Improving the quality of production through the Six Sigma method in a textile business

This study aims to reduce seam mark defects to improve the quality in a cotton fabric manufacture business by using the Six Sigma method. The DMAIC steps were followed. First, potential root causes were identified through brainstorming. Causes related to sewing thread, sewing machine settings and operator mistakes came to the fore in the brainstorming. Then, a data collection plan was devised, and the necessary data were collected. The analysis of studies on root causes were conducted by using the collected data. It was found that sewing thread, one of the raw materials used, played a role in increasing the defects. Furthermore, it was found that sewing operators needed training, and the settings of the machines should be improved. For solving these problems, the improvements were put into use. Finally, necessary monitoring plans were made. The results of the study indicated that the seam mark defects were reduced by 63%. [Received: 23 May 2023; Accepted: 16 October 2023]