How do you ensure that your flat sketches match the measurements and specifications in your tech packs?

1 Use a standard template

One of the easiest ways to ensure that your flat sketches match your tech packs is to use a standard template for your drawings. A template is a pre-made layout that contains the basic elements of a flat sketch, such as the front and back views, the scale, the grid, the measurements, and the annotations. You can create your own template or use one of the many available online or in software programs. Using a template will help you save time, avoid mistakes, and maintain consistency across your sketches and tech packs.

2 Follow the measurement rules

To ensure that your flat sketches match your tech packs, it is important to follow measurement rules. These guidelines determine how you measure and label the different parts of your garment, like length, width, depth, circumference, and angle. Measurement rules can vary based on the type of garment, industry standard, and manufacturer's preference. However, some common measurement rules include using the same unit of measurement throughout your sketch and tech pack (e.g., inches or centimeters), using decimal points instead of fractions for accuracy and clarity, measuring from seam to seam instead of edge to edge for consistency and precision, using horizontal and vertical lines to indicate measurement points and directions on your sketch, using arrows to show the direction of the measurement and the dimension of the part, using abbreviations and symbols to label measurements (e.g., CF for center front, CB for center back, HPS for high point shoulder), and including a legend or key to explain the meaning of abbreviations and symbols on your sketch.

3 Check for errors and discrepancies

Before you finalize and send your documents, it is important to check for errors and discrepancies to ensure that your flat sketches match your tech packs. This can be due to human error, miscommunication, or changes in design or production. You can look for missing or incorrect measurements or labels, inconsistent or unclear style lines, seams, or details, mismatched or incompatible fabrics, colors, trims, or labels, and conflicting or ambiguous instructions or specifications. To verify measurements and specifications, you can use tools such as rulers, calipers, calculators, software programs, or online converters. Additionally, you can compare your sketch and tech pack with the pattern, sample, or prototype to detect any discrepancies. Finally, you can ask for feedback from colleagues, clients, or manufacturers to make sure they understand and agree with your sketch and tech pack.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?