Cut and Sew Service · Since 1998 · AQL 2.5 Quality
Cut and Sew Service for Fashion Brands and Wholesalers
Cut and Sew (CMT) is the construction stage of garment manufacturing — taking your fabric and turning it into finished garments. You supply the fabric, we cut, sew, and trim. SDF Clothing's cut and sew service handles knit and woven garments from 100 pieces per style with AQL 2.5 quality inspection on every order.
What Is Cut and Sew Service?
Cut and Sew (also called CMT — Cut, Make, Trim) is when you provide the fabric and the factory only handles construction. The factory cuts your fabric to pattern, sews the garments together, and adds finishing trims like labels and tags. You retain full control over your fabric supply chain while outsourcing labor-intensive production.
This is different from full-package manufacturing where the factory handles everything from fabric sourcing to finished garments. Cut and sew gives experienced brands maximum control over materials.
Who Should Use Cut and Sew Service?
Cut and sew is ideal for:
- ✓ Established fashion brands with their own fabric suppliers
- ✓ Brands working with specialty mills for unique fabrics
- ✓ Wholesalers buying mill-direct fabric in large quantities
- ✓ Sustainable brands using specific certified fabric sources
- ✓ Brands with proprietary fabric developments
- ✓ Small-batch production where full-package MOQ is too high
For first-time brand owners without fabric suppliers, full-package OEM service is usually a better starting point. Once you have established fabric relationships, switching to CMT often reduces per-piece cost by 15-25%.
Our Cut and Sew Capabilities
Garment Types We Construct
- • T-shirts, polos, henleys (knit basics)
- • Hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers (knit fleece)
- • Activewear and performance garments
- • Dress shirts, casual shirts (woven)
- • Trousers, chinos, shorts (woven)
- • Dresses, skirts, blouses (woven and knit)
- • Jackets, coats, outerwear (woven)
- • Underwear, sleepwear, loungewear
Construction Techniques
- • Single needle, double needle, triple needle stitching
- • Flatlock seams for activewear
- • Coverstitch for hems and necklines
- • Bartack reinforcement at stress points
- • Felled seams for premium denim and shirts
- • Bound seams for clean inside finish
- • French seams for premium silk and lightweight fabrics
Equipment in Our Cut and Sew Facility
- • Computerized fabric cutting (CAD-controlled)
- • Manual cutting tables for small runs
- • 800+ industrial sewing machines
- • Specialty machines for collars, cuffs, button attachment
- • Buttonhole machines
- • Embroidery and printing capability in-house
- • Quality inspection stations at every line
Our Cut and Sew Process
Step 1
Fabric receiving
Your fabric arrives at our facility. We inspect for quantity, quality, and any defects. Defective fabric is returned to your supplier; usable fabric is moved to cutting room.
Step 2
Pattern grading and marker making
Your patterns are graded across all sizes and arranged in a marker (cutting layout) optimized for minimum fabric waste. Computerized markers achieve 88-92% fabric efficiency.
Step 3
Cutting
Fabric is laid in multiple plies (typically 50-200 plies) and cut using computerized cutting machines or manual rotary cutters for small runs. Pattern accuracy is checked on first cut.
Step 4
Bundling
Cut pieces are bundled by size and color and prepared for sewing line. Bundles include all components (front, back, sleeves, collar, etc.) for one garment.
Step 5
Sewing
Sewing operators construct garments along production lines. Each operator handles one specific operation (joining shoulders, attaching sleeves, hemming, etc.) for maximum efficiency.
Step 6
In-line quality checks
Every sewing line has quality checkers monitoring construction at multiple stations. Defects are caught and corrected immediately rather than at end of line.
Step 7
Finishing and trimming
Loose threads trimmed, garments pressed, labels and hang tags attached, garments folded or hung for packing.
Step 8
Final AQL inspection
Statistical sample inspection following AQL 2.5 standard. Acceptable defect rate is maximum 2.5% — our actual rejection rate runs below 0.8%.
Step 9
Packing and shipping
Approved garments packed in poly bags and master cartons per your specification. Export documentation prepared. Ready for collection or delivery to freight forwarder.
Cut and Sew MOQ — Minimum Order Quantity
Our cut and sew service has flexible minimums:
Standard knit garments (t-shirts, hoodies): 100 pieces per style minimum.
Standard woven garments (shirts, trousers): 200 pieces per style minimum.
Complex constructions (jackets, structured tailoring): 300-500 pieces per style minimum.
Specialty constructions or new techniques: 500+ pieces per style for first run. Repeat orders can be smaller once construction is established.
Lower MOQ for cut and sew compared to full-package OEM (which is 300+) is possible because we do not need to manage fabric sourcing or absorb fabric MOQ from mills.
Cut and Sew Pricing in Bangladesh
Cut and sew is priced per piece based on garment complexity, not per kilogram of fabric. Pricing reflects labor time required for construction.
Typical FOB Bangladesh cut and sew pricing for 500-piece orders:
- • Basic t-shirt (single jersey): $0.80-1.40 per piece CMT
- • Polo shirt with pique fabric: $1.40-2.20 per piece CMT
- • Pullover hoodie (french terry): $2.50-4.00 per piece CMT
- • Dress shirt (woven, multiple buttons): $2.80-4.50 per piece CMT
- • Tailored trousers: $3.50-5.50 per piece CMT
- • Bomber jacket: $5.00-8.50 per piece CMT
These are CMT-only prices — your fabric cost is separate. CMT prices typically run 30-50% lower than equivalent full-package pricing where fabric is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send fabric from any supplier?
Yes. We accept fabric from any mill or supplier you choose. Fabric is inspected on arrival for quality and quantity. We notify you of any defects before cutting begins.
What is the minimum cut and sew order?
100 pieces for standard knit garments, 200 pieces for woven garments, 300+ pieces for complex constructions. Lower than typical full-package MOQ because we are not absorbing fabric supply costs.
How long does cut and sew production take?
Standard knit garments: 25-35 days from fabric receipt. Woven garments: 30-40 days. Complex constructions: 40-50 days. Sample making before bulk: 7-14 days.
Do you provide labels and packaging?
We attach labels and hang tags you supply, or we can source them through our trims sourcing service. Standard polybag packaging is included. Custom packaging available.
Can you handle quality inspection on my behalf?
Yes. We follow AQL 2.5 standard internally on every order. Third-party inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek is also available at additional cost if you require independent verification.
What payment terms apply?
Standard 30% deposit on order confirmation, 70% balance before shipment. For established repeat clients we offer letter of credit and net 30 payment options.
Need professional cut and sew production for your fashion brand? Contact SDF Clothing here with your fabric specifications, garment type, and quantity. We will send pricing, lead time, and capacity confirmation within 48 hours. From 100 pieces minimum.
For complete production strategy, read our complete clothing manufacturers guide.