What Goes Into My Tech Packs?
That is a very good question. Here is an in-depth explanation which will help you understand the details that go into every one of my tech packs and the process. If you want to check out my past post about why you need tech packs, click here.
I create my tech packs in Adobe Illustrator and deliver them to you in PDF format. I know some people use Excel, and both have pros and cons, but I find in Illustrator you can create a layout that is easier to understand and more visually appealing, which ultimately helps guide the manufacturer more effectively. In my experience, an Excel spreadsheet can be quite clunky and cause manufacturers to gloss over important details.
I aim to help you fully understand the technical information that goes into creating your garments. I do this by using colour, pictures, and easy-to-understand technical information, because the more you understand your product, the better results you will be able to achieve.
The First Page /Cover - All The Basic Information:
A detailed Illustrator CAD drawing of the front and back of the garment - coloured in, with all the correct stitching details.
A unique style number that I will generate for maximum effectiveness. When communicating about your designs, it is best to get into the habit of quoting the style number to avoid any confusion.
Garment description, fabric description (jersey, linen, etc), suggested fabric information (details can be supplied, updated at a later date if still sourcing).
Colour-way list, thread type and colour.
Trim list (colour, type and amount needed; if you have specific trims sourced, I can include images or example images of what you aim to source).
Sample size and size range required in production.
Company logo (if you have one) to make your tech packs easily recognisable
Date the sample is required, to help set a deadline for the work. I normally give a two-to three-week window upon handing over your designs to the factory. When working abroad, a shorter lead time is often available in the UK, but the factory you work with will be able to give you lead times based on their workload.
Having all this information on the first page makes the tech pack quick to refer to all in one place without flipping through the pages.
Then the following pages will go into further details. This is the best practice that I have learned through my years of working in the industry.
Page Two - Design Page:
Black and white front and back CAD drawing (to see the stitch/seam details clearly) with short detailed descriptions about each part of the garment and arrows to each detail, plus images when required.
Plus the garment sketch on a mannequin to show the proportions on the body, if relevant.
Page Three - Inspiration:
Including key images of existing garments and inspirational images to help the manufacturer visualise the fit and styling/final outcome, this helps to clearly communicate the look and feel of your garment, plus show any important details in more detail.
Page Four - Sample Measurements:
Here I display the sketch with indicators of where the measurements are taken (POM), and a detailed breakdown of the measurements in a chart for creating the first sample, with a couple of blank columns included so you can use it as a working document when you receive your samples. The extra columns encourage you to record the sample measurements and any adjustments required after sampling/fitting.
From the sample measurements, your factory will be able to create your samples. Once you have your finalised samples, your manufacturer will be able to work with you to grade your final patterns.
Page 5 - Seam Map:
This is the technical bit where I break down the types of seams, construction details, and /pocket bag information, etc. Here I like to really analyse how to get the best finish for a garment and recommend high-quality finishing details. Including images if necessary to illustrate. Badly finished garments are my pet peeve, and all the extra detail I go into there really helps to achieve a high-quality finished garment while still being commercially viable.
Page 6 - Label Map:
Care label placement and information suggestions - I will also give you a suggestion about the best back neck branding label placement. There are a few different styles and ways of attaching branding labels; this is something we can discuss on our call if you know what style of label you will want. It is often a step that gets overlooked in the process, but it is good to think about early on what style of labelling you will want on your final garment; these are the finishing details which help create a finished professional garment with a strong brand image.
Page 7 - Artwork/Print/Graphics:
If your design includes any graphics, all-over print or embroidery, this is when I will scale up the graphic and provide a colour key, placement and scale information. Plus Pantone references and hex codes if required.
Page 8 - Colour-Way Information (If Required)
Displaying each colour-way clearly with a colour key, plus Pantone references and hex codes if required. 3 different colour-ways included in the price, for any additional colour-ways needed, there will be a small additional fee.
Page 8 - Additional Comments Page:
This is for your own personal notes; it keeps all your notes with the relevant design and creates extra organisation. It is a small detail but can be helpful when in a factory environment to make sure any adjustments you have made are noted.
Print your tech packs out so you have physical instructions to hand when visiting manufacturers and look like the professional you are!
Here is some feedback I have received about my work.
“Working with Lottie was the best decision I made when designing my garment. Lottie was so approachable and helpful during the whole process. We discussed my design in detail, and Lottie asked all the right questions so that she could create a tech pack that was just what I envisioned.
It was such a pleasure to work with someone who is really talented but also really cares about the finished piece. As someone who has never created a tech pack, the investment was just invaluable. I’ll be working with Lottie again in the future, and I’d 100% recommend her to anyone looking for support with their garment tech packs!”
If you would like to create your tech packs with me, please get in touch, and I can help guide you through the design process.
Email me at hello@lottiewoodsdesign.com
Love, Lottie xx
