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Design-to-Production

What Information Does the Factory Actually Need From a Sketch?

September 07, 2026 · DONGFAN Editorial Team

You sent a clean fashion sketch. Two weeks later the factory is asking what feels like obvious questions.

The hidden risk

A fashion sketch is a mood — factories need a flat. Suppliers who 'understand' the sketch without a flat are guessing. The guess costs sample rounds you didn't budget for.

How to judge

Your handoff must include: flat sketch, construction notes, fabric spec, measurement spec, finish spec. If any of those is missing, the factory is guessing.

What the supplier must provide

Ask the clarifying questions early — good factories ask fast, bad factories guess fast.

How DONGFAN handles it

DONGFAN's handoff template standardizes the four specs so the factory has nothing to guess — first sample is closer to the final shape.

Buyer checklist

  • Always pair sketch with flat
  • Send fabric + measurement + finish specs
  • Use a handoff checklist
  • Note construction details on the flat
  • Send the same file to every team member
  • Lock specs before sample starts

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