Seam slippage in garments - An overview

Seam slippage

Seam slippage 

Seam slippage is a common problem that occurs when the threads of a seam pull apart, causing the fabric to come apart at the seams. It is defined as the tendency of a seam to open due to the application of a force perpendicular to the seam. It is a measure of yarn slippage in seam fabric. Sometimes it refers to the breakage of the thread used to sew the seam. This can happen in both woven and knit fabrics and can be caused by various factors such as poor quality thread, improper stitching techniques, or excessive stress on the garment.


Causes of seam slippage in garments


i. One reason why seam slippage happens is because of low-quality thread. When a cheap thread is used for sewing garments, it often has weak fibers that are more prone to breaking under tension. As a result, the stitches made with these threads may not hold up well over time and start slipping out of place.


ii. Another factor that contributes to seam slippage is improper stitching techniques. For example, using too long or too tight stitches can cause undue strain on certain areas of a garment which could lead to eventual fabric tearing.


iii. It can also be caused by the pressure position of the garment, yarn type, and properties, sewing needle, stitch type, stitch density, stitch type, and sewing machine condition.


iv. Lastly, excessive wear and tear on clothing also cause seam slippage. Clothing items like jeans or jackets are often subjected to heavy use and friction from daily activities such as sitting down or rubbing against surfaces while walking around; all these actions gradually weaken the seams until they eventually slip apart.


How to improve/prevent seam slippage in fabric


i. However, there are ways that you can prevent seam slippage from happening in your clothes. Firstly invest in good quality materials including high-quality threads and fabrics that have been specifically designed for durability so they don't break down easily under pressure.


ii. Secondly ensuring proper technique when stitching will make sure your seams remain strong even after frequent use - ensure stitch lengths aren't too long or short depending on what type of material you're working with.


iii. Increasing the seam margin as the number of stitches between the seam and the cut edge is greater creates slippage resistance.


iv. Sewing seams with lining fabric or tape will help reduce slippage. Seams cut along the warp line are more prone to slipping than those cut on the bias.


Finally being mindful of how much we expose our clothes through regular use will help them last longer without needing repairs due to wear and tear.


Seam slippage test standard


The seam slippage test is a type of mechanical testing that measures the resistance of textile seams to separation under certain conditions. This test provides valuable information about the quality and durability of sewn products, as well as their ability to withstand repeated use or stress.


The seam slippage test standard is important in ensuring consistent and accurate results across different laboratories and testing facilities. The two most commonly used standards for seam slippage testing are ASTM D434/ISO 13936-1 and ISO 13936-2.


ASTM D434/ISO 13936-1 specifies the method for measuring seam slippage by subjecting specimens to a tensile force along the length of the seam. The standard outlines specific equipment requirements, such as a constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) machine, clamps, and grips. It also details procedures for sample preparation, conditioning, and testing parameters such as load rate.


ISO 13936-2 defines another method for measuring seam slippage using cantilever bending on a simple beam apparatus. This standard provides similar guidelines regarding sample preparation, conditioning, equipment requirements, and data analysis.


Both standards provide guidance on how to evaluate the results obtained from these tests in terms of seam strength performance criteria.


Overall, adherence to established standards ensures that reliable data is generated through uniform measurement methods across different laboratories or institutions performing seam slippage testing. This helps ensure product consistency while providing manufacturers with critical feedback related to product quality control issues during development stages or production runs.


Seam slippage test


Seam slippage test specimens are prepared according to the following steps:


i. Cut the fabric sample into rectangular samples of 175 ± 100 mm, for warp and weft on both sides.


ii. Fold the samples in half keeping the two short edges together and sew a parallel lockstitch seam at a distance of 12 ± 1 mm from the fold.


iii. Cut the sample along the fold after sewing.


Preparation of stitched seam test samples from fabric samples requires prior specification of stitching details. These can be taken directly from standards or set by parties interested in test results. These details often vary with fabric end-use and include stitch allowance, stitch type, stitch frequency, needle size, and tread parameters.


The machine setup for seam slippage testing is similar to seam strength testing, but a cross-head speed of 50 mm/min is typically used. The specimen is mounted midway across the width of each set of jaws and midway parallel to the horizontal edge of the jaws. The load is increased until the selected load is reached. At that time the jaw movement is stopped, and the width of the seam opening at its widest point within 10 seconds in the direction of the applied force is measured to the nearest 0.5 mm. The force on the specimen was then reduced to 2.5 N and after an interval of 2 min, the seam opening was remeasured at its widest point. The measuring device can be a small transparent ruler or a divider.


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