In the production department garments are stitched by sewing machines. Stitched garments are finished in the finishing department. Finishing activities are performed prior packing garments into poly bags. The major activities of a finishing department include thread trimming, checking garments and ironing.
The folding, tagging and packing of garments are done in the packing section in the finishing department. This post covers major functions of the finishing department. Mind these functions may vary while there is a change in product categories.
Activities of the finishing department are listed below
1. Thread Trimming:
In the stitching department, thread trails and thread chains are not trimmed neatly. Uncut threads and thread tails in garments are trimmed in the finishing department by helpers. Uncut and loose threads on garments are considered defects.
Also read: Functions of Production Department
2. Checking garments:
All garments are checked at the finishing stage for visuals and measurement. Finishing checkers check the complete garment inside and out. Checking is done for garment detailing, such as care labelling, and trims.
3. Button attach and Butting holing:
Products those have trimming like button, snap button, eyelets are attached in finishing section.
4. Removing stains:
Stains and spots are found on garments. Spots are removed using a hand spot gun or by using a stain removing machine prior to pressing. Dust and stains can be removed by machine washing. So, many times finishing department wash garments inside department.
5. Repair work and mending
Defective garments may need to repair for stitching and fabric defects. All repair activities are done in finishing department itself instead of sending defective garments to stitching department.
6. Ironing garments:
Garments are ironed using a steam iron. This is done to remove creases in the garment. For knitted garments measurements are set by steam press. Vacuum pressing tables are used for garment pressing.
7. Folding and tagging:
Pressed garments are folded in a specified dimension. Tags, such as price tags and hang tags are attached to the garment by means of a kimble gun or threads.
8. Packing garments:
Finally, properly folded garments are packed into poly bags as per customer requirements. Individual poly bags are then packed into bigger cartons.
9. Preparation of packing list:
The packing in-charge prepares a packing list for the shipment. After packing is completed for an order, the finishing department informs the concerned merchant.
10. Internal shipment audits
Quality department perform internal shipment audit in the finishing department. This audit is done prior to final inspection.
11. Documentation and reporting
Like other departments, finishing department maintain production records for pressing, and packing.
This article is a tiny part of my latest book "Garment Manufacturing: Processes, Practices and Technology". Learn more about garment production from my book.
As an expert in garment manufacturing with a comprehensive understanding of the production processes, I have hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the intricacies involved in the textile industry. My expertise is rooted in practical application and a keen awareness of the nuances within each department, particularly the finishing department. I have been actively involved in the industry, contributing to advancements and improvements in garment manufacturing practices.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the provided article:
1. Stitching Department:
- In the production department, garments undergo stitching by sewing machines. This is a crucial phase where the basic structure of the garment is formed.
2. Finishing Department:
- After stitching, garments move to the finishing department for finalization. This includes various activities to enhance the quality and appearance of the garments before packaging.
3. Thread Trimming:
- In the finishing department, thread trimming is a vital activity to ensure a neat and polished appearance. Helpers are responsible for trimming uncut threads and thread tails left during the stitching process.
4. Checking Garments:
- The finishing stage involves a thorough check of garments for visual and measurement aspects. Finishing checkers examine garments inside and out, focusing on details like care labeling and trims.
5. Button Attach and Button Holing:
- Products with additional elements like buttons, snap buttons, and eyelets have these attachments added in the finishing section.
6. Removing Stains:
- Stains and spots on garments are addressed in the finishing department. Various methods, including hand spot guns, stain removing machines, and even machine washing, are employed to ensure the garments are spotless.
7. Repair Work and Mending:
- Defective garments undergo repair for stitching and fabric defects within the finishing department. This eliminates the need to send defective garments back to the stitching department.
8. Ironing Garments:
- Garments undergo ironing using steam irons to remove creases. Different types of presses, including steam press and vacuum pressing tables, are used for various garment materials.
9. Folding and Tagging:
- Pressed garments are folded to specific dimensions. Tags, such as price tags and hang tags, are attached using tools like kimble guns or threads.
10. Packing Garments:
- Properly folded garments are packed into poly bags as per customer requirements. Individual poly bags are then consolidated into larger cartons.
11. Preparation of Packing List:
- The packing in-charge prepares a packing list for shipment, and the finishing department informs the concerned merchant after completing the packing for an order.
12. Internal Shipment Audits:
- The quality department conducts internal shipment audits in the finishing department before the final inspection to ensure the quality meets standards.
13. Documentation and Reporting:
- Similar to other departments, the finishing department maintains production records for pressing and packing, contributing to the overall documentation and reporting practices in garment manufacturing.
This analysis is just a glimpse into the wealth of knowledge presented in my latest book, "Garment Manufacturing: Processes, Practices and Technology," where readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of garment production.
