How to request a garment factory/process, how to choose a garment factory│AGLUCA

For individuals and small business owners who are new to apparel, we will introduce the process and process for requesting and consulting with a garment factory about making clothes, as well as information that should be conveyed to the garment factory.

We will also tell you the points to consider when choosing a sewing factory.

How to choose a sewing factory (3 points to check)

Here are some important points to consider when choosing a sewing factory.

conclusion

Is this a factory where you can sew the clothes you want to make? It is important to check the website carefully in advance.

[Point 1] Check the items that can be sewn

Some sewing factories specialize in specific items (jackets, pants, cutsews, etc.). The reason is that by limiting the number of items, it is possible to sew more efficiently.

Therefore, there is a possibility that the factory cannot sew the clothes you want to make yourself, so you should check the service introduction page and FAQ page on the website.

[Point 2] Check the fabrics that can be sewn

As mentioned above, there are sewing factories that specialize in specific fabrics, just as there are sewing factories that specialize in sewing items . For example, thin fabrics (thin fabrics), denim, etc. The sewing machine and needle may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the fabric. Adjusting industrial sewing machines is very complicated and often requires a specialist sewing machine shop to change the settings each time. Also, if the same item is made of different fabrics, the sewing tips and methods will vary.

Therefore, if you do not decide in advance the fabric you will use for your clothes, you may be able to sew the item, but it may not be possible due to the thickness of the fabric.

[Point 3] Check fabric preparation/pattern/specifications

Some garment factories specialize only in sewing operations. There are many factories that are unable to purchase fabrics and materials, create patterns, and create specifications. *I have the impression that there are many sewing factories that do not have pattern makers on staff.

In other words, you need to check whether you need to prepare all the fabrics, materials, patterns, and sewing specifications yourself.

Information that should be conveyed when requesting/consulting with a garment factory

What information should I convey to the garment factory?

1. Who will prepare the fabric and secondary materials (buttons, zippers, etc.)?

As mentioned above, some sewing factories do not support purchasing fabrics, so you will need to decide and confirm in advance whether you want to provide the fabric yourself or request someone to purchase it for you.

In addition, even if the fabric is ``white cotton material,'' there are a huge variety of types such as polyester, blend ratio, and color. If the number and frequency of obtaining fabric swatches (samples) increases, or if the time and frequency of consulting about what kind of fabric to choose increases, the burden on the factory increases, so in some cases, they may actually avoid purchasing. .

There are so many different types and colors of threads (stitches) that if it's your first time making clothes, you might worry for several months just choosing the fabric and thread. Of course, fabric and thread selection is necessary for each item.

Therefore, I recommend that you narrow down your choices to about three types of fabrics and threads in advance at handicraft stores such as Yuzawaya and Okadaya, and in the textile district of Nippori. Also, if you let the sewing factory know that you have narrowed down the candidates to a certain extent, there is a high probability that they will be willing to handle the sewing and purchasing.

*It will be much easier if you purchase candidate fabrics in 10-inch squares from the above-mentioned craft stores and bring them to the factory or mail them.

2. Who prepares the patterns and sewing specifications?

Some factories may not be able to create patterns and sewing specifications in-house, so you will need to clearly communicate whether you plan to prepare them yourself or if you would like to ask the factory to do it for you.

In the apparel industry, it is customary for patterns (patterns) and sewing specifications to be prepared as a basic set.

Choosing fabrics and threads takes time when making clothes for the first time, but making a pattern takes even more time. A pattern is a blueprint for a garment. The pattern influences not only the design, but also the comfort, silhouette, and nuances of the garment. If you decide on the fabric in advance, the pattern will be much more accurate and complete. Depending on the fabric, it is very common for the fabric to shrink or stretch during pressing (ironing) or sewing, so it is necessary to decide on the fabric and then create the pattern by assuming the scale of the fabric in advance.

Is it possible to consider the scale of the fabric? This is where the pattern maker's skills are tested. If you have the pattern and sewing specifications created as a set by the same pattern maker, the final result of the garment will be different.

Making patterns like this takes time even when apparel professionals work together, but it takes even more time when it's your first time making clothes. So, if you are making clothes for the first time, find a professional pattern maker within walking distance from your home, prepare the fabric, pattern, and sewing specifications, and then request a sewing factory to make your clothes.You will be more likely to be asked to make clothes without being turned away. Masu.

3.Who prepares the brand name and quality display?

Although it is not necessary for samples (prototypes), it is essential to label the quality of mass-produced products to be provided to customers. Do you find a specialized company by yourself, create them individually, and then supply them to the sewing factory? Alternatively, it will be smoother if you ask the sewing factory to create the brand name and quality label, or provide this information in advance.

4.About embroidery and printing

I can sew! and embroidery are different things. Since the equipment used is different, you need to check whether you can embroider. Similarly, you should check whether printing (logos, graphics, etc.) can be accommodated. Even if you are unable to handle most of the work yourself, we have partner companies, so you may be able to request embroidery and printing in bulk. On the other hand, you must find an embroidery company and a printing company to handle the finished product yourself. There is also an option.

Flow of requests to garment factories

1.Consult by phone or email (please include the above information)

2. Have a meeting at the factory or online

3.Confirm rough estimate

4.Create a sample (prototype)

5,Mass production/final delivery