Custom socks are regularly commissioned by companies that want to promote their brand, products, or services. Most commissioning clients rarely think about how the socks that they have ordered have been made. It is, however, important to know where your products come from. Here is a quick step-by-step guide to modern custom sock fabrication.
Step One: Design and Pattern Creation
The first stage in the manufacture of modern socks is the creation of designs and patterns. This process involves determining the type of sock, its intended use, the target audience, and the materials to be used. The design is then created using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and the pattern is created using specialized software.
The development of CAD software has made the creation of custom clothing designs much easier than it was in the past. Companies like anthembranding.com use computer-aided design software to swiftly, accurately, and efficiently produce workable designs according to their clients’ every need.
Step Two: Material Selection And Preparation
The next stage involves the selection and preparation of materials. This includes the selection of yarn, dyes, and other materials, as well as the preparation of the yarn for use in the manufacturing process. Socks can be effectively made using a wide variety of materials. Cotton and wool are the two most commonly used naturally occurring materials, while nylon and polyester are the two most commonly used synthetic materials. People generally consider socks made out of naturally occurring materials to be of a higher quality than their equivalents made out of synthetics.
This stage also involves the creation of a sample sock, which is used to test the fit, comfort, and overall quality of the design. Some custom sock designs are printed upon already proven patterns, which means that a sample sock does not need to be fabricated.
Step Three: Knitting
The knitting stage is the part of the process in which the batch of socks actually takes shape. This involves the use of specialized machinery to create the fabric of the sock. The fabric is created by interlocking loops of yarn, and the pattern and design of the sock are determined by the way in which the loops are arranged.
The knitting of socks was completed by hand from ancient Egypt up until the year 1589 when the knitting loom was invented by an English reverend. Industrial knitting has become more and more automated, with major leaps occurring during the industrial revolution and at the dawn of the digital age. These days, knitting looms are largely automated and controlled using CAD software.
Step Four: Finishing
The final stage in the manufacture of modern custom socks is the finishing process. This involves washing and drying the sock, as well as any additional processes such as embroidery, printing, or the application of elastic. In all but the most luxurious custom socks, this is the stage at which the client’s logo or design is incorporated. The sock is then inspected, packaged, and shipped to retailers.