In our latest newsletter, we’re talking about inspecting textiles and garments and the specialized expertise required for this industry. Unlike wood, metal and other materials, textiles and garments have unique variables that may result in unexpected issues throughout the manufacturing and during the final inspection. As one of Pro QC’s textile inspectors noted, “it’s an art of using many variables to produce a piece of art.” A garment or fabric inspector must bear in mind these variables and conditions that can result in defects and delayed shipments. Irene Gebrael, an inspector for Pro QC in the New York and New Jersey area, indicates the importance of an inspector’s specialization in this field is based on the following two considerations: 1) Credibility & Process Knowledge In fabrication, there are many defects that are caused by variables that may be due to ginning, spinning, finishing, dyeing, or might be due to a mistake in checking. To stand on the reason of the defect, an inspector must have prior knowledge of the processes for dyeing, finishing (fabrication), cutting, sewing (garment manufacturing), standards for care labels and regulatory compliances. 2) Inspection Conditions The factors causing confusion and misinterpretation of defects are numerous, so an inspector must have a solid understanding of the conditions for inspection, such as the lighting, the effect of rolling on fabrics, the effect of packaging on garments, etc. For example, some of the common problems that differentiate textiles from other products are shade and the effect of light on shades during an inspection. Inspectors must identify and use a good source of light to discover shade issues such as un-leveling and shade continuity. Common defects noted during textile and/or garment inspections include: -Defects in appearance, such as marks, fraying fabric or unfinished edges, etc. -Defects with seams and stitching, including open seams, incorrect thread selection, skipped stitches, etc. -Defects concerning color, such as dye spots and color fastness -Defects concerning fabric, such as its material, fabric weight, cuts or tears, slubs or misweaves, etc. -Defects concerning sizing, labeling and packaging, such as labels missing or top/bottom sizes are mismatched -Defects concerning care label information, content label information, hang tag descriptions, correctness of components or trims, zip teeth smoothness, etc. -Defects concerning measurement and fit -Defects concerning safety, such as pins, needles and staples not being removed Applicable standards are used, such as those listed below: ASTM 5430-07 (Standard Test Methods for Visually Inspecting and Grading Fabrics) These test methods describe a procedure to establish a numerical designation for grading of fabrics from a visual inspection. ASTM D3990-2012 (Standard Terminology Relating to Fabric Defects) This terminology covers defects in both woven and knit fabrics. ASTM D3775 (Standard Test Method for Warp End Count and Filling Pick Count of Woven Fabric) ASTM D3136 – 04(2008)e1: Standard Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products This test method covers the measurement of warp end count and filling pick count and is applicable to all types of woven fabrics. The number of warp yarns (ends) per unit distance and filling yarns (picks) per unit distance are determined using suitable magnifying and counting devices or by raveling yarns from fabrics. Evaluations, such as wash testing, can often be performed on-site. For additional information regarding textile and garment inspections and/or testing, or to review example reports, contact us.
