What is the production process used by linen clothing manufacturers?

What Is the Production Process Used by Linen Clothing Manufacturers?

Short Answer
The production process used by linen clothing manufacturers typically includes fabric sourcing, pre-treatment and shrinkage control, pattern making, sampling, cutting, sewing, washing and finishing, quality inspection, and final packing— each step designed to manage linen’s natural variability and ensure consistent garment quality.

Step-by-Step Linen Clothing Manufacturing Process

1. Linen Fabric Sourcing & Inspection

• Select 100% linen or linen blends (often European flax or equivalent)
• Check GSM, weave density, color consistency, and surface defects
• Evaluate fabric behavior before production

Fabric inspection is critical because linen’s natural texture makes defects more visible than in synthetic fabrics.

2. Pre-Treatment & Shrinkage Control

• Fabric pre-washing or garment wash planning
• Shrinkage, twist, and dimensional stability testing
• Determining pattern allowances based on results

This stage prevents size deviation after consumer washing.

3. Pattern Making & Grading

• CAD pattern development
• Linen-specific tolerance settings
• Size grading based on target market requirements

Experienced manufacturers engineer patterns to account for linen movement after washing and wear.

4. Sampling & Approval

• Prototype sample for fit and construction validation
• Pre-production sample (PPS) using final fabric and trims
• Wash and finishing confirmation

Bulk production only begins after PPS approval.

5. Fabric Cutting

• Fabric relaxation before cutting
• Layer-controlled cutting to avoid distortion
• Fabric lot tracking for consistency

6. Sewing & Assembly

• Linen-appropriate stitch density and seam reinforcement
• Controlled SMV (labor time) operations
• Inline inspections during sewing

Linen requires slower, more precise sewing than cotton or synthetics.

7. Washing, Dyeing & Finishing

• Garment wash, enzyme wash, or softening processes
• Colorfastness and appearance control
• Final pressing and shaping

This stage defines the final look, handfeel, and dimensional stability.

8. Quality Control (QC)

• Inline QC during production
• Final QC for measurements, defects, and appearance
• AQL or brand-specific inspection standards

QC ensures reorders match previously approved batches.

9. Labeling, Packing & Shipment

• Private label application
• Folding and packaging
• Carton packing and export preparation

How We Manage the Linen Production Process at Linenwind

• Careful linen fabric sourcing and inspection
• Shrinkage and colorfastness testing before bulk
• In-house CAD, sampling, cutting, sewing, and QC
• Tech-pack-driven OEM and design-supported ODM workflows
• Archived specifications for consistent reorders
• Low MOQ of 60 pieces without compromising process control

Learn more about our OEM and ODM process: Linen Clothing OEM & ODM Manufacturing