FAQs on Sewn Goods and Apparel Product Development
GETTING STARTED
Q. What does MADE Apparel Services do?
MADE provides independent product development for apparel and sewn products. We help founders develop their designs through pattern making, sewn samples, pattern grading, tech packs, and Founder Support as they move into manufacturing.
Q. I don’t know how to draw. Can you still help me?
Yes. You don’t need professional illustrations. A rough sketch, photos of specific details, a reference garment, or even a rough prototype can be used to begin pattern development.
Q. Can I use AI-generated images to show you my design idea?
Yes, but AI-generated design images are often inaccurate in proportion and construction. If you use them, please supplement them with photos of real garments showing the specific details you want to reference.
Q. What do I need to get started?
Start with whatever already exists: sketches, reference images, a rough prototype, an existing garment, patterns, samples, or technical documentation. We’ll review what you have and determine where your project should begin.
Q. How should I prepare for my free video consultation?
Please send your sketches, illustrations, and reference images before your scheduled consultation so we can review your concept beforehand. This allows us to spend the meeting discussing your specific product and development needs rather than trying to understand the idea for the first time.
Q. Is my idea protected if I share it with you?
We treat project information as confidential. If you would like a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in place before sharing your illustrations, concepts, or other project details, please send it to us before your scheduled consultation.
Q. Do you work with remote clients?
Yes. MADE works with clients throughout the U.S. using video meetings, digital file sharing, and sample shipping. You do not need to be located near our Seattle-area studio to complete product development with us.
Q. Can I visit your facility?
Yes, by appointment. MADE is a small, professional home-based development studio equipped with industrial sewing equipment and digital patternmaking technology.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Q. What’s included in the product development process?
Our product development process typically moves through pattern making, sewn sampling, pattern grading, and tech pack development. Each stage establishes information needed for the next and prepares your product for manufacturing.
Q. What is a tech pack and why do I need one?
A tech pack documents the measurements, materials, construction, pattern information, and other specifications needed to manufacture your product. At MADE, that information can come from an approved pattern, sewn sample, or existing product, depending on where your project begins.
Q. What’s the difference between a tech pack, a spec sheet, and a pre-production package?
A spec sheet documents specific product information. A tech pack brings the technical specifications together into a complete manufacturing reference. A pre-production package combines the tech pack with supporting development assets such as the approved pattern and sewn sample. Learn more about the differences between tech packs, spec sheets, and patterns.
Q. I already have a tech pack. Can you use it?
Yes, but what is called a tech pack often contains only part of the information needed for manufacturing. We can build from what you already have, while using your existing patterns and samples to determine where you are in the development process and what is still needed.
Q. What makes MADE’s tech packs different?
MADE’s tech packs are built from information established through actual product development whenever possible. Rather than filling a template with assumptions, we document the pattern, materials, measurements, construction methods, and other details developed for your specific product.
Q. What’s the difference between a sewn sample and a production sample?
A development sample helps establish and evaluate the product itself. A production sample is made by your manufacturer so you can evaluate how well that factory can reproduce the approved design before committing to production.
Q. Do I need a sewn sample before manufacturing?
Not necessarily. If your manufacturer is also developing your product, its samples may be part of that process. With independent product development, the product is sampled and approved beforehand so factory sampling can focus on reproducing what has already been established.
Q. How is fit evaluated during development?
Fit begins with pattern development. MADE develops patterns in CLO 3D using industry-standard Alvanon dress forms to establish fit and proportion, then evaluates the physical sewn sample to see how the pattern, materials, and construction come together on the body.
COSTS AND TIMELINES
Q. How much does product development cost?
MADE’s average client spends approximately $3,500+ in development services for a single basic sewn product. Costs vary by product complexity and are estimated one development step at a time. Learn more about product development costs and timelines.
Q. How much does a sewn sample cost?
Sample costs depend on the complexity of the product and the time required to construct it. MADE’s sewn sampling is billed at $150 per hour, with an estimate provided for your specific design before sampling begins.
Q. How long does the product development process take?
Most development steps are completed within 1–2 weeks of the corresponding intake session. Overall timing depends on product complexity, revisions, shipping and approvals, and the number of styles being developed. Learn more about product development costs and timelines.
MANUFACTURING AND BEYOND
Q. Can I manufacture with MADE?
MADE specializes in apparel product development rather than clothing manufacturing. We develop the patterns, sewn samples, grading, and technical documentation needed to prepare your product for manufacturing. Founder Support is available once you begin working with a factory.
Q. Do I need to find a manufacturer before I start product development?
No. Development can happen independently or through a manufacturer. The important differences include when development happens, who controls the process, who owns the resulting patterns and files, and whether those files can be used with another manufacturer.
Q. Does MADE provide fabric or material sourcing?
MADE does not provide fabric or material sourcing, but we guide you through material selection as part of product development. We help you understand fabric types and requirements, evaluate options and swatches, and make informed material choices before sewn sampling.
Q. How many samples should I create before launch?
Additional samples are useful when they serve a specific purpose, such as evaluating fit in another size, testing a change, or creating samples for photography and marketing. MADE can create additional sewn samples, or you can continue sampling with your manufacturer before production.