Understanding the techniques for joining fabrics together in a way that considers durability, strength, leak-tightness, comfort in wear and the aesthetics of the joints is critical to the production of successful, structurally secure fabric products. Joining textiles: Principles and applications is an authoritative guide to the key theories and methods used to join fabrics efficiently.
Part one provides a clear overview of sewing technology. The mechanics of stitching, sewing and problems related to sewn textiles are discussed, along with mechanisms of sewing machines and intelligent sewing systems. Part two goes on to explore adhesive bonding of textiles, including principles, methods and applications, along with a review of bonding requirements in coating and laminating of textiles. Welding technologies are the focus of part three. Heat sealing, ultrasonic and dielectric textile welding are covered, as are laser seaming of fabrics and the properties and performance of welded or bonded seams. Finally, part four reviews applications of joining textiles such as seams in non-iron shirts and car seat coverings, joining of wearable electronic components and technical textiles, and the joining techniques involved in industrial and medical products including nonwoven materials.
With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Joining textiles is an important reference work for textile product manufacturers, designers and technologists, fibre scientists, textile engineers and academics working in this area.

• Provides an authoritative guide to the key theories and methods used to efficiently join fabrics
• Discusses the mechanics of stitching and sewing and problems related to sewn textiles, alongside mechanisms of sewing machines, and intelligent sewing systems
• Explores adhesive bonding of textiles, including principles, methods and applications, along with a review of bonding requirements in coating and laminating of textiles

Contributor contact details
Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles
Introduction
Chapter 1: Types of fabric and their joining requirements
Abstract:
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The main types of natural fibre
1.3 Synthetic fibres
1.4 High performance fibres
1.5 The process of creating fabrics from fibres
1.6 Woven fabric structures
1.7 Knitted fabric structures
1.8 Non-woven fabrics
1.9 Joining fabrics: seams and stitches
1.10 Stitching in practice: the case of high performance fabrics
1.11 Alternative methods of joining fabrics: welded seams
1.12 Ultrasonic welding
1.13 Conclusions
1.14 Acknowledgements
Part 1: Sewing technology
Chapter 2: The mechanics of stitching
Abstract:
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The principles of stitching
2.3 Conclusion
2.5 Appendix: nomenclature and notation
Chapter 3: The sewing of textiles
Abstract:
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Types of sewing machine
3.3 Machine feeding systems
3.4 Machine settings and sewing quality
3.5 Needle size and point type
3.6 Stitch classification and applications
3.7 Seam classification and applications
3.8 Sewing threads
3.9 Seaming quality problems
3.10 Seam pucker: causes and prevention
3.11 Thread breakage: causes and prevention
3.12 Needle breakage
3.13 Slipped/missed stitching: causes and prevention
3.14 Uneven seams: causes and prevention
3.15 Comparing welded and sewn seams
3.16 Future trends
Chapter 4: Mechanisms of sewing machines
Abstract:
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The evolution of the sewing machine
4.3 Machine categorisation
4.4 Integrated stitching unit (ISU)
4.5 Types of motors used in sewing machines
4.6 Three-thread overlock with a microprocessor
4.7 Mechanised sewing machines
4.8 Semi-automatic machines, automated workstations and transfer lines
4.9 Advantages and limitations of machine automation
4.10 Computer numerical control (CNC)
4.11 Achieving fully automated apparel manufacture through the application of robotics
4.12 Conclusion
4.13 Sources of further information and advice
Chapter 5: Problems relating to sewing
Abstract:
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Seam elasticity
5.3 Seam failure
5.4 Seam problems related to material feeding
5.5 Problems in stitch formation
5.6 Seam pucker and other surface distortions
5.7 Future trends
5.8 Sources of further information and advice
Chapter 6: The quality and performance of sewn seams
Abstract:
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Seam strength
6.3 Seam extensibility and recovery
6.4 Seam puckering
6.5 Seam slippage
6.6 Drape and bending
6.7 Seam grinning/gaping
6.8 Barrier properties of seams
6.9 Flame retardancy of seams
6.10 Degradation/damage of seams
6.11 Sources of further information and advice
Chapter 7: Intelligent sewing systems for garment automation and robotics
Abstract:
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Developments in the automation of sewing
7.3 Operational principles of the intelligent sewability environment (ISE)
7.4 Conclusions
Part II: Adhesive bonding of textiles
Chapter 8: Adhesive bonding of textiles: principles, types of adhesive and methods of use
Abstract:
8.1 Introduction to adhesives in the textile industry
8.2 Reasons for the success and failure of adhesives
8.3 Classification of adhesives used in textile applications
8.4 Bonding processes
8.5 Trends in adhesive types
Chapter 9: Adhesive bonding of textiles: applications
Abstract:
9.1 Introduction: textiles and adhesive joining
9.2 Adhesives and adhesive applications
9.3 Properties achieved by adhesive joining
9.4 Examples of adhesive use
9.5 Future trends
9.6 Acknowledgements
Chapter 10: Bonding requirements in coating and laminating of textiles
Abstract:
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Materials and adhesives in coating and laminating
10.3 Coating process
10.4 Laminating process
10.5 Properties and applications of coated and laminated fabrics
10.6 Conclusion
Part III: Welding technologies
Chapter 11: The use of heat sealing, hot air and hot wedge to join textile materials
Abstract:
11.1 Heat sealing of textiles: introduction
11.2 Equipment for heat sealing
11.