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Should I Have a Pattern Ready Before I Contact a Factory?

QUESTION:

Hi team Fashion Insiders, should I have a garment pattern ready before I contact a factory?

~ Kelly, London, UK

 

Hey Kelly, ideally YES!

The garment pattern for your product is one of the most important elements in the process of translating your idea to finished product. Getting it right in terms of design and fit is essential for the success of your business.

With that in mind – some factories provide pattern making services, and some don’t.

If you are just starting out, it is best that you find a pattern cutter and work with them to get the pattern perfect.

Related reading: How to Find a Pattern Cutter for Your Needs

Then contact a factory. This will allow you to:

  • have a bigger choice of factories to select from
  • reduce your sample development process
  • get the 1st sample as close to right as possible.

It will also show a factory that you are serious about wanting to work with them.

Another important reason to have the pattern in advance is that you would have gotten to know your product in the process of creating the pattern. With the help of your garment pattern cutter, you would have finalised your fabric choices as well as techniques that you would require to be used in the process of making your sample.

Related reading: What a Factory Wants You to Know Before You Approach Them

 

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