Textiles — Scales of Production (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Textile prototypes, often called samples, are made to test fit, comfort, shape, construction and appearance

Cheap fabric may be used first so that pattern pieces and dimensions can be altered before the final material is cut

Processes include:

• Hand cutting

• Pinning

• Tacking

• Sewing

• Pressing

• Embroidery

• Digital textile printing

Examples include a sample of a jacket, or sports bag or a test section of upholstery for furniture

Batch production is used for limited clothing collections, uniforms, furnishings or products made in a range of sizes

Paper patterns, cutting lays, templates and production cells help manufacturers or makers repeat the same operations accurately

Processes include spreading fabric, batch cutting, sewing, pressing, printing and quality checking (QC)

Examples include a school uniform order, theatre costumes or a custom order for printed cushions

Mass production makes very large quantities of standard textile products for regional or global markets

Computer-controlled (CNC) cutting, specialised sewing machines and production lines divide manufacture into repeated tasks

Bulk purchase of fabric and components lowers costs, but quality control and ethical working conditions remain important

Examples include T-shirts, sportswear, bedding, trainers and fast-fashion garments

Continuous production is used mainly to make fibres, yarns and long lengths of fabric, rather than completed garments

Spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing or finishing machinery can operate continuously with material moving through rollers and guides

Long runs are efficient for standard colours and constructions, with fabric wound onto rolls for later cutting and sewing

Examples include polyester fibre, cotton yarn, knitted fabric, woven cloth and non-woven fabric