Section 3: Develop Your Samples
In this section, we talk about all the necessary steps to get your samples made prior to manufacturing.
Alright, let's dig into the exciting process of getting your samples made before moving on to manufacturing! In this section, we'll cover all the essential steps to bring your designs to life through prototypes. Lesson 9 is all about finding the perfect patternmaker who can translate your designs into precise patterns. In Lesson 10, we'll guide you on selecting a skilled prototype sewer to stitch together your sample garments with finesse. Planning ahead is crucial, which is why Lesson 11 will help you estimate realistic launch dates, ensuring you stay on track with your timeline. Finally, in Lesson 12, we'll show you how to evaluate your first prototype, giving you the insights needed to refine and perfect your designs. So get ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on this exciting journey of creating stunning samples that will set the stage for your manufacturing success!
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To hire a patternmaker, you’ll:
▶ Learn more about patterns and patternmakers and why you need them.
▶ Find potential patternmakers and ask key questions to evaluate them.
▶ Set your base size and take body measurements for it.
▶ Hire a patternmaker and equip them for the project by
providing necessary information.
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In this lesson, you will:
▶ Find potential sewers.
▶ Evaluate their suitability for your project.
▶ Equip them by providing necessary information.
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In this lesson, you will:
▶ Celebrate your progress so far.
▶ Decide which path is best for estimating your launch date:
full focus, life-balance, or evolving.
▶ Estimate two launch dates: soft launch and hard launch.
▶ Start planning how your role will change.
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In this lesson, you will:
▶ Adopt a resilient mindset for the prototype process.
▶ Evaluate your first prototype for fit.
▶ Evaluate your first prototype for washability.
▶ Gather feedback and engage vendors as needed—
fabric mill, patternmaker, and/or sewer.
What is a Size Set & Do I need to make a SIZE SET?!
After you finish perfecting the design in the prototype phase, make a size set so that you can evaluate the fit of each size. Another reason to use the size set is to test the placement of labels and final trims. Size sets can also be used as a salesman sample because they are standard that we use for quality when running production on a style.
WHY IS THIS STEP NEEDED?
This step is the meat of the process. This where you see, test, feel and wear your product. The final prototypes are representative of EXACTLY what production will look like!
