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Problem-
Consumer dissatisfaction and returns of sewn products due to
buttons unraveling and coming loose.
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Introduction
One of the most common reasons for consumer complaints and returns in
apparel is because of buttons unraveling and falling off. A tail of
thread is usually seen on the top of the button and, when this thread is
pulled, the stitch unravels and the button falls off.
 Many manufacturers commonly use a 101 single-thread, chainstitch
buttonsewer. The stitch attaches the button to the fabric by
repeatedly looping a single thread through the button and the fabric. If
the machine is properly maintained and a quality thread is used to
minimize skipped stitches during the sewing cycle, the stitch is secure
and the buttonsew will not unravel. However, this method of attaching
buttons always has the potential of unraveling if there is a sewing
problem.
 Many retailers have found that the best way of eliminating this problem is
to specify a 304 Lockstitch buttonsewer attachment instead of the
single-thread buttonsewer. This stitch attaches the button to the fabric
by interlocking the needle thread with a bobbin thread. This method
secures the button and insures that the stitch will not unravel.
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Implementation |
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You should specify on all product packages and BOM’s to
use a Lockstitch Buttonsew on products where buttonsew failure has
been a problem.
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Sourcing should confirm with vendors that they have
lockstitch buttonsewers in their factories and they will be used on
your production.
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Quality Assurance auditors should report all button
unraveling problems, which is a clear indication that a lockstitch
buttonsewer was not used to sew the buttons.
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