| |
|
| |
FABRIC SALES
|
| |
Fabric Criteria
Knit or Woven?
Your first fabric criteria determination is whether your fabric type is a knit
or
a
woven.
A
knit
is made up of loops. Some knits have loops on one side and a purl stitch
on the back, while others look identical on both sides. Knits typically have
a lot
of stretch in the width direction and some in the length. A woven is
made up
of interlocking yarns. Wovens have very little stretch in either direction
(unless
a spandex yarn is incorporated).
Fabric Construction
You next need to determine your fabric construction. Knits are comprised of two
categories (weft and warp). Warp knits generally have less stretch than
weft
knits. Each knit category has a range of fabric construction, each with
its own
name. If you do not know what yours is, please send a sample to us.
Fabric Weight
It is also important to specify fabric weight. Fabric weight is defined
as a
weight per unit area. There are three predominant methods for specifying
weight
(yield). Fabric is measured in ounces per linear yard, ounces per square
yard,
and grams per square meter. You must know which measure is being quoted.
For instance, "8 oz. fabric" is either quite light based on ounces per linear
yard (quoted at 60") or quite heavy based on ounces per square yard. If you do
not know the weight of the fabric you desire, please send us a sample in the
weight you want or tell us how much heavier or lighter than the sample you would
like
your
fabric.
Fabric Content
Fabric content defines the fiber(s) in the fabric. 100%
cotton
is easily obtainable, as is 100% polyester or blends of the two in 50/50. When
you require other fibers
or blend levels, consider the availability of these in the market. Certain blends
are not common in the United States, so always look at the country of origin.
Keep in mind that certain fabric constructions or blends may not be available
for domestic production.
Fabric Color
A last consideration is fabric color. Style Source utilizes
the PANTONE color
formula guide for ease of communication. If you do not have
access to a PANTONE book, you may submit a color swatch or a paint chip. Also
bear in mind that typical
textile minimums per color are 800-1,200 yards, so keep your line tight on color
selection in order to keep apparel minimums or inventory exposure low. If you
are considering all-over prints, keep in mind that domestically produced screens
cost $500 each (one per color in the print) and that the print minimum is 3,000
yards.
For more information on Style Source, click here or
call 910-399-2288. |
|
|
