Optimizing Fabric Utilization in Garment Manufacturing

Maximizing fabric utilization is essential for improving cost-effectiveness and reducing waste in the apparel manufacturing industry. The efficient use of fabric can greatly impact clothing companies’ sustainability and profitability. We will explore the intricacies of fabric utilization in this post and offer helpful tips and methods to help you become more productive.

Recognizing Fabric Utilization

The term “fabric utilization” describes the effective use of fabric in the manufacturing of clothing. It entails reducing the amount of fabric wasted and increasing the quantity of clothing made from a specific quantity of fabric. Manufacturers may lower expenses related to material waste and boost production by making the most use of fabric, which will eventually result in improved profit margins.

Factors Influencing the Utilization of Fabric

A number of variables that can affect process efficiency must be taken into account in order to attain the best possible fabric utilization. These elements consist of:

1. Creating Patterns

Creating precise patterns is essential for using fabric. Well-thought-out patterns can increase the quantity of clothing produced and reduce fabric waste. A skilled team of pattern makers uses cutting-edge methods to guarantee accurate pattern creation, ensuring outstanding fabric utilization.

2. Creating Markers

The goal of marker making is to minimize fabric waste by positioning pattern pieces. Using cutting-edge computer-aided tools, we produce markers that maximize the use of fabric. Pattern components can be arranged strategically to make effective use of fabric and cut down on material waste.

3. Spreading Fabric

Maximizing fabric utilization requires effective fabric distribution. Fabric is arranged in several layers during the spreading process to make cutting the pattern pieces easier. We can guarantee maximum fabric utilization and reduce waste by using specialized spreading techniques like face-to-face or zigzag spreading.

4. Cutting Methods

The use of cloth can be greatly impacted by selecting the appropriate cutting methods. Errors and fabric waste are reduced through precision cutting with cutting-edge equipment. Modern tools and methods can guarantee precise and effective cutting, which enhances fabric use.

How to calculate the fabric utilization percentage in the cutting room?

Fabric utilization refers how the percentage of fabric used in cutting patterns for garments from the total fabric spread on the cutting table. Generally, fabric weight 60% to 70% of the total garment costing. Consequently, a factory can conserve substantial money from material by efficient garment employment.

Calculation of Fabric Utilization

Weight is used to calculate fabric utilization.

Step 1: Determine the marker length or lay length (A) that will be utilized for bulk cutting. Assume that the breadth of the fabric is 1.2 meters. Get the fabric’s GSM (grams per square meter) information.

Step 2: Determine the lay’s weight (B).
Fabric Weight = 1.2A*GSM * number of plies or Fabric width X Lay Length X GSM X number of plies (you can also compute using multiple lays).

Step 3: Cut the patterns collect all waste fabric and weigh waste (C). usu
ally includes cutting waste and ending losses.

Step 4: Fabric weight of cut panels D = (B-C)

Step 5: Fabric utilization percentage = weight of cut panels (D) divided by total lay weight (B) * 100%

You can perform this exercise with many lays and average them for accuracy.

Example: I’ve included an example below for your better understanding.

First, let’s assume that: