Overview
Choose the sample that answers your next question. Swatches compare yarn and stitch; washed tests show changes in care; garment and size samples let you assess construction and fit.
SAMPLING STAGES
Start with what you need to learn from the sample.
Some designs combine these stages; others need another swatch or garment after a yarn, stitch, finish or fit change.
- 01
Material direction
Yarn card or physical reference
Which material route is close enough to test? - 02
Structure
Knitted swatch
Does the yarn, stitch and density create the intended surface? - 03
Finish
Washed test
What changes after washing, brushing or finishing? - 04
Garment
Development sample
Do the construction, silhouette and details work together? - 05
Fit
Revision review
Did the named changes solve the connected fit questions? - 06
Size range
Size validation
Does the approved base direction hold across reviewed sizes? - 07
Release
Production reference
Which accepted version is the basis for bulk production?
SAMPLE CHECKS
Use each sample for a specific part of the garment.
| Stage | What this sample helps you review | Check in the next sample |
|---|---|---|
| Material reference | Fibre direction, visible colour direction, initial touch and comparison target | Knitted density, finished garment weight, fit and bulk repeatability |
| Swatch | Yarn route, stitch, density, structure scale and initial hand feel | Garment balance, final measurements, complete finish and size range |
| Washed test | Shrinkage direction, surface change, softness, recovery and the tested finish | The complete garment result or a different material batch |
| Development sample | Construction, silhouette direction, detail placement and the identified material combination | Every size, final colour, all trims and production consistency |
| Fit or size review | Named measurements, balance and fit on the reviewed size or size set | Unreviewed sizes or later material, structure and finish changes |
| Production reference | Yarn, colour, construction, measurements, trims and finish chosen for bulk production | Recheck any later material, construction or finishing changes |
PATH VARIABLES
Three questions decide whether stages can be combined.
How certain is the material?
A verified repeat yarn and finish may need less separation. A new or substitute yarn leaves hand feel, weight, colour and wash response open.
How connected is the change?
A measurement, stitch or finish change can affect nearby construction, balance, shrinkage or grading even when only one line in the brief changes.
What happens if the answer is wrong?
A small swatch or test can resolve a material or construction question before you invest in a complete garment or size set.
WHEN THE YARN CHANGES
When the target yarn is unavailable, change the sample's job.
A substitute yarn can help review shape or construction while the final yarn is being arranged. Use the final yarn to review material-dependent qualities.
Check in the substitute yarn: silhouette, construction, technique and named measurements.
Check in the final yarn: final hand feel, weight, drape, colour, wash response, care and material performance.
DEVELOPMENT EXAMPLE
Why did one sleeve change still lead to a PP-remake decision?
The shorter sleeve needed a fit check.
The team chose to remake the PP sample before grading. A shorter sleeve changes cuff position and proportion, and the revised base size guides the rest of the range.
SAMPLE FEEDBACK
Give the next sample clear instructions.
- 01
Name the stage and sample ID
Keep feedback linked to the sample version it describes.
- 02
List the decisions reviewed
State the material, structure, finish, construction, fit or size questions this stage was meant to answer.
- 03
Record old and new values
Include measuring method, marked references and everything intended to remain unchanged.
- 04
Plan the final-yarn sample
Use feedback on the current sample to plan the yarn, fit and finishing checks that follow.
- 05
Choose the next sampling step
Choose the next revision, fitting, size check or production preparation step.
NEXT DECISIONS
Choose what to develop next.
Tell us what you want to review in the next sample
Send the design, material ideas, quantity by colour and size, timing, and the sample or detail you want to develop next.