Innovative approach to variation mapping in craft-based textile manufacturing

This paper proposes a simple and practical method that facilitates capture of the most significant sources of variation within a craft-based textile manufacturing operation. With the aim of reducing waste in such processes and improving the consistency of the fabric finish, this research work establishes a method that helps indicate the degree to which variation sources contribute to the variability noticed in finished woven fabric. This is achieved by a methodology that is based on the combined use of process modelling theory, specifically the integrated definition for function modelling (IDEF) and process expert knowledge.