Sample making
Sample making: a first sample before you go into production
A first sample sewn from the pattern, in your fabric or a close match, so you can try it on, see the fit and fix it before you pay for production.
£100 – £500
A sample is the cheapest place to find a mistake. Once a factory cuts a hundred garments, a sleeve that pulls or a hem that drops costs a hundred times more to fix.
We cut and sew the sample from the pattern, then go through it with you: how it sits, what to change and where. The changes go back onto the pattern before it is graded into sizes.
You can also use the sample for photos, for buyers or as the reference your factory sews to.
What to send us
- The pattern, or ask us to cut it for you first
- The fabric and trims, or tell us what to look for
- Your sketch or technical sheet, so we sew it the way you designed it
Send it on WhatsApp or by email. Samples and paper patterns come by courier: we work with clients across the UK.
What you get back
- A sewn sample in your base size
- Notes on the fit and what we suggest changing
- The pattern updated after the fitting, ready for grading
Questions about sample making
Can you use my fabric?
Yes, and it's best if you can: the sample then shows how the real fabric hangs. Otherwise we use a close match.
How many samples will I need?
It depends on the garment. Often one sample and one round of changes is enough. If the fit needs more work, we tell you before we sew a second.
Can you make the production run too?
Ask us. Tell us the quantity and we'll tell you what we can take on.
Send us your work
We reply with the price before we start. Phone or WhatsApp 07884 901023, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00.
Other services
- Pattern cutting £120 – £500
- Pattern grading £110 – £300
- Pattern digitising £75 up to 9 pieces, then £5 a piece
- Marker making Price on request
- Embroidery From £10 a piece
- Alterations From £20