India lace trimming makers invest in automated machines

Manufacturers import computerized equipment to bolster output and efficiency amid rising orders.

India suppliers of lace trimmings are upgrading manufacturing equipment to automated versions to improve production efficiency and cope with increasing demand. Such endeavors, however, are common only among large companies capable of shouldering the heavy financing required.

K.C. Astir & Co. Pvt. Ltd, one of the country's largest makers of lace, for example, has invested in jacquard, gomez, schiffli and raschel lace knitting machines, raising its monthly capacity to more than 20 lakh meter.

Modi Schiffli Embroidery Mills has procured fully computerized Lasser and Suarer embroidery equipment from Switzerland. The company produces schiffli, guipure and mesh lace trimmings.

Hemla Embroidery Mills Pvt. Ltd likewise uses machines from Switzerland. It offers models with 2/40s spun fronts and 2/60s shuttle backs in floral, geometric, zigzag and jacquard patterns.

The majority of lace trimmings from India adopt cotton, nylon and polyester. Makers often employ pure variants but an increasing number of suppliers are mixing 5 to 20 percent Lycra or spandex for better elasticity, smoothness and shine. Depending on the ratio, products may have two- or four-way stretch. Some companies use rayon, organza and silk. Several businesses are also incorporating water-soluble features.

Materials are sourced from the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. These are the main production hubs of yarn in India.

Makers offer woven and knitted versions. Models can be machine- or handmade. Popular designs are flowers, chain links, paisleys, feathers and jacquard. The borders may be straight or scalloped. Shreyans Prints Pvt. Ltd's selection includes metallic, GPO and guipure pieces.

Releases are widely used as embellishments for apparel, undergarments, sleepwear, table runners, cushion covers, curtains and handkerchiefs. The standard width is between ¼ and 2in. Versions measuring up to 5in wide are also available. These suit drapery and other home decorations.

India-made trimmings are priced $0.08 to $3.50 per meter, depending on the thread thickness, width and design complexity. Intricate details and blending Lycra or spandex add 10 to 20 percent to the cost. Large orders can reduce quotes by 30 to 40 percent.

Low-end models use nylon and are often machine-woven. Width is ¼ to 1in. Pieces come in simple designs and go for $0.08 to $0.50.

Midrange versions are woven or knitted releases with embroidered or crocheted details. Products adopt pure cotton or polyester, or may be blended with 3 to 10 percent Lycra or spandex. These are up to 2in wide. Prices are $0.60 to $2.

High-end lace trimmings utilize cotton, polyester, organza, tissue or silk. Some have 10 to 30 percent Lycra or spandex ratio. Design details are the same as midrange releases. Width is 3 to 5in. Models list at $2.10 to $3.50.

India's lace fabric and trimming industry has a manufacturing pool of approximately 300 companies. Most are situated in Surat in Gujarat and Mumbai. Large enterprises number about 50 and have a monthly production capacity of at least 2 million meters. Midsize companies can produce 1 million to 2 million meters each month. There are an estimated 100 of them in the country. The rest are small business that can turn out 50,000 to 1 million meters every 30 days.

The US and the EU are the main export destinations. South America, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the UAE are emerging markets. Most suppliers ship 10 to 30 percent of their output to these areas. The rest is sold to local apparel manufacturers.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our Market Analysts for representing the current trends in India lace trimmings.

Straight edge

The model H-267 GPO lace trimming from Hemla Embroidery Mills Pvt. Ltd uses 97:3 cotton-spandex with a yarn count of 2/40s. The dye-ready ornamentation has a straight edge on one side and measures ⅕in wide. Price is $0.25 per meter for an MOQ of 1,000m.

Water-soluble

Hemla Embroidery Mills Pvt. Ltd's selection also includes the model 7372 crocheted lace trimming with water-soluble feature. It is made of 2/40s pure cotton and has scalloped edges. The embellishment is easy to dye and measures 1.25in in width. The model is quoted at $0.45 per meter. An MOQ of 1,000m is required.

Floral, zigzag patterns

K.C. Astir & Co. Pvt. Ltd's model 1 embroidered lace trimming utilizes 90:10 nylon-Lycra. The 1.25in-wide ornamentation comes with floral and zigzag patterns, and scalloped borders. It is dye-ready. The model goes for $0.50 per meter for a minimum order of 1,000m.

Greige, round hole designs

The model 5 embroidered schiffli lace trimming from Modi Schiffli Embroidery Mills is made of 2/40s pure cotton and measures 1in wide. It has greige and circular hole patterns. The borders arescalloped. For a minimum order of 5,000m, the model lists at $0.20 per meter.

Embroidered schiffli

Modi Schiffli Embroidery Mills also offers the model 2 pure cotton embroidered schiffli lace trimming. Thread count is 2/40s while width is ½in. The embellishment has greige and floral designs, and scalloped borders. The product goes for $0.35 per meter. MOQ is 5,000m.

Nylon organza base

The model SP11725 lace trimming from Shreyans Prints Pvt. Ltd has a pure cotton embroidery and nylon organza base. It measures 2in in width. Price is $0.20 per meter for a minimum order of 1,000m.

Interested in these products? Send an email to editor@globalsources.com to get the companies' contact details.

See a comparison table of lace trimming suppliers on GlobalSources.com