Evaluation Framework
Standardized method for quantifying fabric defects assigns penalty values based on the size and severity of irregularities found in a roll. Under the four point grading system, flaws are measured in inches or centimeters and given a score ranging from one to four points. This objective data allows a mill to classify a batch of linen as first quality or second quality based on the total points per hundred square yards.
Point Allocation
Small defects under three inches long earn a single point, while larger flaws or holes receive the maximum penalty. If a single defect exceeds nine inches in length, the four point grading system assigns four points to that specific occurrence. No more than four points can be charged to any single linear yard of fabric, regardless of the number of flaws within that space.
This capping ensures that the score remains a fair representation of the overall usability of the textile. Quality controllers record these scores on a summary sheet that accompanies the shipping documents to the garment factory.
Acceptance Thresholds
Buyers typically set a maximum allowable point count before a shipment is rejected. Most high-end linen contracts specify a limit of twenty points per hundred square yards.