How do you create a tech pack for a fabric with a complex weave or print?

2 Define your weave or print

The next step is to define your weave or print and how it will be applied to your fabric. A weave is the way the warp and weft threads are interlaced to create a fabric, such as plain, twill, or satin. A print is a pattern or image that is transferred onto the fabric, such as screen print, digital print, or sublimation print. You should specify the type, size, placement, and orientation of your weave or print, and provide a clear visual reference, such as a sketch, a photo, or a CAD file. You should also indicate the color codes, such as Pantone or CMYK, and the repeat size and direction, if applicable.

3 Create your pattern

The third step is to create your pattern, which is the shape and size of each piece of your garment. You can create your pattern manually, using a paper or muslin prototype, or digitally, using a software such as Adobe Illustrator or Gerber. You should make sure your pattern matches your fabric's width, grainline, and selvedge, and that your weave or print is aligned and symmetrical on each piece. You should also label your pattern pieces with names, numbers, and notches, and include seam allowances and cutting lines.

4 Make your sample

The fourth step is to make your sample, which is a prototype of your garment made with the actual fabric and trims. You should follow your pattern and construction instructions, and check for any fit, style, or quality issues. You should also take photos of your sample from different angles, and measure its dimensions and tolerances. You should compare your sample with your design concept and specifications, and make any adjustments or corrections as needed.

5 Document your details

The fifth step is to document your details, which are the technical information and instructions that accompany your pattern and sample. A tech pack template should be created which includes a cover page with brand name, style name and number, season, and contact information; a sketch page with a flat sketch of the garment from the front and back, with annotations of key features and measurements; a fabric page with a description of the fabric, its name, code, supplier, composition, weight, width, and technical data sheet; a trim page with a list of all trims and accessories used in the garment such as buttons, zippers, labels, tags, and threads; a construction page with detailed instructions on how to assemble the garment including diagrams and stitch types; and finally a measurement page with a table of all measurements and tolerances of the garment for each size and pattern piece. Additionally, a measurement guide should be included to show how to measure each point on the garment.

6 Review and finalize

The final step is to review and finalize your tech pack, and make sure it is clear, complete, and accurate. You should check for any errors, inconsistencies, or missing information, and proofread your text and images. You should also format your tech pack in a professional and organized way, using fonts, colors, and layouts that are easy to read and follow. You should save your tech pack in a PDF file, and share it with your manufacturer via email or a cloud service. You should also communicate with your manufacturer regularly, and ask for feedback and confirmation on your tech pack.

7 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?