Guide · First collections
How to produce your first collection in Nigeria
Producing your first collection can feel like the hardest part of starting a fashion brand. You have the designs, but not the pattern makers, the machines or the factory contacts. This guide walks through how it works with a production studio in Nigeria, from the first idea to garments ready to sell.
In short: you send a brief, we make a pattern and a sample for your approval, then we produce the run. Small runs start from 10 pieces per design. A sample takes 15 to 25 working days, and you get a quote within 3 days of us reviewing your information.
1. Get your idea ready
You don't need industry experience or a technical spec sheet. To start, have:
- A design idea for each piece: a sketch, a drawing or a reference image.
- Rough quantities: how many pieces of each design, and in which sizes.
- Your fabric: either fabric you want to supply, or a description so we can source it for you.
- Your timeline: when you want the collection in hand.
If you have a tech pack, send it. It makes the quote faster and more exact. If not, we work from what you have. Our free production readiness checklist shows what to gather.
2. Send your brief and get a quote
Tell us what you want to produce, roughly how many pieces and your timeline, through the quote form, email or WhatsApp. We review your designs and come back with a quote within 3 days after we have reviewed all your information. The quote covers the sample, the production run and a firm timeline.
3. Pattern and sample
We draft a pattern for each design and make a sample. You check the fit, the fabric and the finish. A sample takes 15 to 25 working days. Nothing goes into full production until you sign it off, so the run matches what you approved.
The sample price depends on the design and the tech pack specifications, so each one is quoted on its own. See the minimum order and pricing guide.
4. Production
Once the sample is approved, we grade the pattern across your sizes and produce the run: cutting, sewing, finishing, quality checks at every stage, pressing and tagging. Small runs typically take 1 to 2 weeks after sample approval. Larger collections take longer, and your quote gives the exact timeline. You are updated at every milestone.
5. Delivery
Collect your collection in Abuja, or we ship it to you anywhere in the world, packaged to your brief.
How many pieces should a first collection have?
Many founders start with a small capsule: a few designs, each in a short run. Our minimum is 10 pieces per design, so a capsule of 4 designs can start at 40 pieces. Starting small lets you test what sells before you produce more.
Questions founders ask
Do I need a tech pack to start?
No. A design idea and a reference image is enough to start. We draft the pattern and guide you through the rest. If you already have a tech pack, it helps us quote faster and more precisely.
What is the minimum order for a first collection?
10 pieces per design for production runs. Bespoke and one-off commissions are handled case by case.
How long does a sample take?
A sample takes 15 to 25 working days. Nothing goes into full production until you approve it.
How much does a sample cost?
Each sample is quoted for its design, based on your design and tech pack specifications.
How quickly will I get a quote?
Within 3 days after we have reviewed all your information.
Can I produce in Nigeria if I live abroad?
Yes. We work with founders in the UK, US, Canada and Europe. We are set up for remote collaboration and ship worldwide.
Ready to start? Request a quote, email [email protected] or message us on WhatsApp. The Pattern House, Gwarimpa Ultra Modern Plaza, Lifecamp, Abuja.