Stitch Failure
Visible gaps between joined fabric panels appear when tension or load pulls the seam open to reveal the sewing threads. Often found in lightweight or loosely woven materials, seam grin indicates a lack of structural integrity in the garment construction. This defect occurs when the stitch density is too low or the thread tension is insufficient to hold the edges together.
Mechanical Cause
Transverse loads during wear force the loops of the stitch to elongate. If the fabric yarns slide easily over each other, the seam grin becomes more pronounced. This problem is particularly common in satin weaves or fabrics with high-filament synthetic yarns.
Prevention Strategy
Increasing the stitches per inch or using a different stitch type can mitigate the visibility of the threads. For example, a mock safety stitch or a wider overlock provides more resistance to pulling. Choosing a thread with a higher friction coefficient also helps to lock the stitches in place against the fabric.
Inspection Standard
Quality auditors verify this property by applying a specific force to the seam and measuring the resulting gap. Any opening that exceeds a predefined millimetre threshold results in a rejection of the batch. This test ensures that the finished clothing can withstand the stresses of normal use without showing unsightly gaps at the shoulders or side seams.