Your first sample is back from the factory. Measure it, type in the numbers, and see which points are outside tolerance. You get a clear message to send the factory before bulk production.
1. Which tech pack?
Tops
Hoodies & sweats
Bottoms
Outerwear
Dresses & skirts
Numbers from the LineDrop template. If you changed them in your tech pack, type your numbers in step 3. See the tech pack →
2. About the sample
Size
Sample
Units
3. Measure the sample
How to measure
Lay the sample flat on a table, zipped or buttoned. Smooth it out without stretching. Measure widths straight across (half the full measurement), like the tech pack. Measure each point twice.
Only fill in what you measured. Empty rows are left out of the result.
A Body length (HPS to hem)
From the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, straight down to the hem.
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
B Chest width (1 cm below armhole)
Lay the garment flat. Measure straight across, 1 cm below the armholes.
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
C Hem width
Straight across the bottom edge, laid flat.
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
D Across shoulder (seam to seam)
Straight across the back, from one shoulder seam to the other.
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
E Sleeve length (from shoulder seam)
From the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve or cuff.
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
F Sleeve opening (flat)
Straight across the end of the sleeve, laid flat.
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
G Armhole (straight)
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
H Neck width (seam to seam)
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
I Front neck drop (HPS)
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
J Back neck drop (HPS)
Tech pack
+/- cm
Your sample
Not measured
4. Result and message for the factory
Type your sample's measurements in step 3 to see the result.
How to check a clothing sample from your factory
1. Lay it flat and let it settle
Put the sample on a large table, close any zips or buttons and smooth it out without pulling. Knits stretch, so don't measure it straight out of the bag on your lap.
2. Measure every point in your tech pack
Use the same letters and positions as your tech pack. Widths are measured straight across the garment laid flat, which is half the full measurement.
3. Compare with the tolerance
Each point has a tolerance, for example plus or minus 1 cm. Inside it is a pass. Outside it needs correcting before bulk production.
4. Send clear corrections
Tell the factory the point, the tech pack number, what you measured and what to change. Ask for photos of the corrected points with a tape, or a new sample.
5. Check what a tape can't
Try it on, check the fabric weight (GSM), stitching, print position and colour against your tech pack. The measurements are only one part of approving a sample.
Questions
What is tolerance?
Tolerance is how far a finished garment may be from the tech pack measurement and still pass, for example plus or minus 1 cm on chest width. It is listed next to every point of measure in a LineDrop tech pack. Anything outside it should be corrected before bulk production.
Which size should my sample be?
Usually the base size of your tech pack (M in LineDrop templates). The factory makes the base size first and grades the other sizes from it.
What if my sample is out of tolerance?
Send the factory the message with the exact points and amounts. Ask for photos of those points measured with a tape, or a new sample, before bulk production. Knits stretch easily, so measure twice before you ask for a change.
Is the sample check free?
Yes, and there is no sign-up. The check runs on your device: nothing you type is uploaded.
No tech pack yet?
Every LineDrop template comes with flat sketches, every point of measure with its tolerance, fabric and sewing details, as a PDF for your manufacturer. Then check the sample here.