Cutting and Sewing and Its Relationship with Sneaker Manufacturing

Have you ever wondered how sneakers are made ? Behind this product that we use every day, there is a complex process that involves design, modeling, cutting, sewing, assembly and packaging. In this article, we will explain how the manufacture of sneakers works and the importance of cutting and sewing at this stage. Follow along!

What is cutting and sewing?

Cutting and sewing is a technique that consists of cutting and joining fabrics or other materials to form garments, accessories or objects. In the case of sneakers, cutting and sewing is responsible for creating the upper part of the shoe, called the upper.

The upper is the part of the sneaker that surrounds the foot and determines the comfort, resistance and style of the product. It can be made from different materials, such as cotton, leather, canvas, nylon or synthetics. The cutting and sewing of the upper depends on the design and modeling of the sneaker, which are defined in advance in a studio.

How is the leather cut and sewn done?

The cutting and sewing of the upper can be done manually or automated, depending on the technology used by the sneaker factory. In general, the process follows the following steps:

First , the materials are cut into smaller pieces, following the sneaker model molds. These pieces can be cut with scissors, knives, cutting machines or lasers.

Then, the pieces are joined using sewing, gluing or thermofusion. Sewing can be done with needles, threads or sewing machines. Gluing or thermofusion consists of applying an adhesive substance or heat to join parts seamlessly.

Finally, the upper is attached to the sole of the sneaker, which is the lower part that comes into contact with the ground. The sole can be made of rubber, plastic or other materials. Fixation can be done by sewing, gluing or injection.

What are the advantages of this process

Cutting and sewing is an essential technique for the manufacture of sneakers, as it allows you to create products with different characteristics and benefits. Some of the advantages of cutting and sewing are:

Allows a variety of materials, colors, prints and finishes for the leather;

Guarantees the quality, durability and resistance of the sneakers;

Provides comfort, flexibility and ventilation for the foot;

Contributes to the design, style and personalization of the sneaker.

What are the trends for the future

Cutting and sewing is constantly evolving, following technological innovations and consumer demands. Some of the cutting and sewing trends for sneakers are:

The use of sustainable, recycled or biodegradable materials to reduce the environmental impact of production;

The use of intelligent machines, controlled by a computer, which allow cutting and sewing the leather with more precision, speed and efficiency;

The use of techniques that eliminate or reduce the amount of parts and waste in the manufacture of leather;

The use of techniques that allow creating leather with three-dimensional shapes, different textures or functional properties.

An example of innovation in cutting and sewing is Nike’s Flyknit, an ultra-light running shoe that has an upper made in a single piece, following the manufacturing principles of a sock. The upper is produced by a machine that minutely alters the stability and aesthetics of the sneaker, according to a computer program. Flyknit has 35 fewer parts than the Air Pegasus +28 model and produces 66% less waste.

Finally

Cutting and sewing is a fundamental technique for the manufacture of sneakers, as it is responsible for creating the upper part of the shoe, which defines the comfort, resistance and style of the product. Cutting and sewing can be done manually or automated, depending on the technology used by the factory. Cutting and sewing is also constantly evolving, following technological innovations and consumer demands.

We hope this article has clarified your doubts about what cutting and sewing has to do with sneaker manufacturing. If you liked this content, share it with your friends on social media. And if you want to know more about sneakers, check out our website and discover our products.