“The Final Gatekeeper” – How Mishow’s Needle Detection Process Ensures Safety and Trust

In garment production, there’s a behind-the-scenes hero that often goes unnoticed — the needle detector.
Although invisible to the eye, this machine serves as the final gatekeeper, protecting both your brand reputation and the safety of end customers.

What is a needle detector?

A needle detector is a device that checks garments for any broken sewing needle tips or small metal fragments left inside the product.
This inspection is essential for Japanese orders, reflecting Japan’s high safety standards.
On the other hand, many Western buyers don’t require it — a good example of how product safety expectations vary by market.

Needle breakage is part of daily factory life

Countless needles are used in making each shirt or pair of pants, and needle breakage is not unusual during sewing.
At Mishow, we follow strict protocols to recover all broken pieces when this happens (we’ll share more on that process in a future post).
Still, tiny metal fragments could remain inside a garment — which is why needle detection is absolutely necessary.

Mishow’s needle detection process

We have a dedicated inspection room equipped with a Japanese conveyor-type needle detector, allowing our trained staff to check each garment individually.

But having a machine is not enough. Our operators are trained to follow strict procedures, including recording each check and properly handling any detection alerts.
If a product triggers the machine, it is immediately isolated for rechecking, resewing, or remaking as needed.

The machine itself is also inspected regularly to ensure magnetic strength and sensor sensitivity remain stable.

Protecting trust through the unseen

Needle detection is what we call “invisible quality assurance.” It’s not about appearance — it’s about safety and brand trust.

Just one metal fragment in a garment could lead to product recalls or serious brand damage. That’s why we treat this step as one of the most critical parts of our production process.

Responsibility starts where the eye can't see

No matter how stylish or well-made a product may be, if it isn’t safe, it isn’t sellable.

At Mishow, we will continue to take responsibility even for the invisible parts — to protect our customers and bring smiles to those who wear our products.