Cutting Quality Control Procedure

Ensuring precision, accuracy, and consistency at every stage of fabric cutting through systematic measurement, inspection, and documentation.

1. Purpose

To ensure that all cutting operations are carried out according to approved markers, patterns, and specifications, minimizing fabric wastage and defects.

2. Scope

Applies to all cutting operations including fabric spreading, marker making, cutting, numbering, bundling, and panel inspection in the cutting department.

3. Responsibilities

• Cutting In-Charge: Supervises the entire cutting process and ensures quality standards are followed.

• Cutting QC: Checks spreading, marker alignment, cutting accuracy, and fabric defects.

• Cutters & Helpers: Follow SOPs and maintain identification and segregation of cut parts.

4. Procedure

A. Fabric Inspection (Before Cutting)

1. Inspect all fabric rolls as per the 4-point system or buyer standard.

2. Check:

   • Shade variation

   • Fabric width

   • GSM (if required)

   • Fabric defects (holes, stains, slubs, etc.)

3. Mark defective areas and keep a Fabric Inspection Report.

4. Segregate rolls by shade and width for consistent cutting.

B. Fabric Relaxation

1. Knit fabrics must relax 12–24 hours before cutting to avoid shrinkage after sewing.

2. Woven fabrics may be relaxed for 2–4 hours depending on buyer requirements.

3. Stack rolls on racks with air circulation and shade-wise identification.

C. Spreading Inspection

1. Check spreading quality before cutting:

   • Correct ply count

   • Fabric alignment and no tension

   • Fabric face direction (face-up or face-down)

   • Marker length matches table length

   • Shade segregation maintained

   • No creases or fabric distortions

2. Record all data in Spreading QC Sheet.

D. Marker Checking

1. Verify marker according to approved pattern and specification sheet.

2. Check:

   • Grain line direction

   • Marker efficiency (fabric utilization %)

   • Style, size ratio, and placement accuracy

3. Marker should be signed and approved by Cutting QC before cutting starts.

E. Cutting Inspection

1. Check:

   • Sharpness and condition of the cutting blade

   • Cutting edge smoothness and accuracy

   • No missed plies

   • Notches, drill holes, and identification marks correctly applied

2. Randomly measure parts (front, back, sleeve) and compare with the pattern.

3. Record results in Cutting QC Report.

F. Numbering & Bundling

1. Ensure all panels are numbered ply-wise to avoid shade mixing.

2. Bundles must contain:

   • Style name & number

   • Size

   • Color

   • Bundle number & ply count

3. Check random bundles for numbering continuity and correct assortment.

G. Panel Inspection (After Cutting)

1. Inspect random cut panels (5–10%) for:

   • Measurement accuracy

   • Cutting edge smoothness

   • Defect-free surface

   • Notch & drill hole placement

2. Record all findings in Cut Panel Inspection Report.

H. Shade & Size Segregation

1. Verify all panels are separated by shade and size.

2. Maintain separate bins or trolleys with clear labeling.

I. Defect Handling

1. Identify and mark defective panels with red stickers.

2. Segregate and record in Defect Register.

3. Recut if necessary, ensuring the same shade and fabric lot.

5. Quality Checkpoints Summary

6. Records & Documentation

• Fabric Inspection Report

• Spreading QC Sheet

• Marker Approval Sheet

• Cutting QC Report

• Cut Panel Inspection Report

• Defect Register

7. Acceptance Criteria

Cut parts are accepted if:

• Measurements are within ± tolerance

• Panels are defect-free

• Shade & size are properly segregated

• Identification marks are correct

Rejected parts must be recorded, segregated, and recut as per approved rework procedure.