The NEEDLE'S EYE... Trends and Technologies Driving the Sewn Products Industry
The Needle's Eye - August 1970
- In this issue of THE NEEDLE’S EYE, we take a close look at silk, a fiber that first became economically important to man 4,610 years ago.
- The first reference to silk as a valued fiber was recorded in China in about 2640 B.C. Since that time, there has been little change in the basic method of silk production.
- Silkworms, after hatching from eggs laid by a species of moth, are fed the leaves of mulberry trees. As each silkworm nears maturity it spins a cocoon about itself. This cocoon is made from a fine thread the silkworm secretes from glands near the mouth. We call this thread silk.
- The raw silk fiber is obtained by unreeling the single long silk strand that makes up the cocoon. It takes 1500 to 2500 cocoons to produce one pound of silk. A microscopic view of silk shows a smooth, rodlike filament that is strong and very elastic. Silk has a great absorption capacity, and this allows it to be dyed in brilliant colors, which is why it is famous.
Digital cutting systems to meet your every need! When it comes to high-performance digital cutting, your needs are our command. With the innovative cutting systems from Zünd, you’ll reach peak productivity and stay a step ahead of the competition. The unique, modular systems from Zünd give you all the flexibility you need in digital cutting. Your materials, paired with the Swiss precision and reliability of a Zünd cutter, make for an unbeatable combination.
In 2025, see Zünd at: Graphics Canada - Toronto, ON - April 9-11 • ISA Sign Expo - Las Vegas, NV - April 23-25 • Texprocess Americas - Atlanta, GA - May 6-8 • Furniture Manufacturing Expo - Hickory, NC - June 11-12 • CamX - Orlando, FL - September 8-11 • Printing United Expo - Orlando, FL - October 22-24
Industry Opinion #1
Technological Advances Can Be Disruptive
By Frank Henderson, Henderson Sewing Machine Co. and Dave Gardner, The Needle's Eye
- Productivity is great, but your best improvement ideas and solutions will come from your front-line workers, therefore, using AI to free up their time and use their mental energy can pay huge dividends.
- This statement highlights the complex interplay between technological advancements and geopolitical dynamics.
- Following are suggestions that are crucial for addressing global challenges, achieving sustainable development goals, and creating a powerful force for positive change.
- Innovation (new solutions): Innovation drives the development of new technologies, processes, and ideas that can address existing problems in novel ways. Innovative solutions can often increase efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. Innovation allows us to adapt to changing circumstances and unforeseen challenges.
- Cooperation (shared resources): Cooperation enables us to pool resources, knowledge, and expertise to tackle complex issues more effectively. Cooperation brings together diverse perspectives and fosters a sense of shared responsibility and accountability, encouraging collective action. For example: two colleagues work together to finish a project, with each person responsible for a specific task. They might share resources or information, but they primarily focus on completing their own part of the project.
Collaboration (partnering): While both cooperation and collaboration are important for effective teamwork, collaboration often leads to more innovative and creative solutions. Collaboration brings together diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to more comprehensive and creative solutions. Collaborating with other organizations can help expand the reach and impact of initiatives. Collaboration can help share the financial burden of projects, making them more sustainable. For example: a team of designers, engineers, and marketers work together to develop a new product. They brainstorm ideas, share feedback, and make decisions together. They are all invested in the success of the project and work towards a shared vision.
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!
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 Opinion #2
They Took Our Jobs or Maybe We Just Gave Them Away!
By Joe Altieri, FIT Adjunct Professor, Mentor, Educator, and Trainer
The outsourcing of manufacturing to other countries began accelerating in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, when globalization and trade liberalization became dominant trends. The first industries significantly impacted by outsourcing and the offshoring of jobs were those in manufacturing, particularly textiles, apparel, and steel production.
- Overview
- Textile and apparel industry: This shift began in earnest during the 1950s and 1960s. The shift happened because of lower labor costs overseas. Developing countries offered significantly cheaper labor, making it more cost-effective for companies to move production. Advancements in shipping and logistics and transportation improvements made it easier and cheaper to ship goods back to the U.S. for sale. Global trade agreements such as the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) and, later, agreements like NAFTA(North American Free Trade Agreement) made it easier for companies to relocate factories to countries with lower costs.
- Steel industry: This shift began in the 1970s and 1980s.
- It Happened because of foreign competition. Countries like Japan and South Korea began producing cheaper, higher-quality steel. High domestic costs as U.S. steel companies struggled with outdated facilities, higher wages, and stringent environmental regulations compared to foreign competitors.
Movement of Manufacturing Out of the Country
Electronics and technology assembly: This shift started in the 1980s. It happened because of the rise of Asian economies. Countries such as Taiwan, South Korea, and China began specializing in electronics manufacturing. Their cost advantages, lower labor costs, and the rise of efficient manufacturing hubs in Asia made these regions more attractive for companies like Apple and IBM.
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Industry News
A&E President Cuts Ribbon on New Technical Sewing Center
American & Efird (A&E) opened A&E / Gütermann India’s new technical sewing center this month at an inauguration ceremony in Bawal. President Chris Alt was on hand for the ribbon-cutting and introduced the technical education sewing center to the world. The dedicated creative hub provides a workspace for brands and cut-and-sew customers to evaluate new developments. Staffed by a team with years of technical expertise, the new center is equipped with a traditional training center setup and features an extensive range of sewing machines.
“We are always thinking of ways to better serve the industry, whether it be through the quality sewing thread products we produce or the technical service we provide our customers,” said Alt. “We want people to know they have a partner and resource with A&E / Gütermann. The new technical center is an example of our dedication to innovation and education for our clients.”
(L-R) AEG Technical Sewing Center: Rajeev Pradhan, Executive Vice President - Industrial Business and Chris Alt, A&E President
To learn more about A&E, including its sustainability initiatives, and quality, eco-friendly thread products, visit amefird.com.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Texas-Based Company 'Dickies' Headquarters is Relocating to California
Dickies Belt Buckle
Most Texans associate clothing brand Dickies with the Lone Star state, but their headquarters is moving to California.
VF Corporation, the parent company of brands such as Vans, Timberland, and The North Face, acquired the classic workwear brand Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. (Dickies) in a $820 million deal in 2017. The company has confirmed that the Dickies headquarters will be relocating to Costa Mesa, California, affecting approximately 120 employees. This move is part of VF Corporation's broader strategy to revitalize the Dickies brand and consolidate its operations.
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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
Developing Circularity in Fashion: ANDRITZ Receives Engineering Order for Landmark Textile Recycling Plant from Circ®
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an engineering order from US textile recycling innovator Circ in anticipation of its first large-scale textile recycling plant. The plant will be the first to recover cotton and polyester from blended textile waste.
Conor Hartman, Chief Operating Officer at Circ, says, “We remain excited about this continued collaboration with ANDRITZ. Together, we will commercialize Circ’s innovative recycling process and take another step towards a truly circular fashion industry. With its expertise in engineering and building large-scale process equipment, ANDRITZ is the right partner to help us transform textile waste into recycled fibers on an industrial level.”
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Circ will benefit from ANDRITZ’s comprehensive
textile recycling portfolio and know-how.
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.
Industry Technologies
YKK Unveils Innovative Zipper to Boost Garment Recycling
YKK Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; with its President Hiroaki Otani has developed NATULON Plus® with Recycled PET Open Parts, as part of its efforts to promote garment recycling. This innovative product was showcased at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Oregon.
In the fashion industry, there is an increasing demand for products that are designed to be easily recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. Read More >
Intelligent Textiles
DTB & HSN Conference on Digitalization & AI in Product Development Linking Virtual Threads – agile and sustainable
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
The Faculty of Textiles & Apparel at the University for Applied Science Niederrhein (HSN) in Mönchengladbach, Germany, enjoys a top reputation far beyond the borders of Europe.
This is due to the highest level of education, the best technical and laboratory equipment, and immense industry proximity as well as the applications and R&D capacities. It is therefore not surprising that alumni – many of whom are now in the industry's key positions – follow the call of the faculty and, together with one of the leading non-profit organizations for knowledge management. Dialog Textil-Bekleidung (DTB), brought valuable input and a wealth of experience with them – present on stage and within the audience for an interactive get-together along with technology experts around digitization and the transformation of the supply chain as a whole. Read More >
Plea for 2D - 3D model development plus AI application at Tukatech - from cutting to 3D visualization to AI application. Presented by Beena Miriam Scheer, Collaboration Officer Europe, the picture shows her on the right with her digital twin - both wearing the exemplary blouse model.
Supply Chain
Bangladesh, Vietnam Surge in U.S. Apparel Exports as China’s Market Share Declines
In a dramatic change in the global clothing market, China’s share has almost halved over the last ten years, mostly as a result of trade disputes between the US and China, while Bangladesh and Vietnam have greatly grown their exports to the US.
Bangladesh, a major participant in the US garment supply chain, saw a remarkable 50.79 percent increase in exports between 2014 and 2023, according to data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). Read More >
Image Courtesy: textiletoday.com
World of Fashion
Streaming Meets Street Fashion: Netflix and ABOUT YOU Launch Joint Fashion Brand
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
The U.S. streaming platform and the Hamburg-based e-commerce provider ABOUT YOU, which is part of the German Otto Group, are launching a joint brand on the market. The “Netflix Collection”, inspired by various Netflix series and films, was launched on October 28.
The label is launching with a first drop end of October of two limited-edition items inspired by the Netflix series Sex Education – for European markets – to begin with the concept. A quote from the series and the logos of both brand partners will adorn the first pieces.
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Morse Code(R) Clothing Expands to the U.S., Launching in Miami
Morse Code® Clothing, the Amsterdam-based lifestyle brand known for reimagining the classic polo shirt, announces its expansion into the U.S. market with an initial launch in Miami, Florida. Following success across Europe, Morse Code® aims to introduce American consumers to its unique blend of timeless design, high-quality materials, and innovative details tailored to modern tastes.
The brand was founded by Dutch designer Ruud Mors, inspired by both his family name and the ingenuity of Morse Code inventor Samuel Morse.
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SPESA Hosts Successful 2024 Executive Conference in Montréal, Marking Its First-Ever Event in Canada
The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) hosted its 2024 Executive Conference Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10 in Montréal, Quebec, bringing together leaders in sewn products, textiles, and technology for productive and insightful discussions on the future of the industry. The event, which was hosted at Le Mount Stephen Hotel, featured attendees and speakers from 3 Canadian Provinces, 12 U.S. States, and 8 countries. Read More >
The Show Miami – Contemporary Concept for an Innovative Fashion Trade Event
by Markus Oess, editor-in-chief in chief FASHION TODAY EUROPE
In an exclusive interview Ivan Herjavec, President of The Show Miami, discussed with Markus Oess, publisher and editor-in-chief of leading European online platform FASHION TODAY, the innovative approach for their upcoming fashion trade show - set to debut in March 2025.
Ivan Herjavec over our Berlin live session elaborates on their unique strategy to integrate social commerce, the reasons behind choosing Miami, and the plans for establishing the show as a premier event in the fashion industry. The Show Miami aims to bridge the gap between wholesale and direct-to-consumer markets, providing a platform for international brands, especially from Germany and Europe, to penetrate the lucrative US market.
Markus Oess: Ivan, another trade show in a time when trade shows are struggling to gain traction and visitor numbers are declining worldwide. What do you plan to do differently? Read More >
Ivan Hervajec: “The Show Miami will bring buyers better selection of brands with a better diversity and options.”