Controlling material.
WHY IT MATTERS
Fabric is the largest material cost and it is easily lost.
WHERE LOSSES OCCUR
Cutting waste Damage and staining Theft Fabric used on other work Remnants never used
WHAT TO RECORD
Fabric received, by lot Fabric issued to each job Remnants returned
WHY ISSUING AGAINST A JOB
It makes consumption visible.
WHAT TO RECONCILE
Fabric consumed against garments produced.
WHAT DIFFERENCES REVEAL
Waste, theft or poor cutting.
WHAT REDUCES CUTTING WASTE
Planning the lay before cutting Nesting pattern pieces efficiently Cutting multiple garments together where possible
WHY LAY PLANNING MATTERS
It is where most waste is created or avoided.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That cutting is done by someone competent.
WHY
Cutting errors waste fabric and produce garments that cannot be corrected.
WHAT TO DO WITH REMNANTS
Record them, store them accessibly, and use them.
WHAT THEY SUIT
Accessories, small items, samples, facings.
WHAT TO AVOID
Accumulating remnants nobody uses.
WHAT STORAGE REQUIRES
Protection from damp, dust, sunlight and pests
WHY SUNLIGHT
It fades fabric unevenly, ruining it.
WHAT TO CHECK PERIODICALLY
Stored fabric, for damage.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT FABRIC THAT HAS NOT MOVED
Use it, or clear it.
