Chances are if you are thinking of starting a fashion
company you have lots of ideas about what you would like to design and lots of
questions too. The first step is to get organized.
A lot of people have too many designs and need to narrow down
the styles. You can start the process with 1 to 12 styles and no more than 24
for the first season. If you want to sketch them simply trace over a figure to
get the proportion. If you don’t have the time and don’t even want to attempt
sketching simply find photos of garments similar to what you want to make. You
are going to need to convey your ideas to a patternmaker. This can be done
through your sketches, photos or actual garments.
Once you have prepared your designs you will have a list of
questions. You have some pieces to the puzzle but it is not easy to put
together. Some people feel like they must completely understand the entire
process prior to getting started. This would be impossible with no prior
industry experience but you can get a good idea of the process through your
research. Once you have done this it is best to take it one step at a time and
learn during the process.
The follow is a list of the basic steps:
- Design ideas – organize & narrow down. Create a budget.
- Patternmaking (contact experienced resources for patterns & consulting)
- Sew samples, choose fabrics & label logo
- Create website & marketing
- Grading & markers
- Cutting & sewing of production
***Please note based on what your
end result is these steps or order of steps can differ slightly. The important
thing is you have to get started someplace. I find that people usually postpone
their dream indefinitely based on fear of failure. Even if you get started
small and just get your feet wet it is better than wondering if this process is
a possibility for you.
For more information
on patternmaking and a complimentary consultation you can contact Cherie Bixler today at www.Cheriebixler.com