WORKSHOP #1
In this two-hour workshop, Xochil Herrera, President and Founder of The Chicago Pattern Maker, will demystify the tech pack—the essential blueprint for bringing a garment design to life. Whether you're a designer, a brand owner, or a student, mastering the tech pack is crucial for effective communication with your production partners, especially with vendors like those at Texworld and Apparel Sourcing NYC!
What You'll Learn
This foundational workshop begins by defining what a tech pack is and why it is one of the most critical tools in the garment production process. You’ll learn how to clearly communicate every aspect of your design—from fabrics and trims to construction details—so your vision is accurately executed by manufacturers.
Key Focus Areas:
- Understanding the Anatomy of a Tech Pack
Learn how to read and interpret key components, including the Bill of Materials (BOM), stitch and seam details, and colorways. - Communicating with Vendors
Discover best practices for sharing technical information with factories and fabric suppliers to ensure clarity and build strong production relationships. - Creating Your Specifications
Review real-world examples of well-documented spec sheets and begin creating your own during the workshop, with hands-on guidance from industry experts.
Key Takeaways:
How to Measure and Spec a Garment
Gain a clear understanding of industry-standard measurement techniques. Learn how to create accurate spec sheets and Points of Measure (POMs) to ensure consistency in sizing and fit across production runs.
Quality Control (QC)
Understand how to use your tech pack as a quality control checklist by cross-referencing finished garments against your specifications to identify and correct discrepancies before production.
WORKSHOP #2 (PART II – Advanced Session)
Prototype to Production: Mastering Sample Evaluation and Factory Communication
Offered as a Part II advanced workshop on Thursday, July 30 (12:45 PM – 2:45 PM), this session builds directly on the fundamentals introduced in Workshop #1.
In this two-hour session, Xochil Herrera guides participants through the critical transition from development to production—focusing on sample evaluation, fit analysis, and factory communication.
What You’ll Master
Dive deeper into the garment development process by learning how to evaluate samples, conduct fit sessions, and communicate revisions to your factory with precision. This session emphasizes minimizing costly production errors and ensuring quality before scaling to bulk production.
Key Focus Areas:
- The Sample Review Process
Learn how to evaluate samples (P1, P2, etc.) for fit, function, construction, and materials against tech pack specifications and industry tolerances. - Identifying and Correcting Fit Issues
Gain professional techniques for conducting fit sessions, analyzing garment construction, and documenting corrections for issues such as proportion, balance, and seam placement. - Setting Production Standards
Understand the differences between sample stages (Sew-by, Pre-Production (PP), Top of Production (TOP)) and how to finalize your tech pack for manufacturing, including trims, labeling, and packaging details.
Part II Key Takeaways:
Evaluating Samples & Factory Communication
Learn how to inspect samples against original tech pack specifications and clearly document discrepancies—such as measurement deviations, incorrect materials, or construction errors—using professional terminology for effective vendor communication.
Resolving Fit & Quality Issues for Production
Understand how to finalize fit corrections and address material performance issues (such as shrinkage or color fastness). Learn how to establish acceptable tolerance ranges and approve production-ready samples to ensure consistent bulk output that meets your brand standards.
Learn more about Xochil and The Chicago Pattern Maker here.
Workshop seats are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis – Tickets can be purchased through online registration.
Participation Fee: $115 per attendee
- 20-person cap per class (25 max if overflow)
This is a paid add-on, not included with your complimentary registration.
Workshop Details:
Part 1: Tech Packs: Your Fashion Design Blueprint
Part 2: Prototype to Production: Mastering Sample Evaluation and Factory Communication
Workshop Dates & Times:
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026