Now You Know How to Determine Seam Strength in Apparel Industry
Sunday 27 May 2018
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How to Determine Seam Strength in Garments Industries
Joyankar Mojumder
Inspector (FCAI)
Modern Testing Services (BD) Ltd.
280, East Narshinghpur, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka.
Email: mozumderjoy@yahoo.com
Inspector (FCAI)
Modern Testing Services (BD) Ltd.
280, East Narshinghpur, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka.
Email: mozumderjoy@yahoo.com
What is seam strength:
The main factors of the seam strength are seam type, the stitch type, stitch density, fabric strength, thread strength, and the tension of thread which is applied in the seam.
A lapped seam is the strongest of all seams because the fabric is lapped upon itself and the sewing threads contribution is mainly to hold the lapped plies in place.
The lockstitch is the most common stitch type in garments industries, but it is easily damaged. Chain stitch and over edge stitch types are higher seam strength and greater extensibility than a lockstitch.
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| Fig: Garment seam strength |
The seam should be engineered to deliver a balance between the stitching and the strength of the material being sewn. In most cases it is better for the stitching to fail prior to the material failing because the stitching can be repaired.
Thread tension is critical for the seam strength and seam elongation. If the thread is too tight in the seam it’s natural elongation is withdrawn allowing the thread to fail prematurely. This is particularly true when garments are subjected to after-make laundry processes.
Seam engineering:
Garments are made up using a range of different stitch and seam types. The engineering of the seam is more than just a matter of looking up the specification on a chart. There are many factors to be considered if high quality, durable seams are to be produced. The most important characteristic of any seam is seam strength.
Determining seam strength:
The simple method of estimating seam strength based on two parameters.
For lockstitch:
Approximate seam strength can be determined as the number of stitches per inch multiplied by the single thread strength multiplied by 1.5
Seam strength = SPI x STS x 1.5
Here, stitch per inch (SPI) = 8
Single thread strength (STS) = 1100 grams
So, seam strength = 8 x 1100 x 1.5
= 13200 grams or 13.2 kg
For chain stitch:
The approximate seam strength can be derived from the stitches per inch multiplied by the single thread strength multiplied by 1.7
Here, stitch per inch (SPI) = 11
Single thread strength (STS) = 1100 grams
So, seam strength = 11 x 1100 x 1.7
= 20570 grams or 20.57 kg
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