ASTM D6193, “Standard Practice for Stitches and Seams,” has just been revised. This ASTM Standard is the replacement document for the old FED-STD-751, also on stitches and seams. Originally issued in 1997, the ASTM D6193 was adopted by the DoD and other federal government agencies in 1999. Since that time the ASTM standard has been revised only 3 times. The new 2016 Edition replaces all previous editions.
I have always been fascinated by this particular standard. It describes in detail (and with the use of tables and figures) every kind of seam (superimposed, lap, bound, flat and ornamental), and stitch (too numerous to list) imaginable. It even addresses how to affix various types of fasteners (buttons, buttonholes, eyelets, and so on). Until I saw this document with my own eyes I had no idea of the complexity that’s included in contracts for uniforms, clothing in general, and other soft goods.
For this particular update, I really recommend the use of the ASTM redline edition. This is a lengthy and detailed standard, one that you will not want to review line-by-line in order to find the change. Redline editions cost a bit more, but you do get two copies of your document. One is the new edition as published, the other is the previous edition with the changes clearly marked.
This new 2016 Edition for ASTM D6193 does not have many changes that I can find. One example I spotted would be a change to the information for a typical bartack. However, those of you who do have a contractual obligation to meet it’s requirements will need to get a copy in order to remain current with the standard.
You’ll easily order any ASTM publication at the Document Center Inc. webstore, www.document-center.com. Here’s the direct link to the order page for ASTM D6193. It’s available to order for both paper format delivery and pdf download. Remember, you’ll be able to print one copy from the pdf file should you need it, so that’s helpful.
If you’d like the redline edition or want to start up a Standards Online subscription service to allow for access to the standard in our subscription portal, you’ll want to contact our staff for more information. Reach them by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com). We’ve been an authorized distributor of the ASTM standards since the 1980’s. Make us your Standards Experts!
