Section 4: Create Your Tech Pack
In this section, we talk about why a tech pack is important, how to get it done, and what elements go into it.
Get ready for a jam-packed section full of essential information! We're diving into the world of tech packs and all the reasons why they're crucial for your design process. In Lesson 13, we'll guide you through the exciting process of making your labels, adding that professional touch to your garments. Once you've completed your prototype in Lesson 14, it's time to move on to Lesson 15, where we'll help you determine the perfect styles, sizes, and colors for your collection. But that's not all! In Lesson 16, we'll explore the art of pattern grading, ensuring your designs fit flawlessly across different sizes. And last but certainly not least, in Lesson 17, we'll show you how to create a comprehensive tech pack that captures all the essential elements of your design, from measurements to materials and beyond. So get ready to level up your design game and create impressive tech packs that will streamline your production process like never before!
This is the technical sketch that shows every seam and garment detail of the design. The sketch is used by the pattern maker and sample sewer as a guide for when it is time to draft the pattern for design.
-
In this lesson, you will:
▶ Go on a label field trip to see what’s out there.
▶ Plan your labels—how many per garment, content to
include, and look and feel.
▶ Get digital artwork done for each label. Secure a vendor
who specializes in making clothing labels.
▶ Have a sample label made.
▶ Test the sample for placement, look, and washability.
▶ Place your bulk order.
-
In this lesson, you will:
▶ Conduct field test for wearability with fit models.
▶ Organize feedback, assess changes, and engage vendors
▶ Repeat the revision process as needed for your base size,
usually at least twice.
▶ Using my criteria, ask yourself: Is my prototype done?
-
In this lesson, you will:
▶ Make an early plan for how many SKUs you’ll produce.
▶ Assess your capacity in terms of storage, customer
service, and budget.
▶ Adjust and finalize your plan. You’ll consider your
capacity, costs, and brand goals.
-
In this lesson, you will:
▶ Define “grading” and explain how it’s different from prototyping. Define “yield” and explain how it affects your fabric costs.
▶ Find a patternmaker who specializes in grading. Give them a roadmap for calculating grade rules.
▶ Hire the patternmaker to grade for all five sizes and estimate yield.
▶ Update your Bill of Materials (BOM) with your yield estimate. Hire your sewer to make a prototype of every other size.
Editable Techpack template
This template is a blank slate for you to create your garment. This is great for those that have a good foundation and knowledge of points of measure and apparel in general.
This template doesn't have step-by-step instructions on how to use. I recommend joining our Apparel Mentor program for a more in-depth dive into tech packs.
Join our Apparel Entrepreneur Community Today!
