How to Use a Tech Pack Template
Learn the Contents of a Tech Pack and How To Complete Them
Do it yourself tech packs are a cost-effective option but can have some challenges if not completed correctly. Here are some suggestions along with some pros and cons to consider before deciding to take on this task.
Where to Begin with Tech Pack Templates
You’ve probably discovered there are many free or low-cost options for tech pack templates, but they are all different so how do you decided?
Consider the program it was created in. If you have no experience with the program, or the template is not compatible with your operating system, you may find yourself spending more time learning the software than creating your tech pack.
Are all the pages visible before purchase so you can see what is included?
Does the template include a completed sample and instructions?
Is the download from a company or an individual? This may speak to the level of customer service they may offer in case you have questions or technical issues?
Do they offer consultation services? If you need guidance or want your tech pack reviewed by an expert this could be a nice add on.
Get Ready for Production
No pre-production package is complete without a pattern and sewn sample to go with your tech pack
If you don’t know how to pattern or sew, you may want to consider hiring a professional patternmaker to do this before you start on your tech pack. This will make sure your pattern is accurate, but also ensures your garment looks the way you want with the materials you’ve chosen by having an actual sample in hand. Additionally, manufacturers are busy, so the easier you make it for them to understand your design with a finished sample and professional pattern, the more likely they are to work with you.
Essential Elements of a Clothing Tech Pack
Below is a list of sections that should be included in a tech pack. Although there may be more, we wouldn’t recommend less
Flats or Technical Sketches – Your sketches should be black and white and to scale. Try to avoid colored fashion illustrations or photos. You should have at least a front view and a back view of your garment, but close ups for detailing or side view always help. Reuse your set of flats as many times as necessary throughout the tech pack.
Description Field – The place to briefly describe your design and insert a front and back sketch of your design as a quick overview of your garment.
Fabrication – List the fabrics, insulation, pocketing or interfacing used to create your style, along with yardage, fabric color, width of material bolt, supplier and any other information that might be helpful for you r manufacturer to know.
Pattern Layout - This page shows how the pieces are best nested on the material you chose for highest cut efficiency to minimize fabric waste. One for each type of material can be included
Sample Bill of Materials and Technical Sketch
Bill of Materials – A list of all the fabrics and findings used to create your garment. This will look more like a spreadsheet and have columns for information such as length, width, size, quantity, color, supplies, content, location on the garment. If your manufacturer had to reorder supplies for you, would they have the information to do so?
Pattern Pieces - This is a simple list of all the pattern pieces (cutter’s must) for your garment. It can cross reference with your Pattern Layout page.
Sequence of Construction – Step-by-step instructions on how to construct the garment. This generally includes Pre-Assembly and Final Finishing sections.
Measurements Table – This will include your Points of Measure, and a measurement chart for all your sizes, otherwise just the measurement for your base size is sufficient if your manufacturer can grade your design for you.
Special Instructions – Almost every design has some aspect that is unique; a good example is embroidery. If your manufacturer doesn’t do embroidery, you’ll use this section to indicate that you expect them to outsource and coordinate this work as part of the process to construct your design.
Pros and Cons of Creating Your Own Tech Pack
A few things to keep in mind if you’re deciding between hiring an expert and writing a tech pack yourself
PROS
Cost-effective and customizable Tech pack templates range from free to around $50. You’ll save money, because you won’t be paying someone an hourly rate to enter data you can enter yourself.
Set your own pace You can go at your own speed creating and entering data. If your idea isn’t yet fully realized, it can help you clarify the important elements of your design.
Learn the industry Developing your own tech pack allows you to really understand your product and how it gets made. In the end, you will be able to “talk the talk” with your manufacturer and gain a step-by-step education while watching your design come into focus.
You can pass it on If you do get overwhelmed and decide to hire a professional to complete your tech pack, all your information will be organized, so they can quickly pick up where you left off to keep the momentum going.
CONS
Time-consuming Finding a foundation template and formatting it while collecting information can be a long learning curve and take considerable time. Life may also intervene, which can cause delays and make you lose sight of your goals.
You’re still not an industry expert You will learn the industry and a lot of terminology, but manufacturers will have questions once they receive your tech pack. An experienced apparel design professional can help you navigate these inquiries, which will save you time and prevent mistakes.
No Oversight If you don’t have an expert review your tech pack for accuracy, you may experience miscommunications that result in mistakes and interruptions to production, costing you money and time while you work out the solution.
Longer Lead Time A manufacturer that has to ask a lot of questions to understand your design may end up sewing it the way they want. If you don’t approve this, you may struggle to explain the changes you want. This iteration process could take several attempts. Even if you succeed in agree on the design, you may still overlook details which an experienced professional would catch.
Know when to Get Professional Guidance
Even if you have decided to create your own tech pack, you may want to schedule an appointment with our experts to review the final draft of your tech pack and again when you get your first sample. It will go a long way to prevent you from making costly mistakes and smooth the path to a successful launch.