Design for production first
Scale, repeat and colour are decided by the fabric and the machine, not by how it looks on a moodboard. Everything we draw can actually be made.
Workflow
A design is only finished when it prints right and presents well
Textile design has two lives: the one on screen and the one on cloth - and a third on the shelf, where it has to sell. Our process is built to protect all three. Every stage is structured around how the design will repeat, dye, render, animate and print - so nothing is lost between approval and bulk production.
- 01
Brief & Fabric Research
We begin with the end use - fabric type, construction, weight, end market, season and price point - then research trends, references and competitor direction before drawing a single motif.
Output: research board · fabric brief · direction notes
- 02
Concept & Motif Development
Hand sketches, painted motifs and digital experiments are developed into concept boards, with early repeat ideas and colour direction proposed for your review.
Output: concept boards · motif sets · early repeat trials
- 03
Repeat, Colourway & 3D CAD Build
Selected directions are engineered into true seamless repeats and mapped across colourways. In parallel, the design is built as a 3D CAD model - fabric drape, garment or product - so it can be seen and approved before sampling.
Output: seamless repeats · colourways · separations · 3D renders
- 04
Sampling & Strike-Off Review
We work alongside mills and printers on strike-offs and lab dips, adjusting colour, scale and repeat until the physical sample matches the approved design and render.
Output: strike-off comments · colour approvals · revision notes
- 05
Motion & Production Handover
Final layered files, production artwork, tech packs and colour standards are packaged for bulk run - alongside motion assets (drape animation, turntables, showreel) that carry the collection to market.
Output: final file set · tech pack · colour standards · motion assets
Working Principles
The rules we design by
A few non-negotiables that shape every project, whatever the fabric or the season.
See it before you make it
3D CAD visualization lets you approve drape, material and colourway on screen - cutting sampling rounds and de-risking decisions before the loom or printer runs.
Handover is part of the craft
A beautiful file that the mill cannot run is a failed file. We document everything - and finish with motion assets so the work is ready to present, not just to produce.
5Stages, Brief to Bulk
64cmTypical Repeat Size
3DCAD Visualization
1Business-Day Reply
FAQ
Questions about the process
A few things clients ask before kicking off a project.
How long does a project take?
It depends on scope. A single print with two or three colourways can take one to two weeks; a full seasonal collection with repeats, colourways, production artwork and 3D renders usually runs four to eight weeks, plus sampling and motion time. We set a clear timeline during the brief stage.
Do we need to have a mill lined up before we start?
No, but it helps. If you already work with a mill or printer we design to their specification from day one. If not, we design to the most flexible production method and document the assumptions so any mill can run it.
Do you need 3D models from us for visualization?
No. If you have CAD models we can use them; if not, we build the garment, cushion or product model ourselves and apply your design to it. Either way you receive the editable 3D scene with the renders.
Who owns the artwork once the project is finished?
Ownership and usage rights are agreed in the project scope. For commissioned work, full rights to the final designs, renders and motion assets transfer to you on completion, with the source files handed over as part of the deliverable set.
How do we get started?
Email admin@designyourtextile.com with your fabric type, product category, season, quantity and timeline. We'll reply within one business day with a scope and next steps.
Kick Off
Ready to start stage one?
Send us the brief and the fabric. We'll take it from research through to a production-ready file set, 3D renders and motion assets.