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Unit 1 Apparel and Fashion
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Textile Converting
Many decisions about the production of fi bers, yarns, and fabrics are the
responsibilities of textile converters. Textile converters decide what fi bers to use,
what widths and weights of fabrics to weave or knit, and how many yards to
produce. They select dye colors and choose fi nishes that will help the fabrics
perform as expected. Some companies specialize only in this stage of fabric
production.
Setting prices—or costing the fabric—is another task of textile converters.
Textile converters compute all the costs involved in producing the fabric. They
then add a margin of profi t to the production cost to determine the fabric’s
selling price.
Manufacturing
Textile plant operations include many processes such as spinning, dyeing,
weaving, knitting, and fi nishing. Each of these steps requires special machin-
ery. The nature of each job varies with the kind of machine the job requires.
Most machines operate by electronic or computerized controls.
Some employees who use machines in their work are spinners, colorists,
loom operators, and machine operators. A high school diploma is often adequate
background for some entry-level machine operators. These operators usually
receive an hourly wage. Manufacturing also includes the work of textile engi-
neers and laboratory technicians.
Textile Engineers
Textile engineers play an important part in textile manufacturing. Textile
engineers may have a college degree in chemical, computer, electrical, indus-
trial, or mechanical engineering. A chemical engineer might work in a depart-
ment where fabric dyeing or printing occurs. A computer engineer often ensures
correct programming for machines to properly make the fabrics. Industrial
engineers oversee the performance of all production operations. They look for
better and less costly ways of handling production without reducing quality.
Plant engineers make sure that all systems operate properly. These include
machinery operation, heating, air conditioning, electrical, materials handling,
and environmental control. They are expert problem solvers in all areas of
production.
Laboratory Technicians
Laboratory technicians perform tests on fi bers, yarns, and fabrics in a labo-
ratory, 4-3. They make sure the products meet certain standards of quality.
Machines test how well and how long a fabric will wear under certain condi-
tions. Laboratory technicians may perform various tests during many steps of
production. This assures quality control throughout the process, resulting in a
superior fi nished product.
Laboratory technicians learn textile technology programs in colleges or
technical schools. They organize their own work and follow precise instructions.
Laboratory technicians do detailed work and write accurate, thorough reports
of test results.