Sewing Inspector (Quality Control)

Sewing Inspector

Department and Reporting Structure

• Department: Quality Control – Sewing
• Reports To: Sewing Operations Manager
• Direct Reports: None

Job Summary

The Sewing Inspector is responsible for inspecting sewn fabric components used in upholstered furniture, including flatwork, cushions, and topstitch, to ensure they meet quality standards and customer specifications. This role involves examining stitching, seams, fabric alignment, and overall construction, identifying defects, and working with sewing teams to resolve issues before production moves forward. The Sewing Inspector plays a critical role in maintaining product integrity and customer satisfaction. You embody our core values: We Are Family, We Own It, We Give Our All, and We Have Fun, fostering teamwork, accountability, and excellence in every aspect of the sewing inspection process.

Key Responsibilities

Inspection and Quality Control

• We Own It: Perform detailed inspections of sewn fabric components, ensuring compliance with quality standards and production specifications.
• We Give Our All: Identify defects such as skipped stitches, loose threads, seam misalignment, puckering, and inconsistent tension.
• Verify proper fabric alignment, pattern matching, and seam reinforcement based on design specifications.
• Ensure all sewn components meet required measurements before advancing to the next production stage.

Defect Identification and Resolution

• We Are Family: Communicate quality issues to sewing operators and supervisors, providing feedback for process improvements.
• Document defects and collaborate with the sewing team to implement corrective actions.
• Monitor recurring defects and recommend adjustments to sewing techniques or equipment settings.

Process Improvement and Compliance

• We Have Fun: Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and reduce sewing errors.
• Ensure compliance with company quality assurance policies, safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Assist in updating inspection guidelines and training materials for new and existing sewing team members.

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of inspection results, including defect trends and corrective actions taken.
• Generate reports on sewing quality performance and provide feedback to supervisors and production teams.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional training or certification in textile quality control is a plus.

Experience

• Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in sewing inspection or quality control preferred, preferably in upholstered furniture manufacturing. Will train the right candidate.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify defects in stitching, seams, and fabric construction.
• Knowledge of sewing techniques, fabric properties, and quality standards for upholstered furniture.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with sewing operators and production teams.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, patterns, and quality specifications.

Certifications

• None required, though training in textile inspection or lean manufacturing is a plus.

Core Competencies

• We Are Family: Collaborate with sewing operators and production teams to maintain high-quality standards.
• We Own It: Take responsibility for identifying and resolving sewing defects before products move forward in production.
• We Give Our All: Maintain high levels of accuracy and consistency in quality inspections.
• We Have Fun: Foster a positive and detail-oriented work environment while driving continuous quality improvement.

Performance Metrics

• Accuracy of inspections and defect identification.
• Reduction in rework and returned products due to sewing defects.
• Timeliness of inspections in relation to production schedules.
• Maintain excellent attendance
• Effectiveness of collaboration with sewing teams to improve quality.

Work Environment

• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to fabric, sewing equipment, and production activities.
• Standing and moving throughout the sewing department for extended periods.

Travel Requirements

• None

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, and inspect sewn components for extended periods (shifts can range from 8-10 hours per day)
• Ability to lift and maneuver fabric rolls or sewn pieces weighing up to 25 lbs.