Product Development

StitchWorks’ product development services are available to designers and inventors of both apparel and non apparel items.

In product development we help clients get their product “Production Ready.”

How to get started:

To determine the right amount of services and time needed to get your product  “Production Ready”, we ask you to fill out our Development Intake Form.  Questions on the form help us understand your brand, product, and necessary services.  Once we receive your information, our team will review and reach out with any questions regarding your product and/or our recommended steps to move forward, within 3 business days. 

Once our team has fully reviewed your intake and any additional questions we will present you with a recommendation of Product Development Time for your specific needs.  This time will be calculated based on services needed, scale and detail of product, as well as familiarity with the production process. 

  • Patternmaking

    A pattern is the template of a product, broken down into parts, for the use of cutting and construction. Also provides important information when constituting, such as notches, matchpoints, darts, drill holes, grainlines and more.

  • Tech Packs

    “Tech pack” = Technical package A tech pack is a document brands, designers, or entrepreneurs provide to production facilities. The document contains information on how to make, construct, and assemble a single sewn goods.

  • Samplemaking

    Sample is prototype, made of cloth or another fabric, showcases the measurements, fit, and drape of your design. We can provide Proto/ first sample, Development Sample, Size Run samples, Production Ready Sample. Depending on client needs.

  • Materials Sourcing

    Sourcing, helps find and presents the best options of materials for a project , by connecting clients with suppliers and mills. Sourced materials can include but not limited to fabric, custom printed textiles, trims, closures, and tags/ labels.

 FAQs

  • We are happy to do this at your request. Additional fees apply.

  • Services offered include, but are not limited to:

    • Developing patterns based on provided images and specifications.

    • Exploring material choices to enhance the design process.

    • Utilizing patterns to craft a prototype or sample.

    • Advising on optimal production methods.

    • Streamlining designs for cost efficiency through minimal material usage.

    • Offering fitting assistance for local clients (subject to restrictions).

    • Completing patterns and preparing information for the grading process.

    • Generating detailed instructions and specifications for manufacturing.

  • The tech pack is included in our Product Development fees, and includes:

    • Production Sample

    • Original Paper Pattern

    • Quality Control Information

    • Construction Instructions

  • At the very least, we require a size chart and a sketch or photo of what the final product will look like. You also want to know what fabric the item will be made out of.

  • If you live in Central Indiana or in the Midwest, and want to make the trip, an appointment can be set up to review the sample in person. Barring that, we will ship your sample to your preferred address using your preferred shipping method for you to test, fit and approve. You are responsible for all shipping costs, and for having your own fit model.

  • Yes.

  • No. Those are both outsourced, and are an additional cost.

  • We recommend having at the very minimum $5,000 budgeted for your project, and that’s usually just for one style.

    60-90 days is the average minimum time spent on development. It all depends on your item, complexity, what materials need to be sourced, etc. The more details you have ready the quicker the process can happen.