I need a children's clothing manufacturer to produce my designs

Cavarni18

Free Member
Apr 8, 2012
4
2
I am a Children's fashion designer based in the UK and I need a manufacturer to produce my designs,

My designs are all illustrated on computer and they are a range of baby clothes so I would need a manufacturer who would source materials, fabrics, patterns etc....

Initially I would like samples done to make sure each product is right, it may not be a massive order to start with so I am looking for a company I can work with on a ongoing basis, reliable efficient and trustworthy!

I would prefer manufacturers in the UK but anyone that could help that would be fantastic too.

If anyone has any information on this that would be great!!!

Thanks a bunch !!!
 

Chris Ashdown

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  • Dec 7, 2003
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    I think you are looking far to much on having a easy job in this field. You want someone to do your running around for fabric, colours and then layup, cut and make to size to size all for small runs

    How is the company to make money, just sourcing the cloth takes ages then sending you samples checking availability colours, threads, zips / buttons etc

    As a designer you need to be able to source the fabric, check you can buy in the lengths you require, the matching thread and zips or buttons etc, supply patterns for cutting out the designs, then give this information to the maker who makes up what you want.

    If the numbers are small then you probably need a machinist who works at home and can do all themselves, companies will probably be looking at absoulte minimums of 50-100 unless you are very lucky
     
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    Cavarni18

    Free Member
    Apr 8, 2012
    4
    2
    I think you are looking far to much on having a easy job in this field. You want someone to do your running around for fabric, colours and then layup, cut and make to size to size all for small runs

    How is the company to make money, just sourcing the cloth takes ages then sending you samples checking availability colours, threads, zips / buttons etc

    As a designer you need to be able to source the fabric, check you can buy in the lengths you require, the matching thread and zips or buttons etc, supply patterns for cutting out the designs, then give this information to the maker who makes up what you want.

    If the numbers are small then you probably need a machinist who works at home and can do all themselves, companies will probably be looking at absoulte minimums of 50-100 unless you are very lucky


    Some Manufacturers Make Fabrics as well as produce clothing. Is not that i am looking for a easy job otherwise these things would not be accessible.

    I am looking for a company i can work with on a ongoing basis so it may start with a small production or a big production but i would not know until i have samples made!!!
     
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    ArabianNights

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    Dec 25, 2011
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    Hi there, I have to agree with Paul Ashdown here on this one. I am also in the 'fashion' line - I have just completed making my own collection of samples, which I stitched and made myself. The reason why I did this, was to take out the need for a pattern cutter, and plus I would be able to see whether the fabric that I chose actually held down the style that I envisioned and that the product itself actually works! I sketched out the designed in a note pad, went out to buy the fabric, which I want the products to be made from and then I got out my sewing machine and made them myself, using a dummy for measurements etc. This is what designers did and still do traditionally. When people get samples from the manufacturer, it is to check not the fabric and the styling - but the quality of their production of the actual final product.

    The manufacturer usually is not the one to do the running around for you - you need to decide on the fabric yourself, think why you chose that fabric in terms of your target audience, how much your customers would pay for it and why. For example, there are so many different types of silks available, there are chiffons, organzas, crepe, satins... the list goes on. Which one do you want for that particular product, and why? What colour, will the fabric shape the design you want? Will it be wearable? You cannot outsource these things, because these are the things that make up your product - otherwise, you simply have not 'designed' it. Designing doesnt stop at making a sketch on a computer or a piece of paper, its a lot more then that... you also have to think about seasons, trends, forecasts... there is so much in this, which ultimately all affect your product and the styling and what fabric it is made from. How would your manufacturer know any of this? All they do is operate a machine.

    Even though I have made the samples myself with my own hands - I would STILL need to get samples made by a manufacturer, who will use my samples as a template. I need their samples, in order to check the quality of the product that they will eventually sell to me. I still have to provide everything to them - the fabric, the buttons, the thread - everything. You might want to use a special type of thread, if you are using silk, for example you cannot use any kind of cheap thread, and if you have silk which needs lining, you cannot use any lining fabric - that too has to complement the main fabric used and the fabric has to complement the style.

    Just my 2 cents :)
     
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    Cavarni18

    Free Member
    Apr 8, 2012
    4
    2
    Hi there, I have to agree with Paul Ashdown here on this one. I am also in the 'fashion' line - I have just completed making my own collection of samples, which I stitched and made myself. The reason why I did this, was to take out the need for a pattern cutter, and plus I would be able to see whether the fabric that I chose actually held down the style that I envisioned and that the product itself actually works! I sketched out the designed in a note pad, went out to buy the fabric, which I want the products to be made from and then I got out my sewing machine and made them myself, using a dummy for measurements etc. This is what designers did and still do traditionally. When people get samples from the manufacturer, it is to check not the fabric and the styling - but the quality of their production of the actual final product.

    The manufacturer usually is not the one to do the running around for you - you need to decide on the fabric yourself, think why you chose that fabric in terms of your target audience, how much your customers would pay for it and why. For example, there are so many different types of silks available, there are chiffons, organzas, crepe, satins... the list goes on. Which one do you want for that particular product, and why? What colour, will the fabric shape the design you want? Will it be wearable? You cannot outsource these things, because these are the things that make up your product - otherwise, you simply have not 'designed' it. Designing doesnt stop at making a sketch on a computer or a piece of paper, its a lot more then that... you also have to think about seasons, trends, forecasts... there is so much in this, which ultimately all affect your product and the styling and what fabric it is made from. How would your manufacturer know any of this? All they do is operate a machine.

    Even though I have made the samples myself with my own hands - I would STILL need to get samples made by a manufacturer, who will use my samples as a template. I need their samples, in order to check the quality of the product that they will eventually sell to me. I still have to provide everything to them - the fabric, the buttons, the thread - everything. You might want to use a special type of thread, if you are using silk, for example you cannot use any kind of cheap thread, and if you have silk which needs lining, you cannot use any lining fabric - that too has to complement the main fabric used and the fabric has to complement the style.

    Just my 2 cents :)[/QUOTE

    I understand what your saying however with children's garments which I'm doing the fabric has to be 100% cotton so I'm not dealing with different types of fabrics!
     
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    Chris Ashdown

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  • Dec 7, 2003
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    Weight of cotton, Polyester cotton mix, Cotton Polyester mix, Made by Carringtons, Klopman, Colours, Availability of small amounts, Washed cotton, Pre shrunk cotton, still quite a few questions

    Dont forget the local fabric shop may not be able to get repeat bolts of cloth, some is just coloured for one run
     
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    Hello,

    If you want to have the product made in China, I can help you to develop the sample and arrange for production.

    May I know how many pcs per order you'll place.

    Frank from China


    I am a Children's fashion designer based in the UK and I need a manufacturer to produce my designs,

    My designs are all illustrated on computer and they are a range of baby clothes so I would need a manufacturer who would source materials, fabrics, patterns etc....

    Initially I would like samples done to make sure each product is right, it may not be a massive order to start with so I am looking for a company I can work with on a ongoing basis, reliable efficient and trustworthy!

    I would prefer manufacturers in the UK but anyone that could help that would be fantastic too.

    If anyone has any information on this that would be great!!!

    Thanks a bunch !!!
     
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    johansunsetpoet

    Free Member
    Oct 24, 2012
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    Dear Sir/Madam,

    Warm & Peaceful Greetings, I have read your message on STARTUPHUBBIZ pertaining your inquiry in outsourcing quality and reasonable clothes. We would like to have this opportunity to assist and serve in answering your apprehensions in having a fashion boutique either a novice or veteran . We are giving our 100 percent effort and confidence to make your business successful by outstanding customer service and sales professional assistance. Below is our Company Profile.

    We are a licensed exporter Canadian run company based out of Thailand started since 2008 by people who love fashion as much as sandy beaches and warm weather. We work with boutiques and e commerce sites worldwide to secure the best of the best in wholesale clothing to suit their needs.

    1) Dashing Men's New and Vintage Clothing
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    3) Smashing New and Vintage Accessories for Guys and Gals
    4) The ability to build custom clothing lines based on your Pinterest profiles or original sketches
    5) Made to order hang tags and clothing labels for garments
    6) Children's clothing
    7) Swimwear

    Please let us know if you have any difficulty opening the links, we would be glad to assist. Best wishes to you, we look forward to hearing more about your vision and working together to create it! . You can reach me at +66859460471

    Best regards.
    Johan Batac
    Sales And Marketing Manager ( Thailand)
     
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    acaahg

    Free Member
    Nov 24, 2012
    1
    0
    Hello everyone,

    I am in a similar situation to the person who originally posted this message. I am currently developing a range of baby clothes and products and am looking for a manufacturer to do so.

    I work as a designer and have recently been heavily involved in merchandising at work. I have already produced some products for a client (to be produced overseas) but I am keen to have my products produced in the UK or Europe.

    I would appreciate all the help that I can get with information on manufacturers in the UK or Europe.

    Thank you
     
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    TeeTick

    Free Member
    Aug 18, 2012
    37
    2
    United States
    What about having your clothes made in Vietnam?
    Here is the right place for you to order a small run of children clothes at low cost. Having clothing manufactured in Vietnam can save on labor costs, also due to the Vietnam's positive trade status with the USA and E.U, the regulations for importing clothes from Vietnam are more agreeable.
     
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    dee_light

    Free Member
    Mar 12, 2013
    1
    0
    Hi,
    I have sent the info of a manufacture that I know off may be able to help.
    Hope this helps

    Hi I have just registered on this forum site with the hope to find a thread exactly like this. Owas would you be happy to share the manufacturer details you have? I have a range of baby products I would like to have manufactured in the UK.

    Your help much appreciated.

    Thank you :)
     
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    missy8c

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    May 19, 2013
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    0
    I came across this thread as I was searching exactly the same thing. I am starting up a business buying and selling children's wear and would like to get a few of my own designs made up. I'm not a seamstress and have no real skill in this area. I would love to work with manufacturers in the UK but would be happy to work with companies overseas provided I can be confident that they are ethically run in terms of working conditions for employees etc.
     
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    Came across this thread, I'm in the same boat too!
    I have designs of children's clothing wear and need samples made either UK or abroad, there after I will be looking for a manufacture to produce my designs.

    Please can anyone send me info pls?
     
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    MaggieMoo

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    Jul 26, 2013
    4
    1
    Hello,
    I am also in the same boat! Seem to be rather a lot of us.
    I was told that the majority of UK manufacturing is done in Macclesfield. That's where all the factories are. I've done a search and there are tons of companies. Does anyone know a good one there?
    As for going overseas, once I have my samples made up, I plan to do the big run in somewhere like Spain or Portugal - excellent at tailoring/making clothes and also cheap due to their economies.
    Any help would be great.
    Thanks v much.
     
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    Chris Ashdown

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  • Dec 7, 2003
    13,379
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    Norfolk
    Why is it everyone thinks of making the childrens garments but never mention how they are going to sell them, the selling always seem to be the third or forth thing on their agenda.

    As with all goods be it designed or made yourself or brought in its the selling that makes a company work and by far the hardest thing to do. shops are notempty they already have vast numbers of makers selling to them so it makes it very hard to sell into this market

    Trade prices are often70-80 percent below retail shop prices and in some cases 100's of % therefore dont expect to make large profits on Childrens garments and also not a large number of items per sale to the shops

    So Please all of you who have this wish to make Childrens clothes start at the proper start by making a business plan with research on how you would sell first and formost and also why you consider your designs are better than the professionals
     
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    MaggieMoo

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    Jul 26, 2013
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    Dear Chris,
    Thank you for post. Why do you assume none of us have business plans, funding, distribution etc already lined up?
    We aren't after business advice, simply help on where to find good manufacturers, preferably in the UK.
    My assumption would be that the other people on this thread have, like me, done their research, spoken to patent lawyers, got trademarks sorted, got the funding and got everything else ready to launch, this is the final step.
     
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    My assumption would be that the other people on this thread have, like me, done their research, spoken to patent lawyers, got trademarks sorted, got the funding and got everything else ready to launch, this is the final step.

    Your assumption may be wrong.

    YOU may have done the above and if so, well done :)

    However, we deal with people who want samples made up all the time and to be honest, it's a nightmare. Instead of saying here is the fabric, can you make me a sample to this kind of design and then allow us a day together in the workshop to tweak it?...we usually get I need this and this made up by Monday, you source the fabric..oh and it needs to be less than a fiver fella, won't take you long will it.

    There are also a great many people who seem to take offence at being billed BEFORE they get all of their samples in the post. Which strikes me as odd. You wouldn't walk out of Tesco with all your shopping, try it all out and then send back the food you didn't like would you?

    Out of 50 odd people who have contacted us this year only 2 have had a business plan and strategy with time scales and the flexibility to actually understand we cannot get an order on Friday and finish it for Monday morning while also sourcing the fabric and bringing it in for less than the products sell for in the shops. We managed to do it for ITV but since then..nada..sorry..you need to give us a full brief, full fabric confirmation and confirmation of swatches and pay a deposit before we spend 14 days sourcing fabrics and manufacturing the first set of sample products.
     
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    MaggieMoo

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    Jul 26, 2013
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    Ah, I see. I completely understand you. That kind of disorganization must be infuriating. I have all the fabric, the threads, lining, various closures and my designs. I am finalising my pattern with a pattern cutter at the moment. As they are samples, I don't need them done yesterday, getting it right at the beginning is more important than rushing to an unrealistic deadline.
    I'm sorry you've had a nightmare with people in the past.
    I am just fed up of trying to find a decent, good quality, non rip-off UK manufacturer. Everyone is determined that no such thing exists in the UK and keeps saying go to Asia - we can't all fly off to China to visit a factory and keep an eye on quality.
    I think I may have just found one though so thank you to all on the threads. Good luck with your ventures and I hope UK manufacturing makes a massive come back.
     
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    MaggieMoo

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    Jul 26, 2013
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    Dear Chris,
    Apologies if I was rude. Some of us have done have done months of hard work, careful planning, gone through highs and lows etc. I've had some fantastic advice along the way, so please don't stop giving advice, it is invaluable to those of us starting our own businesses.
     
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    Chris Ashdown

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  • Dec 7, 2003
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    Our experience of the uk manufacturers are that they are great at doing their job and give fast compeditive prices as long as you give them what they expect,i.e. that you have a good design, made at least one size template either by computer or hand cut, sourced the fabris and thread and any fasteners before you aproach them and just let them get on with what they do best cut and sew

    If you want them to do your job as well they either won't have the time available or charge you full commercial rates x 200% if they bother as it will only be for small runs

    An alternative is to advertise in your area for a machinist who will normally be able to cut small runs themself and give you better prices foor small runs and better control of the time frame

    Just think clearly your order of say 50-100 items is very low priority over the more normall 1000 plus orders
     
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    Chris Ashdown

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  • Dec 7, 2003
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    What stage are you at just now
    1. Made a design on paper or computer
    2. made a pattern or sample
    3. Found the material supplier
    4. Found the Fittings supplier
    5. Checked all comply with trading standards children s clothing reg'
    6. Have double checked the pattern lays down on the body and no uncomfortable seams etc
    7. Completely ready for a manufacturer to receive the fabric, Sample / Pattern and fittings and cut and make
     
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    babyrockstar

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    Apr 4, 2014
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    Hi Chris, I am ready for manufacturing, I have samples for the manufacturer. I need a manufacturer that has is able to to source out textile for me. I am ready to manufactur and sell. I was currently getting my product form a someone who got it from the factory in nottingham. They had a fall out, now I am left hanging with no product to sell and finding a new factory. I have no idea which factory they were using :(
     
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    Chris Ashdown

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  • Dec 7, 2003
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    That's the whole point you expect someone who sews up garments to spend time trying to find you fabric, that's not their skill and a waste of their time, you have exactly the same amount of time to source and only you know what you really want

    How much are your willing to pay someone to search for the fabric you describe, spend time buying samples, sending them to you for approval, then buy it in for you. The manufacturers job is to make sure his cutters and machinists are working at full capacity, he is a manager on a high rate of pay for those skills, why would he waste it running around for you on what is a minor two day contract, They are already having to teach the machinist how to make up the item

    To be a designer you need to understand the whole process and be professional as a designer
     
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    babyrockstar

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    Apr 4, 2014
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    Thanks Chris, but i prefer to have the textiles sourced out by the manufacturer. Most that I have had contact with do provide the textile. Anyhow I am just looking for contacts for factories thats all. If you have names/ numbers please let me know..I have exhauseted all google options. Looking for referrals now.
     
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    WHARTY

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    Nov 18, 2009
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    I haven't had time to read through all the posts so sorry if i am asking questions already answered.

    You said your design at the moment are on your computer? If you are a fashion designer on a budget then i would suggest learning to sew and making the initial samples yourself. If not then just get somebody local to do it for you. I am surprised that as a designer you don't know what materials you should be using, surely this is what the designer does?

    If you have a small range then get a sample made of each one of your range. Take these samples to the buyers within the companies you wish to sell too. Ask them what they think and what the most is that they would be willing to pay for your products. When you know this you can go to a manufacturer and see what the cost will be. If it's too much and leaves no margin for you then look at different materials until you get the price you want to sell for.

    Don't just go out and get loads of products made without knowing if the Buyer actually likes them or what they would be willing to pay for them. You may find you have a garage full of stock that nobody wants to buy.
     
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    Charlotte Mellor

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    Feb 9, 2016
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    Hello,
    i am currently in the process of trying to set up a children’s wear business for little girls. i am trying to find a manufacturer, i create my own prints that have to be placed onto the pattern pieces digitally before the fabric is printed and then the garment is put together. does anyone know any manufacturers?

    Kind regards,
    Charlotte Mellor
     
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    Chris Ashdown

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  • Dec 7, 2003
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    You are looking at two things one someone with a large format digital to garment printer who will print the outline of the pieces laid ot onto the fabric and at the same time print the design on them .

    Second is a manufacturer which will cost extra as the have to singular cut out each shape from the fabric rather than cutting a hundred layers of the same piece

    Both items will cost a significant extra price for small runs and many makers would not want the extra work in cutting up each item

    Maybe Google "large format DTG printers" in your area
     
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