In the custom sewn business, it would be great if there was a standard checklist for every finished product. However, each product is different will have its own specific criteria.
Without giving away all of our secrets, here is a standard list of things we check to ensure a quality product.
Fit: Does the item the bag/pouch is designed to hold fit properly inside
Placement of Parts (web, veclro, snaps, etc): At mark or within tolerance allowed
Seam Allowances: typically 3/16” on all products; seams are to be within +/- 1/16”.
Cuts – cuts in material flaws, crooked cuts, ragged cuts
Snaps/Rivets – set in wrong position, missed hole, machine not set correctly
Closing Stitches: in the same line as the binding stitches on the front and back of the product.
Bartacks: check location; placement is critical, can cause some items to be too small
Tension and Thread Clipping: Stitches should be tight and the tension should be set so you cannot see the loop of the top and bottom threads. Threads clipped to within tolerance.
Stitch Length – typically 7-11 stitches/inch
Binding – not applied correctly, loose, smashed, uneven, not caught on both sides, overlapped binding not covered.
Programmable stitching – out of bobbin thread, missing bartack, tacked in wrong position, located part in wrong position, tack chewed up binding.
Remember, it’s always best to have a second sets of eyes inspect.