Garment Finishing, Inspection and Quality Control
This domain tests finishing operations, the 4-point fabric defect system, AQL sampling and defect classification.
Finishing
After sewing: trim threads, check for stains, repair, press on a steam/vacuum table, attach labels (brand, size, care, fibre content, country of origin), fold and pack. Care labels use standard wash, bleach, iron and dry-clean symbols.
Inspection
Stages are in-line, end-line and final, plus pre-production and during-production checks. The 4-point system grades fabric defects: 1 point up to 7.5 cm, 2 points for 7.5–15 cm, 3 points for 15–23 cm, 4 points above 23 cm and for holes. AQL sampling accepts a defined defect level instead of demanding zero defects. Defects are critical (unsafe or illegal), major (unsalable) or minor (cosmetic).
Worked example
A roll has three defects: a 10 cm slub, a 20 cm stain and a 30 cm tear. Score: 10 cm = 2 points, 20 cm = 3 points, 30 cm = 4 points, total 9 points. The score is expressed per 100 m² using roll width and compared with the buyer’s standard before acceptance.
Traps
- Treating AQL as “zero defects”.
- Inspecting only at the end; in-line inspection catches faults early.
- Measuring garments without relaxing them.
- Mixing up care symbols for wash, bleach, iron and dry clean.