2.7 Accuracy in Design and Manufacture

Question 1

When should the efficient use of materials be taken into account?

Answer 1

When a manufacturer is producing a prototype or setting up a commercial production line

Question 2

Why is a high level of accuracy required in production?

Answer 2

To ensure the final products are constructed according to the agreed standard and perform well

Question 3

What is tolerance?

Answer 3

The level of accuracy acceptable in a particular situation

Question 4

What are tolerance levels usually set within?

Answer 4

Two measurements, tolerance levels determine the accuracy of construction but will vary depending on the required performance

Question 5

Why are setting fine tolerances for textiles less important?

Answer 5

It can be difficult to achieve, knits and fluid fabrics have a lot of give and change shape slightly during cutting and handling process

Question 6

When are fine tolerances set?

Answer 6

For bespoke, made to measure garments as a high level of precision is essential for the final fit

Question 7

When are low tolerances set?

Answer 7

For the cutting and construction of sections that must fit together successfully

Question 8

What is a critical part of manufacturing?

Answer 8

Measuring and marking out, the more accurate it is the better the quality of the final garment

Question 9

What are 7 factors to consider when accurately measuring and marking out?

Answer 9

• Meauring tools
• Pattern layouts
• Matching fabrics
• Seam allowance
• Cutting table
• Tailor’s chalk
• Tailor’s tacks

Question 10

What are measuring tools?

Answer 10

A variety of tools can be used including: tape measure, mete rule, set square, protractor, sewing gauge

Question 11

What do pattern layouts do?

Answer 11

Need to be worked out to calculate the amount of fabric required and to take into account the most efficient method of cutting out the pattern pieces

Question 12

What are matching fabrics?

Answer 12

Fabrics with a nap, one-way design, stripes, checks or repeating patterns will need to be cut in a particular way to ensure the garment pieces match up and the pattern is used to good effect

Question 13

What are seam allowances?

Answer 13

If you have made your own pattern templates, you need to make sure you have included seam and hem allowances or allowed for them on the pattern layout

Question 14

What is a cutting table?

Answer 14

A large table of flat surface will help you cut out the pattern pieces more accurately, you will be able to try out different arrangements of the pieces to achieve the most economical fit

Question 15

What is tailor’s chalk?

Answer 15

A piece of fine chalk or pencil is used to mark fabric on one side the mark is easily removed

Question 16

What is tailor’s tack?

Answer 16

A temporary stitch is used to mark out seam lines, dark positions or balance marks, double thread is used and the stitches are easily removed

Question 17

Why are QC checks conducted in commercial manufacture?

Answer 17

To make sure the product matches the agreed standards, QC checkpoints can be written into the manufacturing process

Question 18

What helps ensure accurate marking out?

Answer 18

Using a datum point and various measuring tools which is essential if the pattern pieces are going to fit together properly

Question 19

What is a datum point?

Answer 19

A fixed reference point from which other measurements are taken

Question 20

What are some measuring tools?

Answer 20

• Pattern masters
• Set squares
• French curves

Question 21

What are pattern master?

Answer 21

A clear plastic ruler with curved and straight edges used to draw pattern templates accurately

Question 22

What are set squares?

Answer 22

Used to measure and draw angles accurately

Question 23

What are french curves?

Answer 23

Used to draw accurate curves