A STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE SUITABILITY OF SELECTED SUPERIMPOSED SEAMS AND LAPPED SEAMS FOR LONG SEAMS OF TROUSERS WITH RESPECT TO SEAM STRENGTH AND SEAM ABRASION

Abstract

Though different types of seams and stitches are used in an ad hoc manner in the construction of long seams (inseams and outer seams) of trousers, limited scientific studies are available to understand the effect of seam strength and seam abrasion on long seams of trousers. The main objective of this research study was to study the suitability of selected superimposed seams (SSa type) and lapped seams (LSc type) for the construction of long seams of trousers based on the test results of seam strength and seam abrasion. The fabric was selected by using a pilot survey. A suitable sewing thread, two (02) seam types, five (05) stitch types, and two (02) stitch densities were selected by using the knowledge gathered from the literature survey and the industrial practices for the experiments. The testing standards, machines, and equipment for seam strength and seam abrasion were also selected. Sixty (60) samples were prepared for the testing of seam strength, and another forty-eight (48) samples were prepared for the seam abrasion test as per the two testing standards. The constructed samples were tested for seam strength and seam abrasion to determine the suitability of seams prepared by using selected seam types and stitch types. A large number of relationships can be developed from this study between the selected seam types and seam strength as well as seam abrasion. The highest seam strength was shown by the LSc seam with stitch type 401 and with SPI 10. The lowest seam strength was shown by the SSa seam with stitch type 515 and with SPI 12. The seams made of LSc seam type showed higher seam strength than the seams made of SSa seams. The abrasion was determined by using the mass loss occurred during the abrasion. The highest mass loss was shown by samples that were constructed using SSa seam with stitch types 401 & 504 and with SPI 12 and the lowest mass loss was shown by the SSa seam with stitch types 301 & 504 and with SPI 10. Further studies should be carried out by increasing stitch densities, fabric and thread types to improve the findings.