Got questions?… Great!…
We have organized questions into categories
Help us keep our resources accessible to everyone by looking for answers here before contacting us!
To go into production you need a Marker layout created from your pattern.
If you don't have a marker, we may be able to work with your patterns to get you there.
If you have paper patterns, we may be able to digitize paper patterns not created by Sewing Incubator after conducting an audit to determine they meet professional industrial standards :
If you have digital patterns, files created using Pad System CAD are natively compatible, but for other files, you'll need to provide these 4 non negotiable items:
Please refer to list of pattern page for more details on pattern formatting and conversion
Most people who are new to product development & manufacture avoid costly mistakes by scheduling a 1st consultation
Most people start by contacting us to provide more details about the project such as:
What type of product is it ?
What is the timeline allocated to sample development and later manufacturing?
What is the budget you've allocated to sample development and manufacturing or full package?
Have your sourced or purchased all the materials or is that something you want us to purchase for you?
What type of service do you need (sample development, manufacturing or full package including material purchase)?
If this is your first time developing samples and launching a product, we offer consultations to answer your specific questions.
We offer two types of free consultations:
5 minute phone call you can call or schedule HERE
15-minute Estimate consultation to review your reference samples required to create a sample development estimate (schedule HERE)
NOTE Estimate consultations require a $100 deposit. We either refund it once you provide everything we need to create your estimate, or you can credit it toward your first project with Sewing Incubator.
If you have questions first, book a paid consultation HERE :
Our minimum is based on dollar value, not unit count (MOQ)
Once we've developed your sample, we'll confirm how many units the minimum order value gets you.
Sample Development
At Sewing Incubator, sample development runs $1,000 to $4,000 when you supply the materials.
The price depends on how complex your product is and includes:
Production Manufacture
The manufacturing minimum to cut and sew is $3,000 per order, with a $1,500 deposit to start.
If you're (simultaneously) manufacturing 2 products that use the same fabric it's $5000 minimum with a $2,500 deposit to start.
You can request project estimates if you have all items required
We'll need the following items to prepare a sample development estimate in writing:
When you have those items, you can schedule a 15-minute Estimate consultation to review your reference samples required to create a sample development estimate (schedule HERE)
NOTE Estimate consultations require a $100 deposit. We either refund it once you provide everything we need to create your estimate, or you can credit it toward your first project with Sewing Incubator.
Yes, these are the categories that are not a good fit for us:
Children’s Products
Anything that comes in contact with a child due to the high cost of compliance
Haberdashery
Ties, suspenders, belts, hats, gloves, shoes
Bridal or Special Occasion Formal Wear
Try a tailor or formal wear specialist
Lingerie
Any items that require boning, underwire, cup moulding
Knitting
Try a knitting factory, we’re cut and sew only
Alterations
Try at your local dry cleaner or tailor
Referrals to Factories
Try an agent or referral service
Drop Shipping
Try a distribution center or logistics company
Grading 1 week from when grading rules specifications are received from client Markers 1 week from when all materials and deposit payment are received by Sewing Incubator
Grading 1 week from when grading rules specifications are received from client
Allocations 1 week from date production order estimate request is issued
Markers 1 week from when all materials and deposit payment are received by Sewing Incubator
Yes, you get 1 graded nest per graded pattern, but additional copies can be requested and paid for as an additional service
Yes, Pre-Production projects include 1 graded nest per style and 1 marker paper copy to be used for production, but additional copies can be requested and paid for as an additional service
Files created using Pad System V8 are fully compatible, but other file types require a test file to confirm compatibility Please refer to list of pattern files that may be compatible for conversion
Files created using Pad System V5 are fully compatible, but other file types require a test file to confirm compatibility
Please refer to list of pattern files that may be compatible for conversion
We may be able to use the base size paper patterns not created by Sewing Incubator after conducting an audit to determine they meet professional industrial standards Then we’ll digitize the base size pattern and grade the pattern in our cad system after we’ve developed your sizing standard
We may be able to use the base size paper patterns not created by Sewing Incubator after conducting an audit to determine they meet professional industrial standards
Then we’ll digitize the base size pattern and grade the pattern in our cad system after we’ve developed your sizing standard
There is no such thing as standard sizing!… We can get you started with the base size, but developing size standards for a brand requires some competitive information from each brand that shouldn’t be hard to provide
Standard sizing is a myth because clothing brands size according to their specific requirements!…
We can get you started with the base size, but developing size standards for a brand requires some competitive information from each brand that shouldn’t be hard to provide
No, but you need to provide ALL fabrics and trim that you intend to use for manufacture
You don’t need to commit to a production order to have a product developed, as long as you provide ALL fabrics and trim that you intend to use for manufacture
2 - 3 weeks from when all materials and deposit payment are received by Sewing Incubator
2 - 3 weeks from when all materials and deposit payment are received by Sewing Incubator
Sorry but we won’t sew samples that we have not cut under our supervision following our established standards
Yes, Development projects include 2 paper copies… 1 to be used for product development and the other to be printed for you when the sample and pattern are approved for production
Product Development projects include 2 paper copies…
1 to be used for product development and the other to be printed for you when the sample and pattern are approved for production
The option is yours!… If you have a working relationship with a reliable wholesale supplier you can provide materials or we can source fabric and trim as part of a Full Package Project which includes fabric purchase and manufacturing commitments.
The option is yours!
If you have a working relationship with a reliable wholesale supplier you can provide materials
You can also include sourcing of fabric and trim as part of a Product Development Project as long as you can provide fabric and trim samples
You can only choose from services available online (Sample Development, Manufacturing or Full Package) as long as you meet the requirements
You can only choose from services available online (Sample Development, Manufacturing or Full Package) as long as you meet the requirements
We may be able to use paper patterns not created by Sewing Incubator after conducting an audit to determine they meet professional industrial standards and digitizing
If you have paper patterns, we may be able to digitize paper patterns not created by Sewing Incubator after conducting an audit to determine they meet professional industrial standards :
If you have digital patterns, files created using Pad System CAD are natively compatible, but for other files, you'll need to provide these 4 non negotiable items:
Please refer to list of pattern page for more details on pattern formatting and conversion
We offer two types of free consultations:
5 minute phone call you can call or schedule HERE
15-minute Estimate consultation to review your reference samples required to create a sample development estimate (schedule HERE)
NOTE Estimate consultations require a $100 deposit. We either refund it once you provide everything we need to create your estimate, or you can credit it toward your first project with Sewing Incubator.
If you have questions first, book a paid consultation HERE :
Our minimum is based on dollar value, not unit count.
The manufacturing minimum to cut and sew is $3,000 per order, with a $1,500 deposit to start.
If you're (simultaneously) manufacturing 2 products that use the same fabric it's $5000 minimum with a $2,500 deposit to start.
We can confirm how many units you get from that minimum value after we complete a sample that you have approved
Our manufacturing minimum to cut and sew is $3,000 per order, with a $1,500 deposit to start.
If you want us to source your materials, add a $1,500 fabric deposit.
Sample development ($1,000 to $4,000) comes before production.
At Sewing Incubator, sample development runs $1,000 to $4,000 when you supply the materials.
The price depends on how complex your product is and includes:
3 - 6 weeks from when all materials and deposit payment are received by Sewing Incubator
3 - 6 weeks from when all materials and deposit payment are received by Sewing Incubator
Sorry but we won’t manufacture orders that we have not cut from markers created by Sewing Incubator
Sorry but we won’t manufacture orders that we have not cut from markers created by Sewing Incubator
Sometimes we may be able to release weekly shipments when corresponding balance is paid, but we usually don’t offer this option to allow enough time for Quality Control
Sometimes we may be able to release weekly shipments when corresponding balance is paid, but we usually don’t offer this option to allow enough time for Quality Control and keep your costs manageable
We won’t be able to give you a firm estimate in writing, but we MAY be able to give you an idea IF we have produced something similar in the same quantities your order forms show
We won’t be able to give you a firm estimate in writing, but we MAY be able to give you an idea IF you schedule a consultation to evaluate your samples and we have manufactured something similar in the same quantities your order forms show
We may be able to use paper markers not created by Sewing Incubator after we evaluate a copy of the mini-marker and you sign a waiver absolving us of any losses due to marker errors or waste
We may be able to use paper markers not created by Sewing Incubator after we evaluate a copy of the mini-marker to ensure they meet industrial standards and you sign a waiver absolving us of any losses due to marker errors or waste
No, we can only give you a firm estimate in writing when we complete Product Development but it will cost you at least $3000 to meet our minimum for production manufacture
Sorry, but we’re not in the business of “guesstimating”…
We are ready to give you a firm estimate in writing when we complete Product Development but it will cost you at least $3000 to meet our minimum for production manufacture
Manufacture projects have a minimum value requirement per style:
Manufacture projects have a minimum value requirement per style:
We can tell you how many units you get from that minimum value after we complete a sample that you have approved
The option is yours!… If you have a working relationship with a reliable wholesale supplier you can provide materials You can also include sourcing of fabric and trim as part of a Product Development Project as long as you can provide fabric and trim samples and can commit to a minimum of one roll of fabric per color to produce right after sample is approved
The option is yours!
If you have a working relationship with a reliable wholesale supplier you can provide materials and sign a waiver absolving us of any liability due to material problems
You can include sourcing of fabric and trim as part of a Product Development Project IF:
1) You provide fabric and trim samples to purchase one roll per color minimum AND
2) Commit to place a minimum production as soon as sample is approved
Yes, we require Development and Pre-Production at Sewing Incubator to manufacture a product
Yes, we require Development and Pre-Production completed by Sewing Incubator to manufacture a product
No, because we only prepare markers when all the fabric for a production order is at our warehouse
No, because we only prepare markers when all the fabric for a production manufacture order is at our warehouse
Yes, through our full package service (Sample development + Manufacturing).
We source your materials with a $1,500 fabric deposit.
This is in addition to sample development costs and the $1,500 manufacturing deposit to go straight into production when you approve the sample.
No. You don't need a tech pack as long as you have a sketch, reference images, and samples of the fabrics you want to use. These help us understand your product faster.
There are a lot of "fake experts" out there pushing people to pay for tech packs that are usually a waste of money, because they don't contain the technical information only a factory would know. That's why technical design is included in our sample development.
Yes, as long as you're ready to invest in turning your reference images into a physical sample ready to market.
If you need help planning first, our 1-hour Product Strategy Meeting gives you a pre-launch checklist, budget, and timeline.
You can schedule consultations HERE
Yes!
Many of our clients are first-time founders, and we guide you through each step.
What matters is that your budget is aligned with the commitment to launch a business, not a hobby.
Sample development starts at $1,000 and manufacturing starts at $3,000 (not including materials).
We're in the Los Angeles area, and we serve brands across the U.S., plus European brands with a presence in the U.S.
Menswear, womenswear, accessories, specialty products, automotive accessories, medical application products, protective gear, home goods and furniture soft goods.
Someone authorized to approve estimates, sign the service agreement, and issue or process payments.
If that's a partner, investor, or family member, please bring them to the meeting.
Your timeline starts when every material for your project is in our warehouse, not when you book or pay.
We keep you updated through your client dashboard and confirm your due date once all materials are received and accounted for.
3 to 6 weeks once all materials are in our warehouse, depending on how many orders are ahead of yours that week.
Embroidery, garment dye, and printing add time.
2 to 3 weeks once all your materials are in our warehouse.
Embroidery, garment dye, and printing add time.
Sorry but patterns used for wholesale are proprietary to Sewing Incubator
If you want to Develop a similar fit, you can try our Product Accelerator Toolbox
Yes, but it all depends on availability and budget allocated
Usually yes, but it all depends on when the filming would take place and budget allocated
One on one in person consultations take place at our showroom during regular business hours, but factory access is not allowed in observance of OSHA, health safety measures and to keep all intellectual property confidential.
Sometimes, it really depends on whether you’re prepared to pay the $250 fee to have our legal team review NDA and advise accordingly
We don’t share proprietary client information with anyone outside of those authorized by them and our legally binding Service Agreement includes a comprehensive Confidentiality clause
We don’t share proprietary client information with anyone outside of those authorized by them and our legally binding Service Agreement includes a comprehensive Confidentiality clause
Accelerator Membership & Projects
100% Pro-forma is required for all Toolboxes + one on one consultations + Sample Development + Material Purchase
50% Deposit is required to start all production manufacture (CMT) projects valued at $3000.+
Balance Payment required to release sample and production (CMT) projects
No, all sales are final but we can exchange products with quality issues once the item in question is received and exchange authorized Quality issues are almost non-existent (0.002% probability) as all orders are inspected 100% before leaving the warehouse
No, all sales are final but we can exchange products with quality issues once the item in question is received and exchange authorized
Quality issues are almost non-existent (0.002% probability) as all orders are inspected 100% before leaving the warehouse
The sustainable nature of our wholesale product model means that some materials may be limited to a one time limited run while other readily available materials allow us to manufacture additional inventory within 1 - 2 weeks as required
The sustainable nature of our wholesale product model means that some materials may be limited to a one time run while other readily available materials allow us to manufacture additional inventory within 1 - 2 weeks as required
Sorry but patterns used for wholesale are proprietary If you want to Develop a similar fit, you can try our Product Accelerator Toolbox
If you require specific sizes and colors for your brand then consider our Product Accelerator Toolbox
No, but we can ship to the processor or distributor of your choice
No, but we can ship to the 3rd party processor or distributor of your choice
We can do that, but keep in mind that our minimum production project is $3000 and we don’t know how many units that will cover until you send samples to create an estimate
We can do that, but keep in mind that our minimum production project is $3000 and we don’t know how many units that will cover until you send samples to create an estimate
Yes you can!… Sample prices are listed next to wholesale prices and availability is based on stock levels (size, color, etc)
Yes you can!
Sample prices are listed next to wholesale prices and availability is based on stock levels (size, color, etc)
You can access wholesale products when you complete the wholesale application (link to download wholesale application)
You can access wholesale products when you complete the wholesale application
Yes!… If you supply the labels and confirm place to sew the label we can prepare an estimate of how much it will cost to sew your own labels
If you supply the labels and provide a sample, we can prepare an estimate of how much extra it will cost to sew your own labels
No, wholesale products are sold “as is” with the option to sew your brand label wherever suitable
No, wholesale products are sold “as is” with the option to sew your brand label wherever suitable
No, use of our proprietary dashboard is part of our commitment to help Sewing Incubator clients succeed!
Use of our proprietary dashboard is part of our commitment to help Sewing Incubator members succeed with every project they entrust to our team
