Once the fabric is ready to be cut, a print-out of the pattern is plotted on paper and laid out on top of the fabric on the cutting table. In large-scale production, as many as 100 layers of denim are stacked and held down with weights while they’re cut using a special textile saw.

It’s a crucial step. Even the best patterns won’t matter if they’re not cut perfectly. And it’s difficult. The denim needs to be marked correctly, and then cut properly; otherwise the cuts will not sew together how they’re supposed to.

An ordinary pair of blue jeans requires roughly 20 separate pieces, but it all depends on the design. Once cut, each piece is marked and bundled by size. Next, the assembly can begin.