The NEEDLE'S EYE... Trends and Technologies Driving the Sewn Products Industry
- This month marks the start of a new cover series devoted to common sewing room objects. The items featured will be ones that have long been taken for granted, but, as we hope to point out, there’s a fascinating story that lies behind each.
- We start with the BUTTON, probably the most common of findings, but an item that annually accounts for over $60 million (in 1971) worth of sales in the United States alone. Hundreds of millions of buttons are produced each year from materials as noble as gold, pearl, and ivory, and as base as plastic, rubber, and skim milk.
- Skim milk? That’s right. From skim milk comes casein, a plastic substance used for buttons in which color and fine appearance are important.
- The history of this useful invention goes back to about 4000 B.C. to the Egyptians, who used them as ornaments. Their first practical use came in Greece, where Athenian women began using buttons to fasten their robes, a custom that later Romans adopted for their togas and tunics.
- The practice of sewing men’s buttons on the right originated during the Middle Ages to allow men to quickly unbutton their coats with the left hand while pulling out their swords with the right.
The earliest buttons were made of wood, bone, and ivory. Later, as the art of metallurgy developed, many were made of gold and silver. But the real “Golden Age” of the button was in 18th Century France, where King Louis XIV sported a diamond-studded set worth US$120,000 and famous painters adorned buttons with miniature masterpieces.
Up until a century or so ago, most buttons were made by skilled craftsmen. As a result, they were expensive and were not discarded with worn-out garments, but were used repeatedly and handed down from generation to generation.
Today, button-making is a modern automated business. To keep pace with changing fashions, manufacturers must know in advance whether next season’s styles will call for many buttons or few, for elaborate designs or simple ones, for metal buttons, leather, plastic, etc.
But even though button makers are faced with this uncertainty from year to year, there is one button style they can be sure will appear with clock-like regularity every four years: the campaign button!
Up until a century or so ago, most buttons were made by skilled craftsmen. As a result, they were expensive and were not discarded with worn-out garments, but were used repeatedly and handed down from generation to generation.
Today, button-making is a modern automated business. To keep pace with changing fashions, manufacturers must know in advance whether next season’s styles will call for many buttons or few, for elaborate designs or simple ones, for metal buttons, leather, plastic, etc.
But even though button makers are faced with this uncertainty from year to year, there is one button style they can be sure will appear with clock-like regularity every four years: the campaign button!
Visit www.zund.com to discover the latest Zünd innovations in industrial digital cutting technology: specialized tooling for a perfect cut no matter what materials go into your sewn products, a full range of hardware and software options all geared toward easy, efficient workflow automation—Zünd has it all! What’s more…multifunctional cutting systems from Zünd are modular by design and easily adaptable as your cutting needs grow or change. Find the cutting solution perfectly tailored to your needs, present and future!
Contact Zünd anytime for a personal demonstration or visit us in person at CAMX, Orlando, FL – September 8-11 • Printing United, Orlando, FL – October 22-24 • SEMA, Las Vegas, NV – November 4-7
Industry Opinion
Fast Fashion – Can It Ever Be Good?
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
We all together are – or should be aware: The concept of “Fast Fashion” has long surpassed its peak as it stands in direct opposition to everything our industry needs to address now. At least for what had been made from an originally well-meaning business model, out of plain greed. Having said that, the actual need for agility, the capability to respond timely to actual market demands in this period of transformation, appears more critical than ever before.
A fine distinction must be made here. Message understood – management teams, product developers with key brands as well as SME fashion companies are working at full steam on demand-oriented – often in close cooperation with their respective tech partners for meaningful implementation based on real-time data. Read More>
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C and C Enterprise has teamed up with JACK, one of the world’s finest industrial sewing machine manufacturers, to form Jack of the Americas. Jack of the Americas distributes JACK machines throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Basin. When you buy from Jack of The Americas, we don’t just ship you a box! We help you get set up and answer any questions you may have! With over 100 years of combined experience in the industrial sewn products industry, we are proud to say that we are one of the world’s leading industrial sewing products authorities and are here to serve you! Not sure if Jack is right for you? Click on the button below for a short video showing off some of our machines. Watch it and see what Jack can do for you!
America’s Reshoring Revolution: A Realistic Appraisal
By Joe Altieri, FIT Adjunct Professor, Mentor, Educator, and Trainer
In the wake of rising protectionism, geopolitical flashpoints, and increasingly fragile global supply chains, the United States is reasserting its industrial strength through a wave of bold policy moves.
From the CHIPS and Science Act to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Washington has taken high-profile steps to reposition American manufacturing at the center of global commerce. However, beneath the headline-grabbing subsidies lies a more uneven and unfinished story.
To understand where the U.S. truly stands in this global race, we must weigh its structural advantages and systemic vulnerabilities—and take a clear-eyed look at how peer nations are adjusting their strategies in parallel.
🌍 Global Comparisons: How Other Nations Are Adapting
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Since 1898, Consew has designed and manufactured the most reliable machines in the sewing industry. Today, Consew has one of the largest varieties of sewing, cutting, and pressing equipment; as well as an extensive line of supplies related to the sewn products industry. From standard walking foot machines for upholstery to specialty 4 needle lockstitch machines for parachutes, from long-arm zig-zag (up to 30”) machines for boat sails to extra heavy-duty machines for webbing, Consew has it all. Our machines are well-designed for sewing leather, canvas, shoes, saddles, mattresses, tents, tarps, and sails, as well as jeans and other garments. With offices in New Jersey, Miami, and Los Angeles, as well as a distribution network throughout the world, Consew can quickly supply and service the machines you need.
The Pathfinder M-Series® range of automated cutting machines is known for precision, very high productivity, reliability, and lowest power consumption. All 16 models are easily configured to suit most cutting applications, and, thanks to clever design, Pathfinder cutters require very little maintenance to continually deliver exceptional cut quality over a long working life.
Industry News
U.S. Buyers Delay Apparel Orders Amid Pending Tariff Decision
By Apparel Resources News-Desk
Bangladeshi apparel manufacturers are experiencing delays in confirming work orders for the upcoming summer season, as US retailers and brands await the final decision on reciprocal tariffs from the US Government, expected in early July.
Typically, Western buyers place orders for seasons like summer and autumn between June and September. However, this year, while production slots are being booked as usual, confirmation of these orders is taking longer than normal. Manufacturers report that US-based clients remain cautious, adopting a wait-and-see approach amid ongoing uncertainties regarding tariffs.
In the meantime, exporters are focused on shipping apparel for the upcoming Christmas season, with shipments expected to continue until early October. These shipments from Bangladesh, like those from other countries, will face an additional 10% baseline tariff introduced by the Trump administration. Read More >
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Image Courtesy: https://www.maritimegateway.com
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The Merrow Group consists of three unique divisions, all designed to support and accelerate the growth of soft-goods manufacturing. One of these divisions is their Wholesale Group: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply. Superior, the largest wholesale supplier of more than 72,000 products to sewing factories across North, Central, and South America, plays a vital role in supporting the broader manufacturing ecosystem. In an industry where precision, speed, and reliability are crucial for maintaining competitive production, having access to in-stock items is not just convenient, it is essential. Superior operates a network of 1,600 resellers that support approximately 70,000 factories across North, Central, and South America. This extensive network enables Superior to swiftly introduce new technologies and products that can significantly enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of soft goods manufacturing.
New Epic Group-Creative Group Venture Plans to Boost India’s Denim Production
A new state-of-the-art denim and bottoms manufacturing facility is set to arrive in India.
The facility is the result of a budding partnership between Epic Group, a Hong Kong-based textiles trading firm with manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Jordan, and Creative Group, an Indian vertical apparel and textile manufacturer.
Epic Group’s clients include Walmart, Levi’s, Uniqlo, Kohl’s, C&A, and more. Walmart, Levi’s, Uniqlo, Kohl’s, C&A, and more. The company provides clients with design, sourcing, and manufacturing support. It has strategic partnerships with mills across China, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Creative Group offers end-to-end textile solutions for apparel, home textiles, outdoor products, and yarn. DKNY, Carrefour, US Polo, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, and Zara are among the company’s garment division clients. The company produces over 20 million garments per year.
Through Spectra, the partners said they plan for long-term impact by creating 3,000 jobs initially, expanding to 10,000 jobs over time, “harnessing the talent and potential of India’s workforce.” By introducing advanced manufacturing practices, we aim to set new standards for excellence in the apparel industry.
Diamond Needle Corp., Founded in 1951, is one of the world’s largest distributors of sewing machine needles. Our alliance with ORGAN NEEDLE CO. of Japan, as their exclusive North American distributor, gives us the backing of the world’s leading quality maker of sewing machine needles.
Lectra Appoints Maximilien Abadie as Deputy CEO
- Lectra, a specialist in industrial intelligence solutions for the fashion, automotive, and furniture sectors, has announced that Maximilien Abadie will join the company as Deputy CEO, effective July 1, 2025. He will be responsible for the Group’s SaaS activities and will focus on speeding up the Group’s strategic development.
- Joining Lectra in 2012, Maximilien Abadie held various roles, including Strategic Planning Analyst, Strategy Director, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chief Product Officer. He has been an Executive Committee member since 2019 and has played a crucial role in establishing the Group’s vision and product roadmap.
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Maximilien Abadie
He also played the leadership role in acquisitions such as TextileGenesis, Launchmetrics, and Gerber Technology, which propelled Lectra’s portfolio of solutions and provided strong momentum in its transformation to SaaS. He helped to launch Valia Furniture and Valia Fashion, which transformed the cut-room technology segment.
Daniel Harari, Chairman and CEO of Lectra, stated, “Maximilien has been integral to the success of the Lectra 4.0 strategy. As we move into our next strategic phase for 2026–2028, I have complete confidence that he will lead our SaaS acceleration, in addition to adding further value to our customers’ satisfaction and loyalty.”
Abadie has degrees in finance, management, and econometrics from recognised universities in France and Italy. His appointment marks a significant milestone in Lectra’s ongoing evolutionary journey toward digital transformation and global market leadership.
Abadie has degrees in finance, management, and econometrics from recognised universities in France and Italy. His appointment marks a significant milestone in Lectra’s ongoing evolutionary journey toward digital transformation and global market leadership.
Royal Apparel and MadeInUSA.com Unite to Strengthen U.S. Clothing Manufacturing
MadeInUSA.com, the leading online marketplace dedicated to promoting U.S.-made products, is proud to announce a new alliance with Royal Apparel, a manufacturer committed to American labor and sustainability. This partnership marks another step forward in revitalizing the U.S. clothing industry and making domestically produced garments more accessible to everyday consumers.
Revitalizing American Clothing Manufacturing
The American clothing industry has faced decades of offshoring and factory closures, resulting in job losses and a decline in local production. Royal Apparel is part of a growing movement to bring textile and apparel manufacturing back to the United States.
Founded in 1992, the company produces a broad range of apparel in facilities located in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Their commitment to domestic production supports American workers and ensures greater transparency and ethical standards in manufacturing. Read More>
PTC Launches Arena Supply Chain Intelligence to Help Manufacturers and Product Companies Mitigate Supply Chain Risks
PTC announced the release of its Arena product lifecycle management (PLM) and quality management system (QMS) solution’s new Supply Chain Intelligence (SCI) offering. The Arena SCI™ offering continuously checks for emerging risks from evolving supply chain conditions. It eliminates the need for disconnected supply chain tools by embedding real-time, AI-driven component monitoring and risk mitigation insight directly into product development workflows. These capabilities transform how product development teams manage component risks throughout the entire product lifecycle within their existing PLM environment.
Product development and introduction teams can utilize Arena SCI to continuously monitor electronic components across bills of materials, identifying emerging risks from changing supply chain conditions. When risks are detected, Arena SCI provides visibility, suggests alternative components based on technical compatibility, and enables teams to make more informed sourcing decisions earlier in the product development process—helping prevent sourcing interruptions before they impact production. Read More>
Henderson Sewing Machine Co, founded in 1968, is a global supplier of industrial sewing machines, sewing machine parts, and custom automated sewing machines for the SEWING PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. We have grown by offering customers the highest quality products at competitive prices with superior customer service. We also have a cutting-edge engineering team that designs custom automated systems to fill any need you may have.
2025 State of the Industry Report for Advanced Textiles
Rising costs are top concerns, including inflation and tariffs; companies’ plans include diversification and R&D investments.
The fact that a survey captures a moment in time was never more apparent. The Advanced Textiles Association’s (ATA’s) annual State of the Industry survey took place during the late February and early March period, when proposed tariff rules were changing daily, in addition to other policies. The uncertainty created by that tumult was evident in the concerns and comments people listed in their entries. More than a third of survey respondents cited “tariffs/exclusions” as an issue affecting their business.
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C and C Enterprise is the United States agency for Highlead sewing machines. These high-quality machines are available for your sewing needs and are sold only through local dealers and distributors. If you want more information on the Highlead brand, please feel free to contact us. www.candcenterprise.com
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Americas 21st offers comprehensive assistance in equipment, training, engineering, ergonomics, and workforce development. Notably, we proudly hold the distinction of being the sole government-accredited Sewing Mechanic Training Program in North America. Additionally, we stand out as the exclusive provider of the TSS lean sewing production system, accompanied by a distinctive line of ergonomic sewing accessories tailored to enhance efficiency and comfort in the sewing process.
Sustainability
Banana Fiber in Uganda: A Sustainable Solution
By Sriya Regulapati is based in Vancouver, Canada, and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.
The East African Highland banana, a staple food crop, is cultivated by roughly 75% of Ugandan farmers, making it a cornerstone of both agriculture and daily life.
Uganda is also the top banana consumer per capita globally and Africa’s largest producer of the crop. However, this agricultural abundance has a downside: every banana harvest leaves behind heaps of pseudostems (pseudo-stems), an organic waste that typically rots in the field.
Now, innovators are reimagining that waste as the basis of a growing industry that produces biodegradable textiles, boosts rural employment, and positions Uganda to meet global demand for sustainable materials. Read More>
AI Can Help Cut Down on Waste, Improve Quality in Dyed Fabrics
By Warren J. Jasper and Samuel M. Jasper at the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry & Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
A new study finds that machine learning can help reduce textile manufacturing waste by more accurately mapping how colors will change during the dyeing process.
Fabrics are typically dyed while wet, and their colors change as they dry. This can make it challenging to know what a piece of fabric will end up looking like in its finished state, said Warren Jasper, professor in the Wilson College of Textiles and author of a paper on the study.
“The fabric is dyed while wet, but the target shade is when it’s dry and wearable. That means that, if you have an error in coloration, you aren’t going to know until the fabric is dry,” Jasper said. “While you wait for that drying to happen, more fabric is being dyed the entire time. That leads to a lot of waste, because you just can’t catch the error until late in the process.” Read More>
“The fabric is dyed while wet, but the target shade is when it’s dry and wearable. That means that, if you have an error in coloration, you aren’t going to know until the fabric is dry,” Jasper said. “While you wait for that drying to happen, more fabric is being dyed the entire time. That leads to a lot of waste, because you just can’t catch the error until late in the process.” Read More>
Selenis & Syre Form a Strategic Partnership to Establish a Textile-to-Textile Recycling Plant in North Carolina
Selenis, a leading global supplier of high-quality specialty polyester solutions, and Syre, the textile impact company hyperscaling textile-to-textile recycling, announced today a strategic partnership to establish a textile-to-textile recycling plant in Cedar Creek, North Carolina, USA. The plant is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025.
Selenis and Syre are both at the forefront of innovation in advanced recycling technologies, delivering a mission to decarbonize and de-waste the textile industry. The coming together of the two companies will combine new technologies for depolymerizing and polymerizing textiles in one place, allowing for a cost-efficient, industrial-scale operation. Read More>
World of Fashion
The Inditex Phenomena (Part 2)
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
(Continuation of Part 1 in The Needle’s Eye, issue June 2025)
A credo pro compensation qua responsible entrepreneurship
As an integral part of its company mission, Inditex defines itself as an agent of change, as expressed in the following statement: “We want to contribute to the battle against climate change by aligning our sector with the United Nations’ recommendations and aspirations, so helping to protect the planet and its inhabitants.” The company was one of the first signatories of the UN Global Compact back in 2021. Building on its achievements of previous years, the Spanish conglomerate has recently updated its ambitious sustainability goals.
These include a 25% reduction in water consumption within their supply chain by 2025, halving emissions in the design and manufacture of products, as well as in their distribution and end-of-life management, and using only textile raw materials that have a lower environmental impact. The long-term objective is to achieve zero net emissions by 2040, reducing their carbon footprint by at least 90% compared to 2018.
Doubtlessly, the Group’s financial strength is being massively leveraged for the significant investments in sustainability and global aid initiatives. Projects span education, emergency relief, and environmental conservation, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read More>
The Future of Fashion is Reshaping with the Help of Technology
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The former fashion industry, which was based on craftsmanship and creativity, is undergoing a digital rebirth. Over the last decade, the technological world has undergone rapid development, resulting in a significant transformation of all processes within the fashion life cycle, including design and production, marketing, and retail.
Not only is this change redefining the way fashion is produced and consumed, but it is also bringing to the forefront new notions of sustainability, customization, and innovation.
This article will describe the most significant intersections between fashion and technology, and how these developments are already impacting the consumer experience and the future of the industry.
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