Quality Control · Bag Encyclopedia
Bag QC Checklist
The end-to-end quality control checklist we run on every bag order — from inline mid-production audits to AQL 2.5 pre-shipment inspection. Print this, hand it to your inspector, and you will not be surprised at the port.
AQL Major
2.5
Retail standard
AQL Minor
4.0
Retail standard
Zipper cycles
5,000+
Retail durability
Inline stages
3
Cut, sew, finish
Three QC stages
- Inline cutting QC — panel dimensions, grain alignment, colour match across rolls.
- Inline sewing QC — SPI (stitches per inch), seam allowance, bar-tack placement, zipper alignment.
- Pre-shipment QC — AQL sample pull, function test, packaging and carton audit.
Zipper checks
- Slider glides full length without catching or drifting.
- Slider auto-locks in position (for locking sliders).
- Tape lies flat — no waves, no puckering at ends.
- Puller attachment secure — 30 N pull test.
- Reverse coil orientation correct for water-resistant zippers.
- End-stops and box-pin fully seated.
Seam and construction checks
- SPI within tolerance (typically 8-10 for main seams, 10-12 for topstitch).
- No skipped stitches, no thread breaks, no loose ends over 5 mm.
- Bar-tack count and placement match the tech pack diagram.
- Handle joins and shoulder-strap anchors — 200 N seam pull test passes.
- Base corner reinforcement present — bag stood on base with 15 kg load for 60 s shows no seam distortion.
- Binding fully catches raw edges — no exposed weft threads.
Material and colour checks
- Colour match — panel-to-panel and panel-to-hardware, ΔE under 1.5 in D65 light.
- No fabric flaws — slubs, holes, print misregistration, lamination bubbles.
- Coating integrity — PU or PVC coating uniform, no flaking on flex test.
- Webbing and label colour match the fabric batch.
- Hardware colour — buckles, zippers and grommets consistent across the order.
Function and capacity checks
- Bag holds spec capacity — measured with polystyrene beads or a filling gauge.
- All pockets open, close and hold their contents without gaping.
- Adjustable straps slide smoothly and hold under load.
- Detachable straps clip and release cleanly.
- Bag stands unassisted (if the spec calls for a structured base).
Labels, packaging and carton
- Main label, care label and country-of-origin label correct and legible.
- Barcode scans first try — every unit.
- Hangtag attached at the specified point with the specified fastener.
- Polybag thickness and print correct — suffocation warning present.
- Carton mark matches PO, quantities correct, weight within tolerance.
- Cartons randomly opened — arrangement matches packing list.
Get our full QC pack
We share the full inspection sheet — inline and pre-shipment — with every order, plus lab test certificates for zipper, seam and colour fastness. Ask for a sample QC pack against a recent shipment.