Understanding the Process of Creating Technical Flats for Garment Specs
In the world of fashion and design, technical flats play a crucial role in the creation of garments. Also known as garment specs, these drawings are essential for communicating the design and construction details of a garment to manufacturers, pattern makers, and other members of the production team. Understanding the process of creating technical flats is essential for any fashion designer or design student. In this article, we will dive into the world of technical flats and explore the process behind their creation.
The Importance of Technical Flats in Fashion Design
Before we delve into the process of creating technical flats, let’s first understand why they are so important in fashion design. Technical flats are detailed drawings that showcase the design and construction elements of a garment. They provide specific measurements, seamlines, fabric types, and other technical details that are crucial for the production of a garment. Without technical flats, it would be challenging to accurately communicate a design to manufacturers, resulting in a garment that may not meet the designer’s vision.
The Process of Creating Technical Flats
1. Start with a Base Template
The first step in creating technical flats is to start with a base template. This template will serve as the foundation for all of your drawings. You can either create your own template by sketching out a basic figure, or you can use a pre-made template found in fashion design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. The key is to have a figure that is accurately proportioned and realistic.
2. Gather Your Design Details
Once you have your template, it’s time to gather all the design details for your garment. This includes the silhouette, fabric type, seams, closures, and any other design elements. It’s best to have a rough sketch or mood board of your design to refer to during this process. It will help ensure that you don’t miss any essential design elements.
3. Draw the Outline
The next step is to draw the outline of your garment on your template. Start with the main silhouette, and then add in details such as seams, darts, and closures. Remember to be as precise as possible with your measurements and details. This will help your manufacturer create a garment that is true to your design.
4. Add Specific Details
Once you have the overall outline of your garment, it’s time to add in specific details. This includes things like topstitching, embroidery, buttons, zippers, and any other design elements. Again, be precise with your measurements and placement to ensure accurate production.
5. Include Fabric and Color Swatches
To further communicate your design to the production team, it’s essential to include fabric and color swatches on your technical flats. This will give manufacturers an accurate representation of the colors and fabrics you envision for your garment. It also helps avoid any potential misinterpretations or mistakes during production.
6. Label and Annotate
The final step in creating technical flats is to label and annotate your drawings. This includes detailing any specific measurements, design elements, or fabric types. It’s also helpful to add written descriptions of each piece of the garment, such as “front bodice” or “left sleeve.” This will ensure clear communication between the designer and the production team.
In Conclusion
Technical flats are an essential part of the fashion design process. They serve as a crucial tool for accurately communicating a garment’s design and construction details to the production team. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create technical flats that accurately convey your design vision and help bring your garments to life.
