TECHNICAL SEMINAR ON

SEAMLESS GARMENT TECHNOLOGY

Seamless Technology
Seamless entire garment knitting was introduced in 1995.
Minimal or no cutting and sewing process. More comfort and better fit by eliminating seams.

Also Known as Complete Knitting.

Methods of Production
Seamless clothing can be produce by following methods:

1. Partially machine process (Pasting method) 2. Fully machine process

Pasting Method
Developed by Bemis and marketed as Sewfree. Employs a thin film of adhesive, preferably etherbased polyurethane. Pasting Method is of two types: 1. Fin type - two fabric ends are placed edge-to-edge 2. Lap type - occurs when one fabric end overlays the other

Fully Machine Process

Seamless garment can be produced by following Machines. 1. V-bed flat knitting machines 2. Circular knitting machines Santoni in Brescia is currently leading the market Stoll, Italy and Merz, Germany are also famous players

Shima Seki Seamless Knitting Machine

Flowchart of Processes in Seamless Garment Production

Style Selection Color/Yarn Selection Design System Fitting Samples

Seamless Garment

Production Knitting

Simulation

Photography

Style, Color & Yarn selection

Depending on the type of garment to be made, the style features, color and the yarn selection is done.

Photograph of Customer

Using a Digital camera, the photograph of the person is interfaced to the computer.

Designers at Work

Using technologies, the fit and drape of the garment on the body of the wearer can be determined

Shima Seki Boutique

The designed garment can then be manufactured using the Seamless Knitting machine in a boutique.

Bottlenecks in Seamless Knitting

The Fabric take-down and tension on each loop. Complete garment knitting also has a problem caused by the alternate needle selection. The entire garment is useless and must be discarded in case of a defect. Compared to fully-fashioned knitting, there would be more waste.

Digital Stitch Control Systems

Shima Seikis i-DSCS worlds first and foremost digital device for controlling loop length

The yarn is either fed or retrieved to fine-tune the tension. Force Feeding of yarn is done in case of heavy and bulk yarns.

Applications of Seamless Knitting

Apparel hand gloves, sweaters, hats & socks
Upholstery Automotives Seat covers

Medical Textiles Bandages, Medical compression stockings.

Advantages of using Seamless Garments

Minimises cutting and sewing process. A reduction of 15% weight of the garment. No bulky or irritating stitches or seams. Quick response production for size changes Just-in-time production.

Conclusion
At present 8-10 percent of Lingerie products made by seamless methods. Seamless method is improving day to day with advancements such as DSCS etc. Product choices will make seamless garments even more unique, functional and popular in the future. The future looks bright for the markets. outdoor and fitness

Seamless Garments The Garments of the future