S. textile exports may have far-reaching consequences for textile export profitability. The state of relations between the NCTO (National Council of Textile Organizations) and WTO (World Trade Organization) is becoming tense. In a recent statement made on the 31st of July 2017, the NCTO states that the trend towards “the unfair and nonreciprocal” treatment of the WTO towards textile organizations in U.S. will not be tolerated. As the WTO continues to ask for more market concessions for its other trading partners, it is placing the U.S. at a “direct disadvantage” in trade with WTO partners. [5][6]

This news potentially reveals that if the U.S. is to combat the gradual decline of its textile industry, it needs NAFTA trading partners more than ever to combat the recent global trends. At a total of $11.5 billion, Mexico and Canada are the U.S. textile industry’s largest export markets.[7]

Analysis of the NCTO’s 2016 report reveals that the true strengths of the U.S. textile industry are fibers and fabrics for home furnishings and industry, with clothing only accounting for 12% of total fiber production in 2012.[9][8]  In contrast, production for U.S. yarn, fiber, fabric, and non-apparel textiles grew to $1.7 billion in 2015, representing a staggering 75% rise from 2009.[10] The global strength of the U.S. non-apparel textile market has grown, and the planned negotiations with NAFTA may also help alleviate the negative effects of cheap textile and fiber imports from China.

Automation & the Future

Unfortunately, this does not guarantee that jobs will return to the textile manufacturing industry. As new advances in automation are adopted, they eliminate the need for manual work. For example, Adidas recently began using automated machines known as ‘sewbots’ to produce over 800,000 shirts daily with minimal human labor. Despite the job losses, the increase in productivity keeps the U.S. textile manufacturing industry afloat. Additionally, lower labor costs make moving manufacturing back to the U.S. from overseas more viable.

Another potential growth area for the U.S. textile industry is largely in technology and ‘smart fabrics.’ ‘Smart fabrics’ include antimicrobial yarns, water and sun-proof thread, industrial-level finishes, and fabrics for virtual reality with haptic sensors that allow users to ‘feel’ objects. Bob Merrill, a polymer expert at IHS Markit, says, “A lot of great work is going on in the U.S. textile industry. Will these innovations change the textile road map, or will they just be specialty advances without a dramatic impact on fiber production?” It looks like time will tell.

Who is Softline?

Softline Brand Partners, a soft goods manufacturing industry leader, offers integrated design and manufacturing solutions. Softline Brand Partners ensures each detail is crafted with precision and quality, perfectly embodying your brand’s identity. Contact us for expert assistance in developing patches and labels that resonate with your brand’s message and appeal.

[1] [7] http://www.ncto.org/2017-state-of-the-u-s-textile-industry/
[2] https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44610.pdf
[3] [4] https://www.apparelnews.net/news/2017/mar/30/us-textile-and-apparel-industry-inching-forward-af/
[5] [6] http://www.ncto.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2017-07-31-NCTO-Trade-Agreements-Submission.pdf
[8] http://www.ncto.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2017-By-the-Numbers-Infographic-Final.pdf
[9] [10] https://shenglufashion.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/us-textile-industry-1.jpg