Four-point inspection: how a roll of fabric is scored

The four-point system is the common way to grade woven fabric. An inspector runs the roll over a lit frame and gives each visible fault points by its length: up to 3 inches is 1 point, over 3 up to 6 inches is 2, over 6 up to 9 inches is 3, and over 9 inches is 4. Holes and openings score by size, with anything over 1 inch counting 4. No single running yard can collect more than 4 points. The points are then turned into a score per 100 square yards, so wide and narrow cloth can be compared fairly. The roll passes if that score is at or below the limit the buyer and supplier agreed. Many buyers use 40 points per 100 square yards, but the number is a contract term, not a law.