All inventions start the same way – with an idea! It doesn’t matter if you’re inventing the world’s first sustainable waterproof seat cover or the world’s fiftieth iteration of the tennis shoe;
You must create a prototype before you’re able to sell your invention to the world.
In the world of textiles, this process is no different. Textile prototyping is a crucial step in the development of new textile-based products.
But what is textile prototyping exactly, and how can you get started? Today the experts at Fairway Products will help you discover the ins and outs of textile prototyping and teach you everything you need to know to make your new invention a reality.
What is textile prototyping?
Textile prototyping is creating a prototype of a sewing or fabric-based product. While it is a simple task at its core, hours and hours of work go into creating just the one model product used to convince people of the worthiness of your product.
These prototypes can range from seam-sealed airport windsocks, biodegradable planter seed sheets, convertible backpacks, aromatherapy pillows, and so much more.
Each of these ideas started as just that: an idea. From there, engineers vet the best materials and processes for production, and then an experienced sewer armed with state-of-the-art technology manufactures the functional prototypes. For larger projects, complicated projects, or even a one-time project, using a textile manufacturing company to produce your prototype is the best choice for having a product that will succeed.
How does textile prototype sewing work?
Prototype sewing is a straightforward process if you know how to navigate it. You might draft some illustrations that make clear how your product is different from the competition. For example, maybe you’ve been struck with a concept of a wallet that is bulletproof and fire-resistant.
After that point, you will have reached a fork in the road: you either possess the knowledge, equipment, and materials to create your own prototype, or you need to enlist the help of a textile manufacturer.
The next step will be to solidify a blueprint before starting the production of your prototype. If you hire a company like Fairway Products for prototype production, the designs will be handed off to experienced sewers with the latest sewing technology, and then the magic happens.
Once you have the prototype completed, you’ll have something to share with potential investors, your team, and your peers. With your working prototype in hand, you’ll be ready to test your product, refine it, and get it ready for market.
How do I get a prototype of my invention made?
Getting a prototype made may be simpler than you think: it all starts with a sketch. Sketching your idea will allow your vision to take shape. While you may be tempted to jump right into a digital drawing, using pen and paper will help you to get things down quickly before they are forgotten and filter through all of the different thoughts in your head.
Once you’ve got a sketch or illustration that you’re happy with, experienced textile cut and sew manufacturers can begin the prototyping process. Otherwise, the next step is to create a digital rendering. Creating a CAD rendering will allow your digital design to be presented in both 2-D and 3-D.
Once the digital rendering is complete, you’re ready to create a functional prototype. It’s important to note that there is nothing wrong with reaching out for professional help, and the invention is still completely your own! In fact, while some have the ability and resources to produce the prototype themselves, most will end up working with a textile manufacturer – and that’s a good thing.
Why is working with a textile manufacturer a smart choice?
Working with a textile manufacturer has many benefits. For one thing, textile manufacturers have years of experience creating textile prototypes, so they know how to help you turn your concept into a prototype that will fulfill your vision. Textile manufacturers like Fairway Products also have an intimate knowledge of raw materials and can help you select materials that best match your vision and your budget. They can also optimize your prototype’s efficiency, meaning less fabric wasted and less money spent on unused resources.
Another advantage of choosing to produce your prototype with a textile manufacturer is that they have equipment and technologies that wouldn’t be available to the average consumer. Utilizing the manufacturer’s specialized equipment can reduce costs and produce your product faster than consumer-grade equipment.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if these benefits outweigh the increased cost of working with a textile manufacturer. If you have the skills and resources to do it yourself, that is always an option available to you for your textile prototype. However, for the best chance of ending up with a product you love, turning to professionals is probably your best bet.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this crash course in textile prototyping has helped you understand what textile prototyping is and how to get started. With the textile solutions industry at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to enter the market. If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about textile prototyping, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Fairway Products.
Fairway Products has been manufacturing textiles for 50 years and is your one-stop-shop, for product development, industrial cutting & sewing, and seaming and sealing services. Don’t waste another day with your million-dollar idea collecting dust as an idea or drawing.
Take the next step and create a textile prototype today! You won’t regret it, and if you need to reach out for help, Fairway Products’ product development team is happy to give you a hand.
