You have a brilliant idea for a backpack or tote bag. You have a sketch. You send it to a factory, wait three weeks, and receive a sample that looks nothing like your vision.
This is the most common frustration for new brands. The problem usually isn’t the factory’s skill—it’s the communication gap. A sketch is open to interpretation; a Tech Pack (Technical Package) is a precise set of instructions.
Think of a Tech Pack as a blueprint for a house. You wouldn’t ask a builder to construct a house based on a napkin drawing. Similarly, a professional bag tech pack tells us exactly what materials to buy, where to stitch, and how big every pocket should be. At TIMMY, we love well-made tech packs because they allow us to deliver a “Golden Sample” on the first try.
1. What Exactly is a Tech Pack?
A Tech Pack is a multi-page document that serves as the contract between the designer (you) and the manufacturer (us). It eliminates guessing.
A complete Tech Pack should include:
- Technical Drawings (CAD): Flat sketches showing front, back, side, and interior views.
- Measurements: Detailed dimensions for every panel, strap, and pocket.
- BOM (Bill of Materials): A shopping list for every component.
- Colorways: Pantone references for fabrics and prints.
2. The “BOM” (Bill of Materials): The Ingredients List
This is the most critical page for costing. If you don’t specify the material, the factory will use whatever is cheapest or available.
Your BOM table must list:
- Main Fabric: e.g., “1680D Ballistic Nylon, PU Coated, Black.” (Learn more in our Bag Fabric Guide).
- Lining: e.g., “210D Polyester, Grey.”
- Hardware: e.g., “YKK #5 Nylon Coil Zipper, Matte Black Puller.”
- Webbing: e.g., “Nylon seatbelt webbing, 38mm width.”
3. Callouts & Construction Details
Don’t just draw a line; explain how it should be stitched. This is where you separate professional brands from amateurs.
Use “Callouts” (arrows pointing to specific parts of the drawing) to specify:
- Seam Allowance: “All internal seams to be bound with bias tape.”
- Reinforcement: “Bartack stitching required at all strap stress points.” (Crucial for heavy-duty backpacks).
- Logo Placement: “Logo to be centered, 5cm from top edge, debossed.”
4. Don’t Forget the “Grading” (Sizing)
If you are making a bag in multiple sizes (e.g., Small, Medium, Large travel cubes), your Tech Pack needs a grading sheet. This tells the factory how much to scale up each dimension for the larger versions.
Conclusion: Start with Clarity
A well-prepared bag tech pack saves time, reduces waste, and ultimately lowers your cost per unit by avoiding mistakes. It shows the factory that you are a serious partner.
If you don’t have a tech pack yet, don’t worry. At TIMMY, our design team can help you translate your sketches and ideas into a production-ready document. Contact us today to start your sampling process.