How to Make Spec Sheet For an Apparel Item?

A garment specification sheet (mostly called as spec sheet) is a technical document that comprises the construction details of the product, a technical sketch of the garment, and the measurements of all the parts mentioned in the spec sheet. In this article, we will show you how to make a spec sheet of an apparel item.

The spec sheet is generally given/issued by the buyer to the product development merchandisers in order to create a sample. The spec sheet is normally received as in soft copy (PDF file) from the buyer.

A spec sheet helps in cutting down the turnaround time and provides better quality control.

Fig: Spec Sheet of a Women’s Maxi Dress

Steps involved in making a garment spec sheet

The following steps are involved in making a spec sheet.

Develop a spec sheet template
Fill up the basic information regarding the design
Make a technical sketch of the garment
Specify all the measurements of the finished garments
Technical information to be provided on the spec sheet

Step-1: Develop spec sheet template

To prepare a spec sheet for the new design, you first need to develop a spec sheet template. You can use an Excel spreadsheet for making the spec sheet template. Alternatively, you can use software designed for making an apparel product's spec sheet.

Step-2: Fill up the basic information regarding the design

At the top of the sheet these all information’s are mentioned:

Company logo
Product description
Product style and code
Season of the style
Buyer Name
Fabric Design

Step-3: Make a technical sketch of the garment

The front page of a Specification Sheet usually contains pictures of front and backline sketches of the product. The drawings/sketches are usually produced using Adobe Illustrator or could be made with hand as well.

A flat sketch is the two-dimensional technical drawing of a garment that is done making sure all the specific points in mind. It is a technical illusion of the garment. It’s used in the garment industry to present all the information about the garment. It illustrates the garment with basic solid lines. They could be made with hand or with software named Adobe Illustrator.

Step-4: Specify all the measurements of the finished garments

The measurements play a very crucial role in deciding the fit of the garment. The garment specs are referred at all stages of sample development. Pattern makers use measurements as a guide for the general size and fit of a particular finished garment. People follow different measurement standards in different parts of the world. So, it’s essential to know the various points of measure, some of the POM’s are as follows:

Body Length: length of the garment from HPS (high point shoulder) to the bottom sweep.
Across Chest: Measured 1” below armhole horizontally from edge to edge.
Waist: Measured horizontally from edge to edge to a specific distance below HPS.
Bottom Hem: Measured side seam to seam
Shoulder seam: Measured from HPS along the seam or along the natural fold line to the outer shoulder edge.
Across Front: From specified point below HPS, measure straight across edge to edge of armhole.
Across Back: From specified point below HPS, measure straight across edge to edge of armhole.
Bicep: Measured 1” below armhole, measured straight across edge to edge parallel to the sleeve opening.
Cuff/Sleeve Opening: Measure along cuff/sleeve opening, edge to edge.
Front Neck Drop: From back neck seam to top edge of the front neck.
Back Neck Drop: From imaginary line to the top edge of back neck seam.

Step-5: Technical information to be provided on the spec sheet

The fourth part of a Spec Sheet is the technical information. This refers to colours, fabric information, machinery, trims and any techniques you need for your clothing design. Again, like measurements, techniques and machinery depend on the fabric you choose for your product.

Moreover, there are few more specifications included in a specification sheet like:

Print placement: Information regarding the type of print on the garment and its placement.
Embroidery placement: Information regarding the type of embroidery, its size and placement.
Workmanship Instructions: Details of stitch type, seam class with seam diagram, thread size to be used for different component, and SPI (stitch per inch)
Garment washing instructions: Details of wash finishes for items such as denim garments.
Accessories details: Trim details, fastenings required with product codes, fibre content and supplier details.
Label placement: Requirement of different labels. Placement details for brand logo labels and care labels in the garment
Comment section: Used by the factory to make a note of anything related to the construction of the garment.

Measurement chart for different sizes

For Women’s TOPS/SHIRTS

For Women’s TROUSERS

Software required in the making of a spec sheet

To make the spec sheet task easier, you can use garment sketch and design-making software.

Digital Fashion Pro

Digital Fashion Pro is a Complete Fashion Design Software & Clothing Line Start-Up Kit. It comes with Step by Step Training, Model Poses, Hundreds of Customizable Clothing Templates, Digital Fabrics & Textures, Vector Artwork, a Free Graphics Program, and Business Tools. It could be used to create technical sketches.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design program developed and marketed by Adobe Inc The industry-standard vector graphics software is used by millions of designers and artists to create everything from gorgeous web and mobile graphics to logos, icons, book illustrations, product packaging, and billboards.

References:
https://www.mypracticalskills.com/store/how-to-spec-garment-ebook/
https://www.adobe.com/in/products/illustrator.html
https://digitalfashionpro.com/