Small Batch Sampling for Apparel and Sewn Products
Small quantities to finalize designs and prepare apparel and sewn goods for production.
More Than One Sample. Less Than a Production Run.
There are plenty of reasons to need a few additional pieces before committing to a larger manufacturing order. You may need to test a variation, evaluate selected sizes, prepare samples for sales or photography, or simply duplicate an approved product. Small batch sampling fills the space between developing a single prototype and manufacturing inventory.
Development Samples
$150/hr
Development samples are useful when the product has been developed, but there is still something specific to test, compare, or resolve. Because a change can introduce new variables in construction or sewing time, these samples include development as part of the process.
Test alternate fabrics or materials
Compare closures, trims, or finishing details
Sew selected graded sizes for fit review
Create samples for outside print, dye, wash, or other testing
Evaluate planned variations before making final decisions
Sample Duplicates
$100/hr
Sample duplication is for an established product that does not require further development. The same approved pattern and construction can be repeated in the quantities, sizes, or approved colorways needed.
Salesman and buyer samples
Trunk shows and presentations
Photography and marketing
Samples in selected sizes
Samples representing approved colorways
Other needs that require more than one finished piece
Client Reviews
Small batch sewing can serve different purposes depending on where a product is in development. Development samples allow a specific variable to be tested or evaluated after Sewn Prototyping, while sample duplication provides additional pieces once the product is already resolved. If samples are needed in additional sizes, Pattern Grading establishes the expanded size range first.
These small quantities can bridge the space between developing a single sample and committing to a manufacturing order. Because pieces are sewn individually rather than as a factory production run, quantities can remain limited to what is actually needed for testing, sales, photography, presentations, or other business purposes.
How Does Small Batch Sampling Fit Into the Process?
When Does Small Batch Manufacture Make Sense?
Small batch manufacture becomes an option once a product is fully developed and ready to be produced in larger quantities than sampling can provide. If you're deciding between a limited batch of samples and a small production run, learn how the two differ and what should be in place before approaching a manufacturer.
What Do I Need to Get Started?
A completed pattern and approved sample provide the starting point for small batch sampling. The pattern does not necessarily need to be graded unless additional sizes are needed.
For development samples, the next step is identifying what needs to be tested or compared and whether the variation affects the pattern or construction. For sample duplication, the product should already be resolved so the established pattern and construction can simply be repeated. Quantity, sizes, materials, colorways, and intended use can then be reviewed to determine the scope and estimated sewing time. If you're not sure whether your product is ready for this stage, a free consultation is where we can figure that out together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no minimum quantity. A project may include only a few additional samples, while the practical upper quantity depends on the complexity of the product and the sewing time required.
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A development sample is used when something about an existing product still needs to be tested, compared, or evaluated. This might include a different fabric, closure, finishing detail, or selected size. Sample duplication is repeat sewing of an established product when additional pieces are needed without further development.
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Yes. Small batch sewing begins with a completed pattern and approved sample. If the design or pattern still needs to be developed, Pattern Development and Sewn Prototyping come first. Pattern grading is only necessary when samples are needed in additional sizes.
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Yes. Once a pattern has been graded, selected sizes can be sewn for fit review, sales, photography, presentations, or other purposes. It is not necessary to sew every size in a graded range.
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Yes. Once colorways have been established, samples can be duplicated in selected colors while using the same approved pattern and construction.
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Yes. Samples can be sewn specifically for outside print, dye, wash, or other testing processes. These specialty processes are completed separately rather than as part of the sewing service.
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Development samples are billed at $150 per hour when testing or other development variables are involved. Sample duplication is billed at $100 per hour when the product, pattern, and construction are already established. The resulting per piece cost depends on the sewing time required for the individual product.
