SPLICING

• Cutting the fabric across its width to overlap layers in between the ends of the lay.

• It can be used for different reasons:

– To accommodate for fabric defects.

– When the fabric roll being spread ends in the middle of the marker.

– When there is a change in the size, i.e. the pattern pieces of each size have not been mixed in the marker (e.g. on step markers).

Splice Marks

• Used (as marked points) in the marker where fabrics can be cut and the next piece can be overlapped to maintain a continuous lay spread.

Splice Mark Types

• Straight splices:

– A straight splice line is marked across the marker width on the spreading table.

– pattern pieces meet edge to edge across the fabric width

– fabric is overlapped, 5cm on either side of the splicing line.

Splice Mark Types

• Interlock splices :

– crossed diagonal lines are marked on the table to keep it easily differentiable from the straight splice marks .

– The start and finish of the pattern pieces sticking put are marked with two splice lines.

– fabric is overlapped 5cm on both sides of interlock splice mark.

Splicing Loss

• The fabric that is used as the spicing overlap is a waste generated during the process.

• Affected by the distance between the splicing points

• To minimize this splicing waste, markers should be made to ensure minimal fabric overlapping.

• Generally, splicing overlap is not calculated and accounted for.

Splicing Loss

• Setting up of a standard splicing overlap is crucial.

• This will ensure that lay men are aware of the amount of splicing overlap they need for that particular lay.

• Excess overlap leads to unnecessary fabric wastage

• Less than required overlap leads to incomplete cut pieces and/or less than the required number of cut pieces

• Splicing should preferably be done for smaller pattern pieces.

• It should be avoided for larger garments like trousers.

• For bigger garments, adjustments using end bits prove more efficient than splicing.

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