How It Works
A detailed explanation of our customizable, step by step approach for developing sewn product ideas
Design Stage
STEP 1 - CONCEPTING
If you don’t know how to draw, sew or pattern, this course is for you. Using our Design Concepting Guide, we take you step by step through the process of creating an illustration through the use of annotations, callouts and images rather than sketches. We explain the importance of using a Human form within your illustrations and how to keep it simple and organized onto one page called a Concept Board. As you are refining and clarifying your design we work with you through weekly meetings to ensure that it can be sewn in a manufacturable way. We also help you understand the best materials to use and teach you about sourcing, logo and branding, prints, patterns, labels and the overall process of getting to manufacture. At the end of this course you will be able to apply your knowledge to all of your future design ideas.
Pre-requisite - At least one sewn product idea for us to help you concept
Timeframe - 4 - 30 minute video session over approximately 4 weeks
Average Price per style - $300
Deliverable - A finished concept board created by you
Development Stage
STEP 2 - PATTERN MAKING
If you have an illustration or rough prototype we can begin turning your concept into a sewing pattern. We start by determining a body style and size that best matches your target market using the Alvanon series of dress forms. Once we’ve established your brand’s base size, we begin building your pattern. When the pattern is done, we virtually sew it to on the dress form to check fit and verify all the technical sewing stuff is correct. We then finish it off with the details that bring it to life, such as top stitching, buttons, zippers, brand labels, and prints or graphics. At completion of this step you will receive a link to the CLO-set platform to view a 3D render of your concept where you can make comments, upload files or download your design. If we didn’t get the look quite right, we include two rounds of edits to ensure we do!
If you already have a pattern, check out our services for Pattern Review or Sample Sewing
Required - Concept board, illustration or a roughly sewn prototype
Timeframe - 1-2 weeks from project start
Starting Price per style - $300
Deliverable - Web link to your virtual style you can download and share; List of materials and supplies
STEP 3 - SEWN SAMPLES
This step is geared towards the technical side of sewing and development. We will verify your patterns for accuracy and ensure your garment can be sewn efficiently for manufacture. We also ensure your design can be sewn with the materials you’ve chosen; however, we can use one of our in-house materials if you are still deciding on a final fabric. As we sew we write the Sequence of Construction, establish the stitch types for all the seams in your design, and make last minute corrections to the pattern to ensure there are no errors. We then fully label your pattern for a commercial production environment, and we now have all the information we need to write a tech pack!
If you already have a sample, check out our Express Tech Pack Service or Pattern Review.
Required - A full pattern set. If the pattern was created outside of MADE we will do a Pattern Review first.
Timeframe - Additional 1-2 weeks
Starting Price per style - $300
Deliverable - Sewn sample and printable domestic sewing pattern at 36” width PDF
STEP 5 - TECH PACKS
When you’re confident your design is in demand and you need to scale, we begin the process of compiling all of the details unique to your style into one large instruction manual - a tech pack. This, along with your graded pattern and sewn sample, creates a powerful trifecta of technical information known as a Pre-Production Package. It describes all the materials and supplies needed, and steps required to sew your design.
While we are busy compiling data, you will finalize all of your materials and trims. You can also begin ordering labels and other supplies and start reaching out to manufacturers to schedule the sampling process and prepare for you first production run. See a Sample Tech Pack here.
If you’re nervous about transitioning to a manufacturer on your own, check out our Manufacture Transfer Service.
Required - Pattern and Sewn Sample
Timeframe - Additional 1-2 weeks
Starting Price per style - $1000
Deliverable - Tech Pack, Measurement Chart, Size Chart, Commercial Grade Pattern
STEP 4 - SMALL BATCH MANUFACTURE
Your design is as ready as ever so it’s time to test the market. We work with you to establish your size range, create you customer facing size chart, grade your patterns and start sewing quantity.
GRADED SET- We sew your style in one of each size in your range. This will proof your grade and ensure everything sews together as expected across all of your sizes. We recommend doing this as a minimum before continuing with any other services.
SAMPLE DUPLICATES- Around 20 -25 pieces in the sizes, colorways or fabrication of your choice. This option gives you some inventory at a better price, but can take a little longer.
ON DEMAND- We sew your pieces as you receive orders. This pay as you go option is more expensive in the long run, but eliminates committing to inventory that may not sell right away.
Required - Final pattern
Timeframe - Additional 1-2 weeks
Starting Price per style - $300
Deliverable - Sewn sample
Production Stage
General Information
Overall timeframe from concept to tech pack is 6-8 weeks, but you can choose your own pace. Starting cost for one basic style is $2000, but the typical style developed by our clients averages around $4500 with 1-2 styles being developed at a time.