A Complete Guide to Technical Callouts in Apparel Tech Packs

Technical callouts are crucial in a garment tech pack—they provide manufacturers with the precise instructions needed to construct your garment. In fact, I’d argue they’re the most important part of the tech pack. With just your technical sketches, callouts, and measurement specs, a manufacturer can provide a sample or at least a quote.

 

Technical callouts are crucial in a garment tech pack—they provide manufacturers with the precise instructions needed to construct your garment. In fact, I’d argue they’re the most important part of the tech pack. With just your technical sketches, callouts, and measurement specs, a manufacturer can provide a sample or at least a quote.

 

With over 20 years in the fashion industry, I’ve created tech packs for hundreds of garments that have successfully gone into production. In this guide, I’ll break down what technical callouts are, why they matter, and how to create them effectively. Plus, I’ve included FREE Tech Pack Templates to help you get started.

 

Whether you’re a freelance designer or a technical designer crafting your tech pack, this guide is for you!

 

What Are Technical Callouts in a Garment Tech Pack?

 

In a garment tech pack, callouts are instructions that detail how the manufacturer should construct the garment. These instructions are placed on the garment spec sheet, alongside your technical sketches. Arrows on the sketches point to specific areas, and callouts provide the explanation of what needs to be done for each detail.

 

Callouts can include instructions on construction methods, trims, stitching techniques, and other design elements. They ensure that both you and the manufacturer are aligned from the start, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication during the sample-making and production stages.

Metallic Chiffon Drape Neck Wrap Skirt Dress

 

What to Include in Your Tech Pack Callouts

 

Construction Details

Specify seam types, stitching techniques, and construction methods. For example: “1/4” DNTS on hemline” means to use Double Needle Top Stitch with a 1/4” stitch distance.

 

Stitching Details

Provide precise instructions on stitch types and distances, such as “1/4” DNTS” for hems or seams.

 

Materials

Indicate the materials used in different areas of the garment. For instance, “2×2 rib knit on cuff” specifies the material for the cuff.

 

Pro Tip: Avoid repeating information across sections. Place material descriptions in the fabric map or Bill of Materials (BOM), not in the callouts, unless directly relevant to a specific part.

 

Design Details

Highlight unique features like pockets, pleats, belt loops, or other components. You can dedicate a separate page for a more detailed breakdown of each design element.

 

Trims and Notions

List any trims, hardware (e.g., buttons, zippers), or embellishments. For example: “Metal eyelet w/ drawstring – see BOM for specs.” Include the full details in the BOM.

 

Labels and Branding

Specify brand logos, care labels, or other branded elements. Some brands also include a branding guideline for manufacturers to follow.

 

Colour Pop Cropped Puffer Coat

 

What NOT to Include in Your Tech Pack Callouts

While it might be tempting to add everything to one page, organizing the tech pack across relevant sections helps manufacturers process the information more easily. Here’s what not to include in callouts:

 

Detailed Fabric Information

Save fabric composition, weight, and other intricate details for the BOM section.

 

Measurement Specs

Detailed measurements should be on the measurement specs page, not in callouts. You can include basic measurements (like collar height), but the full specs belong elsewhere.

 

Revision Comments

Any notes for changes should go in the sample evaluation page, not the callouts.

 

Tips for Adding Callouts to Your Garment Tech Pack

 

1. Zoom in on Details

Use zoom bubbles or a separate page to highlight intricate details. Close-up images help clarify specific features without overcrowding the page. Multiple sketches (front, back, side, or close-ups) may be necessary for complex designs.

 

2. Use a Naming Convention

Establish a consistent naming system for stitches and construction details. For example:

SNTS: Single Needle Topstitch

DNTS: Double Needle Topstitch

LS: Lockstitch

CS: Cover Stitch

EGST: Edgestitch

 

A consistent naming convention makes callouts more concise and clear. For new manufacturers, I recommend using full stitch names to avoid confusion. Established brands often provide manufacturers with a stitch manual to standardize terminology.

 

Prioritize Important Details

When creating callouts, focus on what’s crucial. It’s easy to get carried away with “just in case” details, but remember, manufacturers handle numerous clients and garments. Overloading your spec sheet can make it harder for them to identify where to focus their attention.

 

Conclusion

 

Effective technical callouts are essential for a smooth production process. They provide clarity, minimize errors, and ensure that the manufacturer understands your design vision. By being specific, organized, and clear, you’ll set yourself—and your manufacturer—up for success.

 

This version organizes the content more concisely while keeping it informative. Let me know if you’d like to adjust anything further!