Should I digitise my patterns before or after grading?

Last week, I discussed what pattern grading is and what choices you have or how you read between the lines of others’ opinions on the best path to take. I extend this conversation today in this blog to discuss whether you should digitise your patterns before or after grading. It seems like an obvious answer, but you will be surprised by how many people come to us having had their pattern fully graded and wanting us to scan them in for various reasons.

So, what is pattern digitising? Pattern digitising is a process in which a manual or physical pattern is captured into the computer pattern-making system using a variety of equipment. Bringing your patterns into an electronic format is needed for a number of reasons, the least of which is it enables you to have excellent visibility about what you have in your library that you can get the most use out of them.

Watch this week’s video to find out why you might need to digitise your patterns and when you should digitise so that you can save money and avoid wasting resources and time.

If you are manufacturing offshore, one of the biggest myths is that the overseas factory source your fabrics and sourcing will become your sole responsibility as a designer if you start making local. This often becomes a huge stumbling block and discourage people to move manufacturing back onshore as they don’t know what they need, how to find it or who to go to. 

Well, it takes a little bit of education to know what you’re asking for. 

We talk about this myth in our FREE Guide: The 7 Myths of Getting Your Fashion Label Made Locally.