Quality Assurance in Altered Apparel
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certification in Fashion Design Alterations course at HealthCareCourses (An LSIB brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Acceptable Quality Level AQL refers to the maximum number of defective pr… #
5% means that no more than 2.5% of the altered garments can have major defects.
Alteration refers to the process of modifying or changing an existing garment to… #
Alteration refers to the process of modifying or changing an existing garment to fit better, repair, or update its style, related terms include tailoring, refashioning, and restyling, it involves a range of techniques such as taking in or letting out seams, shortening or lengthening hems, and adding or removing features like pockets or collars, for instance, altering a dress to fit a customer's measurements requires precise measurements and skilled tailoring techniques.
American National Standards Institute ANSI is a private non #
profit organization that develops and publishes standards for various products, services, and processes, related terms include standards organization and quality management, in the context of altered apparel, ANSI standards can provide guidelines for quality control, testing, and inspection procedures, for example, ANSI standards for care labels can help ensure that altered garments are properly labeled and meet safety requirements.
AQL Certification is a process of verifying that a product meets the Acceptable… #
5% means that it has been inspected and meets the quality standards with no more than 1.5% major defects.
Apparel Quality Control refers to the process of ensuring that garments meet the… #
Apparel Quality Control refers to the process of ensuring that garments meet the required quality standards, related terms include quality assurance and quality management, it involves inspecting and testing garments for defects, flaws, and other quality issues, for example, in altered apparel, quality control involves checking for proper stitching, fabric quality, and fit before releasing the garment to the customer.
ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delive… #
ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus-based standards, related terms include standards organization and quality management, in the context of altered apparel, ASTM International standards can provide guidelines for quality control, testing, and inspection procedures, for example, ASTM standards for fabric testing can help ensure that altered garments meet safety and performance requirements.
Audit refers to the process of examining and evaluating an organization's qualit… #
Audit refers to the process of examining and evaluating an organization's quality management system, related terms include quality audit and certification, in altered apparel, an audit can help identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with quality standards, for instance, a quality audit can help a garment alteration business identify and correct defects in their alteration process.
Bias refers to a type of fabric cut that is diagonal to the warp and weft thread… #
Bias refers to a type of fabric cut that is diagonal to the warp and weft threads, related terms include fabric grain and stretch, in altered apparel, bias can be used to create garments with a fluid, draped silhouette, for example, a bias-cut dress can skim the body and create a flattering fit.
Block fusing is a technique used to attach interfacings or stabilizers to… #
Block fusing is a technique used to attach interfacings or stabilizers to fabrics, related terms include fusing and interfacing, in altered apparel, block fusing can help stabilize fabrics and prevent distortion during the alteration process, for instance, block fusing can be used to attach a stabilizer to a delicate fabric to prevent it from stretching or losing its shape.
Care Label is a label attached to a garment that provides instructions for its c… #
Care Label is a label attached to a garment that provides instructions for its care and maintenance, related terms include care instructions and labeling, in altered apparel, care labels can provide important information about how to clean, dry, and iron a garment, for example, a care label that says "dry clean only" can help prevent damage to a garment made from a delicate fabric.
Certification refers to the process of verifying that a product or service meets… #
Certification refers to the process of verifying that a product or service meets certain standards or requirements, related terms include quality certification and accreditation, in altered apparel, certification can provide assurance that the altered garments meet the required quality standards, for instance, a garment with a certification from a reputable organization can give customers confidence in the quality of the altered garment.
Color fastness refers to the ability of a fabric to resist fading or runn… #
Color fastness refers to the ability of a fabric to resist fading or running of colors, related terms include color stability and dyeing, in altered apparel, color fastness is important to ensure that the altered garments do not fade or lose their color after washing or wearing, for example, a garment made from a fabric with poor color fastness may fade quickly and lose its appearance.
Computer #
Aided Design CAD refers to the use of computer software to design and create digital models of garments, related terms include digital pattern making and computer-aided manufacturing, in altered apparel, CAD can help create accurate and efficient designs, for instance, CAD software can be used to create a digital pattern for a custom-made garment, allowing for precise fit and alterations.
Corrective Action refers to the process of identifying and correcting defects or… #
Corrective Action refers to the process of identifying and correcting defects or quality issues in a product or service, related terms include quality control and improvement, in altered apparel, corrective action can help ensure that defects are identified and corrected before the garment is released to the customer, for example, a quality control check can help identify defects in a garment and allow for corrective action to be taken.
Custom fit refers to the process of creating a garment that is tailored t… #
Custom fit refers to the process of creating a garment that is tailored to an individual's specific measurements and preferences, related terms include bespoke and made-to-measure, in altered apparel, custom fit can involve taking precise measurements and using specialized techniques to create a garment that fits perfectly, for instance, a custom-made dress can be created using a combination of measurements and draping techniques.
Design for Manufacturability refers to the process of designing a product… #
Design for Manufacturability refers to the process of designing a product with the goal of making it easy to manufacture, related terms include design for assembly and design for production, in altered apparel, design for manufacturability can help streamline the alteration process and reduce errors, for instance, a garment designed with easy construction in mind can be altered more quickly and efficiently.
Dye lot refers to a batch of fabric that has been dyed to a specific colo… #
Dye lot refers to a batch of fabric that has been dyed to a specific color, related terms include color matching and shading, in altered apparel, dye lot can be important to ensure that the altered garments match the original color, for example, a garment made from a fabric with a specific dye lot can be matched to other garments with the same dye lot to ensure color consistency.
Fabric testing refers to the process of evaluating the performance and qu… #
Fabric testing refers to the process of evaluating the performance and quality of a fabric, related terms include fabric analysis and fabric evaluation, in altered apparel, fabric testing can help ensure that the altered garments meet the required quality standards, for instance, fabric testing can help identify issues such as shrinkage, stretch, or tear resistance.
Fit model refers to a garment or prototype that is used to test the fit a… #
Fit model refers to a garment or prototype that is used to test the fit and comfort of a design, related terms include prototype and sample, in altered apparel, a fit model can be used to test the fit of a garment and make adjustments before creating the final altered garment, for example, a fit model can help identify issues with the silhouette or proportion of a garment.
Garment construction refers to the process of creating a garment from a p… #
Garment construction refers to the process of creating a garment from a pattern or design, related terms include garment assembly and garment manufacturing, in altered apparel, garment construction can involve a range of techniques such as sewing, draping, and finishing, for instance, a garment constructed using a combination of machine and hand techniques can be more durable and long-lasting.
Grain line refers to the direction of the warp and weft threads in a fabr… #
Grain line refers to the direction of the warp and weft threads in a fabric, related terms include fabric grain and selvage, in altered apparel, grain line can be important to ensure that the altered garments are constructed with the correct orientation of the fabric, for example, a garment cut on the bias can have a more fluid, draped silhouette than a garment cut on the straight grain.
Inspection refers to the process of examining a product or service to ensure tha… #
Inspection refers to the process of examining a product or service to ensure that it meets the required quality standards, related terms include quality control and testing, in altered apparel, inspection can involve checking for defects, flaws, and other quality issues, for instance, a quality control inspection can help identify defects in a garment and allow for corrective action to be taken.
Interfacing refers to a layer of fabric or material that is attached to the wron… #
Interfacing refers to a layer of fabric or material that is attached to the wrong side of a garment to provide stability, support, or shape, related terms include stabilizer and lining, in altered apparel, interfacing can be used to add structure and support to a garment, for example, a fusible interfacing can be used to attach a stabilizer to a delicate fabric to prevent it from stretching or losing its shape.
Labeling refers to the process of attaching labels or tags to a garment to provi… #
Labeling refers to the process of attaching labels or tags to a garment to provide information about its care, maintenance, and origin, related terms include care labels and branding, in altered apparel, labeling can provide important information about how to care for a garment, for instance, a care label that says "dry clean only" can help prevent damage to a garment made from a delicate fabric.
Made #
to-Measure refers to the process of creating a garment that is tailored to an individual's specific measurements and preferences, related terms include custom fit and bespoke, in altered apparel, made-to-measure can involve taking precise measurements and using specialized techniques to create a garment that fits perfectly, for instance, a made-to-measure dress can be created using a combination of measurements and draping techniques.
Manufacturing refers to the process of creating a product or garment on a large… #
Manufacturing refers to the process of creating a product or garment on a large scale, related terms include production and assembly, in altered apparel, manufacturing can involve a range of techniques such as cutting, sewing, and finishing, for example, a garment manufactured using a combination of machine and hand techniques can be more durable and long-lasting.
Material selection refers to the process of choosing the best materials f… #
Material selection refers to the process of choosing the best materials for a garment or product, related terms include fabric selection and texile science, in altered apparel, material selection can be important to ensure that the altered garments meet the required quality standards, for instance, a garment made from a high-quality material can be more durable and long-lasting than a garment made from a lower-quality material.
Measurements refer to the process of taking precise measurements of an individua… #
Measurements refer to the process of taking precise measurements of an individual's body to create a custom-fit garment, related terms include fitting and pattern making, in altered apparel, measurements can be used to create a garment that fits perfectly, for example, a custom-made dress can be created using a combination of measurements and draping techniques.
Notions refer to the small components and accessories used in garment constructi… #
Notions refer to the small components and accessories used in garment construction, related terms include buttons, zippers, and threads, in altered apparel, notions can be used to add functional and decorative elements to a garment, for instance, a button or zipper can be used to fasten a garment, while a ribbon or trim can be used to add a decorative touch.
Pattern making refers to the process of creating a template or guide for… #
Pattern making refers to the process of creating a template or guide for cutting and constructing a garment, related terms include pattern design and drafting, in altered apparel, pattern making can involve creating a custom pattern to fit an individual's specific measurements and preferences, for example, a custom-made pattern can be created using a combination of measurements and draping techniques.
Pre #
production refers to the process of preparing for the production of a garment or product, related terms include sampling and prototyping, in altered apparel, pre-production can involve creating a prototype or sample to test the fit, comfort, and quality of a garment, for instance, a pre-production sample can be used to identify and correct defects before the garment is produced on a large scale.
Production refers to the process of creating a garment or product on a large sca… #
Production refers to the process of creating a garment or product on a large scale, related terms include manufacturing and assembly, in altered apparel, production can involve a range of techniques such as cutting, sewing, and finishing, for example, a garment produced using a combination of machine and hand techniques can be more durable and long-lasting.
Quality control refers to the process of ensuring that a product or servi… #
Quality control refers to the process of ensuring that a product or service meets the required quality standards, related terms include quality assurance and inspection, in altered apparel, quality control can involve checking for defects, flaws, and other quality issues, for instance, a quality control check can help identify defects in a garment and allow for corrective action to be taken.
Quality management refers to the process of planning, organizing, and con… #
Quality management refers to the process of planning, organizing, and controlling the quality of a product or service, related terms include quality assurance and control, in altered apparel, quality management can involve developing and implementing quality standards, procedures, and protocols to ensure that the altered garments meet the required quality standards.
Sampling refers to the process of creating a small batch of garments or products… #
Sampling refers to the process of creating a small batch of garments or products to test their quality, fit, and performance, related terms include prototyping and pre-production, in altered apparel, sampling can involve creating a small batch of garments to test the fit, comfort, and quality of a design, for instance, a sample garment can be used to identify and correct defects before the garment is produced on a large scale.
Sewing techniques refer to the methods and skills used to construct a gar… #
Sewing techniques refer to the methods and skills used to construct a garment, related terms include garment construction and assembly, in altered apparel, sewing techniques can involve a range of skills such as hand sewing, machine sewing, and finishing, for example, a garment constructed using a combination of machine and hand techniques can be more durable and long-lasting.
Shrinkage refers to the amount of shrinkage that occurs in a fabric after it is… #
Shrinkage refers to the amount of shrinkage that occurs in a fabric after it is washed or dried, related terms include fabric testing and care labels, in altered apparel, shrinkage can be important to ensure that the altered garments retain their shape and fit after washing or wearing, for instance, a garment made from a fabric with high shrinkage can be pre-washed or pre-shrunk to prevent distortion after washing.
Specification refers to a detailed description of the requirements and standards… #
Specification refers to a detailed description of the requirements and standards for a product or service, related terms include quality standards and requirements, in altered apparel, specifications can be used to ensure that the altered garments meet the required quality standards, for example, a specification for a garment can include details such as fabric type, color, and construction methods.
Stabilizer refers to a material or fabric that is used to add stability, support… #
Stabilizer refers to a material or fabric that is used to add stability, support, or shape to a garment, related terms include interfacing and lining, in altered apparel, stabilizers can be used to add structure and support to a garment, for instance, a fusible interfacing can be used to attach a stabilizer to a delicate fabric to prevent it from stretching or losing its shape.
Standard operating procedure refers to a set of instructions or guideline… #
Standard operating procedure refers to a set of instructions or guidelines that outline the steps and procedures for a specific task or process, related terms include quality control and management, in altered apparel, standard operating procedures can be used to ensure that the altered garments are constructed and inspected to the required quality standards, for example, a standard operating procedure for garment construction can include details such as sewing techniques, finishing methods, and inspection procedures.
Supply chain refers to the network of organizations and activities involv… #
Supply chain refers to the network of organizations and activities involved in the production and delivery of a product or service, related terms include sourcing and logistics, in altered apparel, supply chain can involve a range of activities such as fabric sourcing, production, and distribution, for instance, a supply chain for altered apparel can include fabric suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors.
Textile science refers to the study of the properties and behavior of tex… #
Textile science refers to the study of the properties and behavior of textiles, related terms include fabric testing and analysis, in altered apparel, textile science can be used to understand the properties and behavior of different fabrics and textiles, for example, textile science can help identify the best fabrics for a particular garment or application.
Thread count refers to the number of threads per inch in a fabric, relate… #
Thread count refers to the number of threads per inch in a fabric, related terms include fabric density and quality, in altered apparel, thread count can be important to ensure that the altered garments are made from high-quality fabrics, for instance, a fabric with a high thread count can be more durable and long-lasting than a fabric with a lower thread count.
Trim allowance refers to the amount of extra fabric allowed for trimming… #
Trim allowance refers to the amount of extra fabric allowed for trimming and finishing a garment, related terms include seam allowance and hem allowance, in altered apparel, trim allowance can be important to ensure that the altered garments have a professional finish, for example, a garment with a generous trim allowance can be finished with a blind hem or other decorative stitch.
Weft density refers to the number of weft threads per inch in a fabric, r… #
Weft density refers to the number of weft threads per inch in a fabric, related terms include fabric density and quality, in altered apparel, weft density can be important to ensure that the altered garments are made from high-quality fabrics, for instance, a fabric with a high weft density can be more durable and long-lasting than a fabric with a lower weft density.
Woven fabric refers to a type of fabric that is created by interlacing tw… #
Woven fabric refers to a type of fabric that is created by interlacing two or more sets of threads, related terms include knit fabric and nonwoven fabric, in altered apparel, woven fabric can be used to create a range of garments, from delicate lingerie to sturdy workwear, for example, a garment made from a woven cotton fabric can be durable and long-lasting, while a garment made from a woven wool fabric can be warm and insulating.