Recognizing defects
Lesson 2 of 4
Objective
Name common workmanship defects correctly and capture evidence that others can rely on.
Technical explanation
Learn to tell common defects apart. A broken thread is a stitch line where the thread has snapped. A skipped stitch is where the needle failed to form a stitch. An open seam is where the joined fabrics have separated. Puckering is wrinkling along a seam. A snag is a pulled yarn. A hole is broken fabric. A stain is unwanted marking. A loose thread is an untrimmed or hanging thread end.
Observe the original condition first, before handling or trimming anything.
Take an overall photo that shows where the defect is on the garment, then a close-up with a scale (ruler) in view. Photos alone may not show whether an attachment is secure — that needs the specified check.
Worked case
Factory scenario: 'hole or snag?'
A checker records a 'hole' on a knit sleeve. The inspector looks again: the yarn is pulled but not broken. The record is corrected to 'snag', with context and close-up photos and a ruler. The corrected name changes how the Brand defect list applies.
Common mistakes
- Trimming a loose thread before recording it.
- Taking only a close-up, so nobody knows where on the garment it is.
- Using a photo to claim a button or snap is securely attached.
Your action
Find three defects on garments around you (or from your training set) and name each one precisely.