Reverse Overlock Stitch for Soft Garment Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stitching methods for woven fabrics result in garments with a stiff 'hand' and 'feel', leading to an uncomfortable wearing experience, particularly for tight-fitting garments like leggings, and are inefficient in production and thread consumption.

Innovation Solution

The use of an overlock stitch arranged in a 'reverse' configuration, where the thinner side is in contact with the skin and the thicker side is on the outer side, reducing seam thickness and increasing comfort, while also allowing for faster production with reduced thread consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional stitching methods are used to join fabric pieces, then the garment structure is secure and durable, but the garment has a stiff hand and feel resulting in uncomfortable wearing experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort of wearingVSAvoidstitch thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional stitch arrangement by positioning the thicker portion of the overlock stitch on the outer side of the garment and the thinner portion on the inner side contacting the skin. This inversion resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural integrity where needed (outer side) while minimizing discomfort where it matters most (inner side against skin).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different qualities of the stitch to different locations: the outer side receives the thicker, more durable stitch portion for structural strength, while the inner side receives the thinner, softer stitch portion for comfort against the skin. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between durability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If conventional stitching methods are used to join fabric ends, then the garment is securely assembled, but the production process is time-consuming and consumes excessive thread

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidstitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple stitching functions into a single overlock stitch operation that simultaneously trims fabric edges, sews seams, and finishes edges in one continuous motion. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate operations, thereby increasing productivity and reducing production time while maintaining secure garment assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12029267B2Garment having an overlock stitch and the related production process

Publication Date: 2024.07.09 SANKO TEKSTIL ISLETMELERI SANAYI VE TICARET AS

AI summary

It is disclosed a garment (1) having an inner side (1a), and an outer side (1b) opposite to the inner side (1a), the garment (1) comprising one or more woven fabrics (2, 3), wherein at least two ends (2a, 3a) of different woven fabrics (2, 3) and/or two ends (2a, 3a) of the same woven fabric are seamed by means of one or more threads (4a) that form a stitch (4), wherein said stitch (4) is an overlock stitch (4) and it is arranged so that at least one of said thread (4a) is present on the inner side (1a) of the garment (1), and at least one of said thread (4a) is present on the outer side (1b) of the garment (1), the thickness (T1) of the stitch (4) on the inner side (1a) of the garment (1) is less than the thickness (T2) of the stitch (4) on the outer side (1b) of the garment (1).