Receiving the very first prototype is an exciting step in the development process- everything is beginning to come together, and you (the designer) are finally able to see the physical results of your technical design and material selection process. At this point, it is very common to have feedback about that first prototype. Changes or adjustments may need to be made to the pattern to alter the fit or style of your prototype.
Booking an in-person or virtual fitting is the best way through this process. At a fitting, we will work with you to review the style as it currently is, identify what areas may need revision, advise on strategy in accomplishing these changes, and discuss expected outcomes.
Some designers choose to conduct their fittings themselves and that’s okay with us! If you are going the route of doing a fitting yourself, we ask that you be as specific as possible when providing feedback. Here are some questions to ask yourself when providing feedback on your samples:
Where is the change needed? What part of the garment (ex. Sleeve on both wearer’s right and left) is not as needed or expected?
What is the change? How should we change this area of the garment? (Ex. Armhole is too big.)
How much? How much exactly should we adjust the pattern here? (Ex. It needs to be .5” smaller.)
Answering these questions changes the feedback (the sleeve isn’t quite right) into something specific that we can take action on (the armhole on both the wearer’s right & left sides needs to be .5”smaller). Communicating your changes with detail is one of the ways that you can help us get your patterns and prototype exactly right!
In addition to fittings, MFP also offers fit kits with the supplies and materials you need to provide feedback on your prototypes- check them out here. MFP’s fit kits are a great compliment to either a virtual or DIY fitting.