FAQ

WHAT DOES MADE APPAREL SERVICES DO?
We have a lot of skills, but our main service is creating Tech Packs for sewn product manufacture. Our emphasis is with emerging designers and small businesses aspiring to sell sewn goods or improve their existing sewn manufacture process.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?
Rough sketches, magazine tears, photos or sewn samples are a great start. The more details about your design you have, the better. If you need help concepting your idea sign up for our Design Concepting Course. If you are an existing business, we only need your sewn samples to build an Express Tech Pack.

WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE A TECH PACK?
In most cases, what people call a ‘tech pack’ is actually only a few pages of a tech pack. These pages are called “spec sheets”. MADE can add these sheets into our version of tech pack, so your prior efforts are not lost, but we will expand beyond what you have by at least 80%. Our tech pack will also be customized to your specific design (see below: Why Are Our Tech Packs Better?).

I HAVE PATTERNS AND SAMPLES; CAN I JUST GET A TECH PACK?
Yes! Check out our Express Tech Pack service. If you are still proofing your design and need assistance perfecting the fit or function before manufacturing, we can help with our Pattern Review services to get you moving forward.

WHAT IS VIRTUAL SAMPLING?
Virtual sampling is a digital process used by designers and manufacturers to create 3D virtual prototypes of garments through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software. This process simulates how the design will look and behave in different materials and represents how the product will fit on a range of body shapes and sizes without having to sew physical samples. This reduces the time, cost and material waste typically involved in the traditional product development process.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
There are so many ideas and ways to produce them that pricing can vary, but the average total cost for a single tech pack usually starts at around $1500. This total is broken up into steps to more easily manage the cost (See How It Works). Every style is unique, and we can accommodate them all. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation and we can help narrow down your needs and focus your goals.

WHY ARE OUR TECH PACKS BETTER?
There are many companies offering to build tech packs for rock bottom or really low pricing. They are able to do this by using “stock” patterns and sketches and fill in the remaining details with averages and generalities. This isn’t a bad start, but don’t mistake them for being complete or comprehensive document, and worst of all, when you go to manufacture you may not understand any of the information in them! At MADE we build your idea from scratch and work directly with you to customize the information specific to your design. Once your pattern, sample and tech pack are complete, we meet with you to review the tech pack to ensure you understand each page. See our Sample Tech Pack and if you still have questions feel free to book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss more.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR PRE-PRODUCTION PACKAGE?
As you progress through our step-by-step process you will be gaining the three things that make up this package: a full pattern set, sewn sample and tech pack. The pattern is a fully labeled and graded commercial production pattern provided to you as a printable 36” pdf, two versions of .dxf (AAMA and ASTM) and an Illustrator file (.ai). The sewn sample will be in your final material in the base size and represent as much detail as necessary to guide the manufacturer through the sewing steps. The tech pack is the “recipe” that pulls your pattern and sewn sample together with sewing instruction, in addition to listing all the supplies and materials necessary to make your sewn product. It also includes a measurement chart for all your sizes. See our Sample Tech Pack. If you’re ready to discuss more book a free consultation!

CAN I MANUFACTURE WITH MADE?
Yes! While our pre-production packages are accepted anywhere in the world, we can assist you with Manufacture Transfer, so you don’t have to sweat the details. We work with an elite group of local manufacturers that can do smaller batch quantities for those who are just starting out, or we can transition you to any manufacturer in the world for larger batch or unique manufacture needs (such as working with neoprene or Kevlar). We can also create Sample Duplicates, for use as salesman samples, in photoshoots, user study groups or fit testing.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TECH PACK, A SPEC SHEET AND A PRE-PROCUCTION PACKAGE?
A Tech Pack isn’t the only piece that you need for manufacture.  You also need a pattern and sewn sample.  These three things are actually known as a Pre-Production Package. Spec Sheets are the pages within a tech pack.  You might have several Spec Sheets, and this is commonly thought to be a tech pack, but without a pattern and sample you leave yourself open to manufacture errors and risk.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE A TECH PACK?
No, but the type of manufacturer you use will be limited and you risk errors, inefficiencies and missed deadlines.  Having an organized, professional tech pack:

  • Establishes an “instruction manual” of your product for reference at any time, such as staff changeover

  • Your design is in writing, so you have recourse if there are errors in production or something doesn’t go to plan

  • Minimizes misunderstandings by having all your design information in a single document

  • Gives you some understanding of the development and production process to speak more intelligently to how your garment is made when selling to retailers or buyers

  • You own the rights to your pattern and have the flexibility to change manufacturers or use more than one manufacturer at a time.

  • You want to build or already have your own team of employees, suppliers, contractors and contacts or would like to set them up yourself

  • You can develop your design in stages prior to manufacture to help disperse costs and go at a more comfortable pace

  • Captures your potential manufacturers interest because it shows them you are organized and ready to produce

  • It’s the industry standard and looks professional!

DO YOU SOURCE MATERIALS AND TRIMS?
MADE can help you find what you need through our growing list of referrals and our expert guidance and tips; however, our clients don’t need large quantities and your final manufacturer will likely source for you, so we use our time to work on your tech packs instead!

HOW LONG DOES THE WHOLE PROCESS TAKE?
From Step 1-Render to Step 3-Tech Pack (see How it Works) we generally need around 6 weeks (2 weeks for each step), but it all depends on your design and our schedule. Contact us as early as possible in your process, so we can be sure to meet your deadlines.

I THINK MY IDEA IS ORIGINAL. HOW DO I MAKE SURE IT STAYS PROTECTED AND PRIVATE?
We keep all information confidential whether or not a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is in effect. If you feel more comfortable having us sign an NDA before talking with us, we are happy to accommodate this on a case-by-case basis.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU HAVE AND CAN I TOUR YOUR FACILITY?
Our list of machines and capabilities is here, and you are welcome to come and visit our small, home-based business by appointment.

If you still have questions, give us a call any time at 425-830-3080 or schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We’re here to help guide you whether you choose our services or someone else’s.