Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Marker Making • Operation Bulletin • Cutting

Flatlock

Term from Apparel Manufacturing industry explained for recruiters

A flatlock is a special type of sewing technique commonly used in making athletic wear, activewear, and performance clothing. It creates a flat, strong seam that lies smooth against the skin and prevents chafing, which is especially important in workout clothes and form-fitting garments. Unlike regular sewing that can create bulky seams, flatlock stitching creates a smooth join between fabric pieces that can stretch without breaking. This technique requires special industrial sewing machines called flatlock or flatlocking machines.

Examples in Resumes

Operated Flatlock machines to produce high-quality activewear seams

Trained new operators on Flatlock and Flatlocking techniques for athletic garments

Maintained production quality standards using Flatlock stitching for premium sportswear lines

Typical job title: "Flatlock Operators"

Also try searching for:

Sewing Machine Operator Garment Technician Seam Specialist Industrial Sewing Operator Flatlock Seam Specialist Activewear Sewing Operator

Where to Find Flatlock Operators

Professional Networks

Industry Resources

• Sewingprofessional.org
• Textile Industry Association

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you train new operators on flatlock machine operation?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate teaching experience, safety protocols, and ability to explain proper tension settings, thread paths, and troubleshooting methods for different fabric types.

Q: What quality control measures do you implement for flatlock seams?

Expected Answer: Should discuss inspection methods, common defects to watch for, proper stitch density, stretch requirements, and how to maintain consistent seam quality across production runs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you adjust flatlock settings for different fabric types?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to modify tension, speed, and stitch length for various materials like spandex, cotton blends, or synthetic fabrics.

Q: What are common issues with flatlock machines and how do you resolve them?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe typical problems like skipped stitches, thread breakage, or tension issues and know basic troubleshooting steps.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety procedures do you follow when operating a flatlock machine?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety rules like proper finger placement, emergency stop procedures, and maintaining a clean work area.

Q: Can you describe the basic parts of a flatlock machine?

Expected Answer: Should identify main components like loopers, needles, thread guides, and tension dials, showing basic familiarity with the equipment.