It Wasn’t the Factory’s Fault: The Real Reason Your Samples Keep Turning Out Wrong
When James (name changed for privacy) reached out to me, he was exhausted, mentally and financially.
He had already worked with three different factories on what was supposed to be his hero product. But every time the samples arrived, they were off.
Sometimes it was the fit. Other times it was the stitching. Once, the entire design looked like it belonged in a completely different collection.
Each time, James thought the factory was the issue. So he changed factories.
Again.
And again.
And again.
But nothing changed.
When the problem isn’t the factory
Factories are there to execute your design. Not to guess what you meant.
James had handed over a tech pack. But it wasn’t complete.
It had a few unclear sketches, a fabric swatch, and some image references. What it was missing?
Construction notes
Stitch details
Fabric weights
Accurate sizing and measurement specs
If your tech pack is vague, your sample will be too.
The factories weren’t failing. They were following unclear directions.
How we fixed it
We started from scratch.
Together we created a detailed tech pack that included:
Clean vector flats and realistic hand-drawn sketches
Stitching instructions and construction methods
Fabric weights and sourcing notes
Fit measurements and tolerances
Visuals for trims and fastenings
What you can take from this
If your samples keep turning out wrong, pause before blaming the maker.
Ask yourself:
Have I actually given them a clear blueprint?
Would I know how to construct this from my instructions?
Are there gaps in my tech pack or assumptions I’ve left unstated?
Factories follow what you give them. If your guidance isn’t sharp, your sample won’t be either.
Want to avoid the same mistakes?
This is exactly why I created my fashion design packages — to help founders like you avoid the guesswork and save thousands in production delays and failed samples.
Whether you need help with sourcing, illustrations, or full production-ready documentation, I’m here to help.
Explore the services, or get in touch to start with clarity.
