BrightFuture

Apparel Solutions

Menu

Professional Merchandising Reference Library

Merchandising
Knowledge Hub

Your complete collection of merchandising formulas, consumption calculations, costing guides, GSM references, lead time planning tools, yarn count resources, production tips, and essential merchandising knowledge—all in one place.

Standard sewing thread consumption per inch of stitching for different garment sewing machines.

Single Needle Lockstitch

Plain Sewing Machine

Sewing Length 1"
Thread Required 3"–5"

4-Thread Overlock

Edge Finishing Machine

Sewing Length 1"
Thread Required 12"–16"

Flatlock Machine

Flat Seam Construction

Sewing Length 1"
Thread Required 18"–22"

Zigzag Machine

Decorative Stitching

Sewing Length 1"
Thread Required 20"–30"

Sewing Thread Consumption Formula

Sewing Thread (Meter) =
Total Sewing Length (Inch)
39.37

Short Explanation :- Calculate the total sewing length of the garment body in inches. Then convert the result into meters by dividing by 39.37.

CBM (Cubic Meter) Formula

Sewing Thread (Meter) =
Length × Width × Height × Carton Quantity
1000000

Note: Length, Width, and Height are usually measured in centimeters (cm).

Line Target Formula

Target =
Manpower × Working Hour × 60
SMV
× Efficiency

Production Efficiency Formula

Efficiency =
Total Production × SMV
Total Manpower × Working Hours × 60
× 100

Cycle Time

Cycle Time means the time required to complete one operation. During a time study, the same operation is observed 5–10 times using a stopwatch.

23 sec
20 sec
25 sec
22 sec
24 sec
21 sec
Total Cycle Time: 23 + 20 + 25 + 22 + 24 + 21 = 135 sec

Average Cycle Time Formula

Average Cycle Time =
Total Cycle Time
Number of Cycles
Average Cycle Time =
135
6
Average Cycle Time: 22.50 Sec

Observe Time Formula

Observe Time =
Average Cycle Time
60
Observe Time =
22.50
60
Observe Time: 0.375 minute

Basic Time Formula

Basic Time =
Observe Time × Rating

Rating Factor Guide

Standard Speed (100%)

100 ÷ 100 = 1.00

A rating of 100% represents normal working speed. The rating factor is 1.00.

Slower Speed (85%)

85 ÷ 100 = 0.85

A worker performing below standard speed receives a rating factor of 0.85.

Faster Speed (120%)

110 ÷ 100 = 1.10

A worker performing faster than standard speed receives a rating factor of 1.10.

Example

Basic Time = 0.375 minute × 1.10

Basic Time: 0.4125 minute

SMV Formula

SMV =
Basic Time + (Basic Time × Allowance %)

Example

SMV = 0.4125 + (0.4125 × 15%)

SMV: 0.474

CPM Formula

CPM =
Factory Cost Per Month
Total Available Minute Per Month

Production Efficiency Formula

Efficiency =
Total Production × SMV
Total Manpower × Working Hours × 60
× 100

Get in Touch
Follow Me
© 2025 Ziaul Haque — All Rights Reserved | Apparel Merchandiser & Web Solutions