Sewing is the oldest and most widely used method for joining fabrics, but alternative methods have been developed for special cases where sewing is not possible. These alternative methods include welding, adhesives, molding, and fusing. Welding involves applying heat and pressure to join thermoplastic fabrics. Fusing uses heat and pressure to bond fabrics using a fusible interlining. Adhesives can be used to join fabrics with an adhesive coating or thread. While alternative methods allow joining without sewing, they have limitations like lower speed, less comfortable seams, and inability to alter seams. Sewing generally produces stronger, softer seams and remains the most universal fabric joining method.

1. TOPIC
Alternate Method Of Joining

2. ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF JOINING
Sewing is done by needle and thread for joining of fabric is the oldest
and widely used method. By researching with a long time some
alternative method are invented for joining of fabrics. In some special
cases without normal sewing, some alternative methods are used whice
are most important and useful.

3. TYPES OF JOINING
Many attempts have been developed to replace sewing but the required speed,
flexibility, appearance and performance which can be achieved only with sewing.
So the alternative methods of fabric joining have their uses confined to some
limited situations.
Some mentionable alternative methods of fabric joining are:
 Welding
 Adhesive
 Moulding
 Fusing

4. LIMITATIONS
Lower joining speed hence less production.
Seam appearance is not so good.
Seam performance is not satisfactory in some aspects
compared to sewn seam.
 Alternation of seam is quite difficult, also impossible in
most of the cases.
Comparatively less comfortable due to harsh feeling.

5. WELDING
Welding is the process of garment manufacturing which involve the sealing together of thermoplastic
materials but the heat is not applied externally.
Basic procedure of the method;
Heat applied on the fabric
↓
Melting of thermoplastic materials
↓
Applying pressure on melted material
↓
Creation of bonding
↓
Cooling
↓
Fabric joined

6. Amount Of Heat Generation Depends On:
 Amplitude of frequency.
 Frequency.
 Pressure.
 Time of frequency.

7. Advantages:
Water cannot penetrate into seam or joining.
Disadvantages:
Used in less costly garment.
Used in the fabric where amount of thermoplastic is 65%.
Uses:
 For edge neatening of fabric.
 Shaping of different component of garments.
 Produce button hole.
For joining of motif.
For making tie.
For sealing the edge of ribbon or lace.

8. MOULDING
Molding is not an accurate and entirely used method for fabric.It is also called an
alternative method of fabric joining because by using this method we can give a
definite shape of the garment without creating seam.
Usage
Molding process is used to make lady’s trousers, kid’s trousers,cap etc

9. Basic procedure of the method:
The desired shape by shrinkage
↓
Heat apply
↓
Thermoplastic fiber in fabric become soften
↓
Cooling
↓
Desired shape

10. FUSING
Fusing is an alternative method of joining fabric. It is widely used to attach the interlining.
Using is controlled by four processing components such as:
Temperature
Time
Pressure
Cooling
Temperature
There is a limited range of temperatures that are effective for each type of resin. In general,
resin-melt temperatures range from 1300 to 1600 C and the best results will normally occur
within ± 70C of the temperature specified by the manufacturer of the fusible.
Cooling
Cooling the fused assemblies to 300 to – 350 C makes for a higher level of productivity than if
operators have to wait for the assemblies to cool naturally.

11. FLOW CHART OF GARMENT FUSING PROCESS
Part of garment is to be fused spreaded
↓
Resinated interlining surface is placed and applied required pressure
and temperature
↓
Resin on coating of interlining is melt by heat in to the fabric under
pressure
↓
It becomes cool and hard both the fabric and interlining is attached

12. FUSING MACHINE
A press is used for fusing and three basic types are –
 Steam press
 Flat bed press
 Conveyor belt press

13. ADHESIVE
Adhesive means a substance that causes fibers,yarns,fabrics or other materials to
adhere or stick together.
Types of Adhesive:
A coating of thin adhesive film on silicon paper which is transferred to the fabric and
the plies of the fabrics become joined.
A material which melts on applying heat and helps in joining the fabrics.

14. The name of adhesives which are used for joining fabric without sewing;
Spray Fabric Adhesive
Fabric Glue
Bonding Fabric or Fusible Web
Fusible Interfacing
Household glue
Applications:
 The use of an adhesive thread as one of the looper threads which can be sewn in to
the edge neatening of the hem.
 Used for water proof garments.
 Another use of adhesive is in seams which will take no stain.

15. COMPARISON BETWEEN SEWING METHOD AND ALTERNATIVE METHOD
SL No. Sewing Method Alternative Method
01 Garments are joined here by
using needle and thread.
Two or more fabrics are joined here by using fusion glueing,
stapling, moulding and adhesive.
02 Garments become soft to the
sewing line.
The fabrics becomes stiff and rough to the sewing line.
03 It is comfortable during the end use. It is not comfortable during the end use (Not perfect for
moulding).
04 The production of seam by using this
method contains higher strength.
Here, the seam strength is comparatively less than
sewing method.
05 Fabrics can be joined here by sewing at
the higher speed.
Fabrics are joined here comparatively at lower speed than
sewing method.
06 Most of the fabrics are joined by using
sewing method.
All the fabrics cannot be joined by using this method. The
fabrics must contain 65% thermoplastic fibre for using this
method.
07 It is most useful and universal method. The using of this method is rare.