Standards
Print and Embroidery Quality Review
Review artwork, placement, substrate compatibility and finished appearance against an approved decoration reference. Define durability evaluation separately from visual approval.
Scope and applicability
Distinguish a printed strike-off, an embroidery sew-out and a decorated garment sample. Each answers a different question. The same artwork can behave differently on another fabric or construction, so identify the intended substrate and finished state when approving decoration.
Acceptance criteria to agree
Confirm these items in the project specification before making a pass or fail decision. This guide does not set a universal acceptance limit.
| Item | Specify before review |
|---|---|
| Artwork identity | Approved file version, dimensions, colors and permission to use the design. |
| Placement | Datum, distance, orientation, size-specific treatment and agreed positional tolerance. |
| Process and substrate | Decoration route, actual fabric, color, finish and any backing or support relevant to the sample. |
| Appearance | Reference for coverage, registration, edge definition, hand feel, puckering and acceptable variation. |
| Durability, if required | The agreed care or exposure procedure, evaluation points and acceptance criteria. |
Review method and record
- Confirm the approved artwork and placement drawing. Separate design approval from the approval of a physical decoration result.
- Evaluate the strike-off or sew-out on the proposed substrate. Compare its scale, color, edge quality, hand feel and interaction with the fabric.
- Review the decorated garment in its intended finished state. Check placement from the specified datum and note how seams, folds or stretch affect the design.
- Perform the project-required durability evaluation under the agreed conditions. Retain the before and after observations and the identity of the evaluated sample.
- Record the approval or required change. A change in fabric, artwork size, process or finishing route should trigger a review of the affected approval.
Common failure modes and prevention
| Failure mode | Preventive review |
|---|---|
| Transfer peeling or cracking | Review the material-process combination and the agreed durability evidence before relying on appearance alone. |
| Artwork missing, shifted or rotated | Use a controlled artwork list and a placement drawing with an unambiguous datum. |
| Embroidery distorts a lightweight or stretchy substrate | Evaluate the sew-out and garment appearance with the proposed support and construction. |
| Color migration or unexpected shade change | Assess the actual substrate and decoration combination under the conditions required by the project. |
Evidence that supports the decision
Retain the artwork version, substrate identity, strike-off or sew-out reference, placement readings, appearance comments, applicable care results and approval decision. A generic process description cannot prove durability on a different garment.
Match the record to the material, sample or lot under discussion. See how to evaluate supporting evidence.
Buyer questions
Does approval of the artwork file approve the finished print?
No. The file establishes the design. The physical sample establishes how the selected process reproduces it on the relevant substrate.
Can one decoration sample cover all garment sizes?
Only if the approved specification defines how artwork size and placement apply across the size range. Record exceptions instead of assuming the same positioning works everywhere.
Discuss your project requirements
Send the information below to make the review specific to your product.
- Product, material and specification version.
- The reference or method and acceptance criteria you need.
- Sample or lot identity and the decision to be made.