Fashion Sampling: Step By Step Guide to Garment Development

Updated: Apr 6

Following your design concept, tech packs and fabric choices it’s time to start the garment development process. We’ve outlined the step by step process that is required to turn a design on paper to a final sample ready for production.

This guide is specifically for the pattern & sample development process of turning your design from 2D to 3D but if you still need help with the design and tech pack stage drop us an email to chat through how we can help.

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Development Process for Garment Sampling:

1. Pattern & Toile

In order to turn your design from a paper drawing to a 3D garment, we need to draft a pattern. A pattern is the creation of a templates or blueprint that outlines the precise shapes and dimensions of garment components. These patterns serve as guides for cutting fabric to the correct size and shape needed to assemble a garment. It takes into account factors such as fabric type, desired fit, and any embellishments or trims to be incorporated. Essentially, pattern making enables the translation of 2D fabric into a 3D garment. The first pattern is sewn up is known as a “toile” - toiles are often made in substitute fabrics like calico or jersey alternatives and are used to make sure the pattern sews together as intended whilst testing that the pattern sews together properly, trialling different sewing techniques and finishes.

2. Toile fitting & Feedback

Upon receiving your toile, it's essential to conduct a fitting session and compile any feedback and adjustments you wish to incorporate for your next sample. This may involve modifications to measurements or selecting alternative finishes. You have the flexibility to provide feedback via email, video call, or opt for personalised fitting sessions, which can be arranged as an additional service.

3. Pattern Adjustments & 1st Sample

Following the fit session and feedback, we modify the pattern accordingly and craft a sample using your selected fabric. As we transition to your chosen fabric, additional adjustments may be necessary as part of the ongoing development process as we work out the best handling of your fabric but will update you as we work through, maintaining daily communication as we often require quick approvals on changes we are making. Once sample is complete, we’ll also caluculate an estimated production cost based on the sample as is.

4. 1st Sample Fitting & Feedback

A really exciting part of the process for clients is seeing a design in their chosen fabric, you’ll need to do another fitting and curate feedback for the next steps. The development process will generally consist of 1 Toile and 2 samples in your chosen fabric to get them perfect and ready for production so after feedback received it’s likely we’ll move on to further pattern adjustments & 2nd sample.

5. Pattern Adjustments & 2nd Sample

Following the fit session and feedback on the 1st sample we’ll make further adjustments to the pattern accordingly and sew a 2nd sample n your chosen fabric, at this stage your production cost will be calculated and given no further adjustments needed.

6. Final Sample Fitting & Pre-production Approval

Also known as a sign off, you will conduct a fit session of the 2nd sample and if all okay will be given the final approval. From this final approval we will take the sample pattern and have it digitally graded in your chosen size range ready for production.

If you're ready with designs and want to get started on the development process you can book a free 15minute discovery call with us using the link below.

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