In brief
You’ll have files a factory can follow without guessing, and samples that match the design closely enough that revisions stay about fit and finish, not basic construction.
You’re aiming at a first drop or a production run, and the sticking point is usually specs that don’t answer a factory’s questions. You’ll end up with a set of tech packs, patterns, and fit notes that keep samples close the first time. If you’d like to move ahead, we’ll start with your line plan and reference.
We build the work around the decisions that affect the first sample: measurements, seam construction, materials, and tolerances. You’ll see flats and a measurement spec early, then a full tech pack, then fitting notes that point to exact fixes so the next sample is a controlled change, not a restart.
A bit about us
We’re Ravenel Studio, a small apparel design and development team that sits between a brand idea and a production floor. We started doing this work because most delays happen in the handoff: a sketch that looks right, but doesn’t tell a factory what to cut, how to sew it, or how to measure it on the table.
Clients bring us in when they need the first sample to come back close. We write specs a pattern maker can draft from and a factory can sew from, and we flag the spots that usually go wrong early, like stitch type, seam allowance, stretch, shrinkage, and substitute materials. You get clearer questions from us up front so you don’t pay for confusion later.
Meet the team
You’ll work with the same four people from first flats through the final graded nest, so decisions don’t get lost between steps.
Team
Caroline Waring, Creative director. Caroline leads the concept and line plan, then keeps the design intent intact when we translate it into construction details.
Mason Rutledge, Technical designer. Mason builds the tech packs and measurement specs, and writes the callouts factories use to quote and cut with confidence.
Jada Singleton, Pattern maker. Jada develops the patterns, corrects fit from the first sample notes, and handles grading so sizes scale the way you expect.
Ethan Caldwell, Production coordinator. Ethan coordinates sampling handoffs, tracks vendor replies for fabrics and trims, and keeps version control tight as files change.
Recent work
Here are a few recent apparel design development jobs that show how we move from sketches to factory-ready packs and patterns.
Portfolio
First drop womenswear set. We turned founder sketches into flats, specs, and tech packs for six styles, then ran one fit round to correct rise, waist, and hem sweep so the second sample was production-ready.
Knit top fit reset. A factory was blocking the order on unclear stretch and seam instructions. We rebuilt the measurement spec with negative ease targets, updated stitch callouts, and issued a revised tech pack that unlocked a quote.
Menswear core pattern block. We developed a base block and two style variants, then graded across a full size run. The brand used the block to keep fit consistent while changing collars, pockets, and hem details.
“Our factory stopped guessing, and the samples finally matched the drawings.”
Brand founder, launching a first collection
How this runs
We keep this work moving by locking decisions in the same order a factory needs them. You’ll always know what we’re waiting on, what we’re deciding, and what changed between versions.
1. Line plan kickoff Days 1-2 We confirm the style count, target sizes, and your deadline, then build the line plan and concept direction from what you already have. We’ll ask for references, any must-keep details, and the factory’s preferred format if you already have one. 2. Flats and specs Days 3-7 We draw technical flats and build the first measurement spec with points of measure a factory can tape on a table. You’ll review construction details like closures, pockets, linings, and topstitching so we can lock the seams before we write the full pack. 3. Tech pack build Week 2 We build the tech packs style by style, including bill of materials, graded measurement rules where applicable, and clear callouts for stitching and finishes. If you have a factory, we can align pack details to how they like to receive specs to avoid back-and-forth. 4. Fit and revisions Weeks 3-5 We plan for a first sample fit round focused on measurements, balance, and construction. You’ll get fitting notes that point to exact pattern and spec changes, then we revise patterns and packs so the next sample is a controlled correction.
Line plan and concept board
A line plan for the styles in scope and a concept board that pins down silhouette, key details, and material direction so decisions stay consistent across the drop.
TECHNICAL FLATS PER STYLE
Front and back flats with construction callouts where they matter, so the factory sees seam placement, openings, and finishing without reading between the lines.
MEASUREMENT SPEC SHEET
A spec with points of measure and target measurements in your size range, written the way a sample room measures garments on a table.
Tech pack per style
Factory-ready tech packs with bill of materials, stitch and seam notes, artwork placement notes if needed, and versioned pages so revisions are easy to track.
PATTERNS AND GRADED NEST
Production patterns and a graded nest for the agreed size range, updated after the first fit notes so the pattern matches the corrected sample.
SOURCING SHORTLIST AND OUTREACH
A shortlist of fabrics and trims that meet the functional needs of the design, plus vendor outreach in the US and offshore to check availability and lead times.
Pricing
Most clients choose based on how many styles are in the first drop and how far you need us to take each one, from spec to graded patterns.
Priced items
Get started
Once you sign, we’ll book your start date, collect your references, and get the first flats and spec sheet moving right away.
1. Sign this proposal to reserve the slot. 2. Pay the 25% booking invoice within 14 days. 3. Send your sketches, references, and any factory notes, and we’ll start the line plan.
Signature
Fee summary
Payment
To book apparel design development, 25% is due when you sign. The remaining 75% is due when we hand over the finished files. Each invoice is payable within 14 days of its date.
Scope changes. If you add styles, change construction direction, or expand sizing after we start, we will confirm the added work in writing before we continue, so the timeline and price stay tied to the scope.
What we need from you. Before we build tech packs, we need your style list and priorities, target customer and size range, reference sketches or photos, and any brand fit notes. Delays in inputs move the schedule.
Fit responsibility. Fit is a shared call made in fittings. We write clear fitting notes and update patterns and specs from those decisions. Final fit approval stays with you before you release anything to production.
Sourcing outreach
We can contact vendors and request swatches, pricing, and minimums. Lead times and stock levels can change between outreach and ordering, and final purchase orders are placed directly by you with the vendor.
Files and ownership. Once the final payment is made, you own the tech packs, flats, spec sheets, and patterns we created for this project. We keep working files so we can support updates if you request them later.
Factory handoff. We deliver files in a format your factory can use, and we can answer clarification questions they send. Factory pricing, schedules, and workmanship are managed between you and the factory.
