From the Studio Series: Making a Product

Today's post is the fourth of our "From the Studio" series, where we share how we create MAIKA and make products: from inspiration to finished product. Check out our first, second and third posts here.

Creating a form from sketch to making a finished product is like solving a puzzle. Many people are surprised when I tell them I'm a novice (and infrequent) sewer. Their reaction? "But you're a designer of sewn goods?!"Well, the truth is, there are many ways to mock up a product, so choose the medium you're most comfortable with. For me, this is paper.

I make my "pattern" using very simple tools: pen, paper and scissors. Shown above is the first take on what eventually became our dopp travel cases. At this early stage, there is usually a lot of experimentation, which can be fun.

Once I've figured out what my form looks, I cut it and start folding and playing with it. This helps me visualize where my seams could be, and how each piece folds into one another. All of this informs how I then create my fabric sample and eventually, a tech pack. This is a document that lists all the necessary specifications and components needed to make the product. In our world, an essential tool for communication between the designer and manufacturer.

Till the next post...