Abstract

Seam quality is determined by the correlation between types of fabric, structures of fabric, sewing threads and selection of stitches and seams. The performance of seam also depends on the sewing conditions like size of needle, sewing thread tension, stitches per inch and lastly on the proper working and maintenance of the stitching machine. The objective of present study is to investigate and scrutinize the impact of weft knitted fabric structures, sewing thread types and stitch types on seam strength and efficiency of superimposed type of seam for cotton apparels. An experimental design was employed for the study which includes two types of sewing thread and four classes of stitch. The seam strength and efficiency of the fabric were determined by using the tensile testing machine. Seam strength have been measured and analyzed both in course and wales directions. The results revealed that differences existed between the two different thread in relation with seam strength and seam efficiency. Polyester-wrapped threads with a polyester filament core thread shows better seam strength and seam efficiency. This study also assists garment manufacturers to utilize suitable thread type and stitch type to reach quality seams to get to know customers’ requirements in terms of seam.

Keywords: Seam; Stitch; Seam efficiency; Seam strength; Sewing thread; Seam quality