Specification Sheet

Definition and Overview

A specification sheet is a document that compiles the information needed to mass-produce a planned garment as intended. It is used by designers, pattern makers, production control, sewing factories, and suppliers of trims and processing to confirm the same finished image and quality standards.

The content and form of the document vary by company and trading partner, but the basics are to organize illustrations, dimensions, fabrics and trims used, sewing instructions, labels, processing, and inspection conditions in an easy-to-reference way.

Position in Product Development

In general, a specification sheet serves to pass design and planning details on to production. After the design is finalized, it is created and updated together with pattern and trim information, and becomes a shared reference for sample making, mass-production orders, process checks, and inspection.

If changes arise during sample review, do not end with only verbal or email communication; revise the relevant sections of the specification sheet and manage the version number and update date. This helps prevent old information from being used in mass production and reduces rework caused by misunderstandings.

• Design, illustration, and instructions by part
• Pattern and finished measurements information
• Product numbers, colors, and placement of fabric, interlining, lining, and trims
• Sewing specifications, stitching, processing, and label and hangtag instructions
• Inspection standards, packing method, and delivery precautions

Practical Points for Creation and Progress

Avoid vague expressions such as "as appropriate" or "as usual" in instructions; specify the target part, dimensions, sewing method, front and back, direction, and color. Add arrows and part names to diagrams and photos to supplement sections that would otherwise be interpreted differently from text alone.

For dimensions, define what condition the item should be in and where to measure it. If tolerance ranges are needed, share them for each target dimension. It is important to consider fabric shrinkage, stretch, and appearance changes caused by processing, and to reflect the results confirmed on samples in the mass-production specifications.

Before placing an order, verify that there are no contradictions among the specification sheet, pattern, trim list, and physical sample. Organizing changes in a list and ensuring that approvers and trading partners can check the latest version makes it easier to prevent missed communications.

Points to Note in Ordering and Quality Control

For materials and trims, specify not only the name but also the product number, color, standard, usage amount, and whether substitutions are allowed. Even materials with a similar appearance may differ in thickness, hand feel, strength, or dyeing variation, so physical samples and approval samples should be used as the standard when necessary.

For sewing, confirm items that affect appearance and durability, such as seam allowance finishing, stitch position and number of rows, whether reinforcement is used, left-right symmetry, and pattern matching. Information related to quality and legal compliance, such as needle inspection, care labels, and packing, should also have clearly defined responsibility areas.

Differences from Similar Terms

A pattern is a paper pattern or data that shows the shape, dimensions, seam allowance, and other details for each piece to be cut. A specification sheet differs in that it not only covers design information including the pattern, but also gives instructions across materials, processing, sewing, inspection, and packing.

Trims refer to the actual materials used in a product, such as buttons, zippers, interlining, and labels. A specification sheet is not the trims themselves, but a document that specifies and shares which trims are to be used, where, and how.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you place an order with a sewing factory using only the specification sheet and the pattern?

It depends on the order, but the pattern alone often lacks details such as the fabric and trims to use, sewing methods, processing, labels, and inspection and packing conditions. While using the pattern as a base, it is important to consolidate the decisions needed for mass production into the specification sheet, and if there is a physical sample, share it as well.

When should the specification sheet be finalized?

As a rule, it should be finalized before placing the mass-production order, reflecting what was confirmed in the final sample. However, some items need to be decided in advance due to material procurement or processing considerations. Make it clear that information before finalization is provisional, and when changes are made, share the update date, version number, and details of the change with the relevant parties.

What items require particular attention when changing the specification sheet?

Dimensions, patterns, materials and trims, sewing specifications, and processing are items that tend to affect usage amounts, processes, delivery dates, and quality. Check not only the changed part, but also whether related material lists, patterns, illustrations, and inspection standards are affected. Also collect or stop using the old version at the same time.