Technical sketches

Technical sketches, also known as fashion flats, serve as the initial visual reference for your manufacturer when sewing your garment. They should showcase all the design details, including the desired fit, finishings, and stitching.

Traditionally, technical fashion sketches are created using Adobe Illustrator. However, you can save time by using a vector editor like Repsketch, which offers a variety of templates crafted by professional technical designers. Simply select a template, customize the design details to your liking, and then share it online or download it to add to your tech pack.

Fabric choice

A top-quality t-shirt needs to be both visually appealing and practical, and this largely depends on the fabric used. Cotton is widely regarded as one of the best fabrics for t-shirt manufacturing due to its softness and breathability. On the other hand, synthetic fibers are smooth and have low water absorbency, but they may not offer the same level of comfort for everyday wear. When selecting the fabric for your t-shirt, consider the intended function and choose accordingly.

Construction quality

Ensuring high construction quality for a garment is a multi-faceted endeavor. It involves several elements, such as precise seam placement, preventing stitching imperfections, addressing waving and puckering concerns, proper garment pressing, and achieving impeccable finished edges.

Positioning of the seams

The proper positioning of seams is crucial for both the appearance and fit of a t-shirt. When trying on a t-shirt, the shoulder and side seams should remain in place without dropping or shifting forward. It is important to carefully examine the seams to ensure they are straight and properly aligned.

Seam shifting not only detracts from the visual appeal but also causes discomfort for the wearer, particularly in fitted tee styles. Skilled sewers can identify and address these issues through pattern modification.

Stitching flaws

Jersey fabric used in t-shirt production often leads to skipped stitches. The elastic knit behaves like a trampoline, causing the needle to partially cave in instead of passing through smoothly. This characteristic can result in stitch formations failing and loose threads floating on the fabric’s surface. Additionally, non-aligned underarm and side seams, along with incorrect stitch per inch (SPI), can contribute to significant quality problems and an unappealing appearance.

Waving

We desire smooth fabric and ribbing on our t-shirts, without any waves. The wavy appearance indicates over-stretching during the sewing process. Close examination of the knits reveals tiny crosswise loops that can be pulled and widened due to excessive force, often caused by machinery or operational errors.

Puckering

The fabric around the seams of a t-shirt should be smooth and free from any unexpected gathering. Puckering occurs when excessive stitch tension pushes the fabric inward. This not only creates an undesirable appearance but also makes the stitches prone to breaking with regular wear.

Finished edges

A poorly made t-shirt can be identified by frayed edges after the first wash. To prevent this, ensure that all raw edges are adequately covered and the seams are overlocked.

A high-quality t-shirt will have a clean, even, and smooth finish on the inside as well. Ideally, when you turn the t-shirt inside out, there should be minimal difference in appearance compared to the right side.

Pressing

Various techniques can be employed to avoid common production errors, and one of them is pressing.Pressing can address issues like uneven shoulder lengths, inaccurate size measurements, and distorted fabric, especially when working with stretch jerseys. However, it is important to pay attention to potential loop deformations that may require further inspection of the samples.

Measurements

To create an accurate sample, the manufacturer requires precise measurement specifications provided by the designer. The Measurement Spec Sheet contains the approximate measurements of the garment when laid flat.

Accurate measurement specs

Controlling quality starts with confirming that all measurements align with the specifications provided in the tech pack. The tech pack should outline the permissible error allowances (tolerances) that allow measurements to vary within a specific range. When reviewing the samples, it is vital to ensure that all measurements fall within this acceptable range.

Efficient sampling

While a t-shirt may seem simple, inspecting it is more complex than imagined. One effective way to avoid the aforementioned errors is by using a detailed tech pack. With precise measurements, the correct sizing system, and fabric identification, fashion designers can save time and money.

T-shirts are popular and universally loved for their versatility, comfort, and affordability. By carefully considering the four crucial factors mentioned above, you can ensure the quality of your t-shirt items. Additionally, you can explore the colorful and unique designed t-shirts offered by Meet Hank to diversify your wardrobe.