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5 🧵

Sourcing, Fabrics & Manufacturing

Navigate the sourcing maze. Find the right partners at the right price.

Finding the right manufacturer is not about finding the cheapest option. It's about finding someone who understands what you're creating and has the skills to bring it to life. Cheap up front often becomes expensive later.

1

Three Routes to Your First Sample

  1. Local Seamstress: Start here. Cost: £50-200. Your first sample is a conversation, not a transaction.
  2. UK Small Manufacturer: For technical products. Cost: £100-500. Try Make It British directory.
  3. Overseas: Not for first-timers. Use Alibaba. Message 5+ suppliers. Always order samples first.
2

5 Questions for Every Potential Maker

  1. Can you show examples of similar products you've made?
  2. What's your sampling fee and timeline?
  3. How many rounds of amendments are included?
  4. What information do you need from me? (Good makers ask for detail)
  5. What are your production minimums?
3

Fabric Sourcing

Where to buy: Goldhawk Road London, Minerva Crafts online, The Fabric Store (premium), deadstock sellers on Instagram (sustainable).

Use the Fabric Decision Matrix to compare drape, cost, MOQ, printability, and sustainability across options.

4

Red Flags

  • 100% payment upfront (standard is 50/50)
  • Cannot give a timeline
  • 'Just leave it to me' (vagueness = no accountability)
  • Goes quiet after deposit
  • Blames you when sample is wrong

Chapter 5 Templates & Worksheets

Download Chapter Kit

Product Sourcing Guide (25 pages)

Complete guide: fabric matrix, supplier vetting, tech pack components, directory, QC process

Download

Fabric Decision Matrix

Compare fabrics across drape, cost, MOQ, printability, sustainability, and care

Supplier Vetting Framework (7 Questions)

Detailed vetting questionnaire with scoring and red-flag indicators

90-Day Production Timeline Template

Week-by-week Gantt chart from sampling to delivery

Your Action Step

Find 3 potential makers this week: one local seamstress, one UK manufacturer, one wildcard from Instagram or LinkedIn. Send each a short introduction message. Their response tells you everything.

Ch.4: Range Planning & Collection Strategy Ch.6: Pricing for Profit

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