In The Making: SZN’26 – Sourcing Fabric Vendors and Creating Swatch Cards
How I Find the Best Fabric Vendors FAST! | In the Making: SZN 26 Ep 8
Sourcing the right fabric is one of the most critical steps in the fashion design process. In Episode 8 of In the Making: SZN 26, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how Riche Stitch finds the best fabric vendors fast, and what happens next once those fabrics are selected. This episode is from the manufacturer’s perspective and is packed with actionable tips for designers who want to elevate their sourcing strategy.
Why Fabric Sourcing Comes First
Before the first pattern is cut or the first sample is sewn, the fabric must be chosen. Why? It is the fabric that brings the sketch to life. In this episode, you’ll see how we prioritize drape, durability, stretch, and production compatibility; all while staying aligned with the designer’s vision and budget.
Although I had originally planned to attend a sourcing show to showcase my real-time vendor process, life had other plans. But as always, we pivoted. Instead, I took you inside my personal fabric archive to walk you through how I organize vendor information, contact suppliers, and collect updated swatch cards when sourcing from home.
What to Look For When Choosing Fabric Vendors
Knowing how to find fabric vendors is just the first step. Choosing the right ones requires a deeper look at:
- Quality: Always test samples before committing.
- Availability: Reliable stock is key for production planning.
- Minimums: Know what the vendor requires for bulk orders.
- Pricing: Make sure it aligns with your collection’s margin goals.
- Support: Great vendors help you troubleshoot and succeed.
Even without attending the show, we began building a solid vendor list and requesting updated catalogs and swatch cards for future development.
Why Swatch Cards Matter
Once fabrics are selected, the next step is creating detailed swatch cards. At Riche Stitch, every fabric we touch, whether in stock or custom, gets its own swatch card. These include:
- Fabric name and type
- Color code
- Stretch details
- Weight and feel
- Price and MOQ
- Production notes
Swatch cards help you (and your clients) stay organized, avoid miscommunications, and make confident decisions about fabric selection. We even provide swatch cards to our clients so they can shop our house fabrics or review custom materials with clarity.
Riche Stitch Fabric Services
This episode also introduces our fabric services at Riche Stitch:
- Fabric Sourcing: For designs produced through Riche Stitch.
- In-Stock Fabrics: Designers can shop from our curated inventory.
- Custom Fabric Sourcing: One-of-a-kind textiles made or sourced just for you.
- Fabric Subscription: Monthly swatches of new arrivals sent to your door. Priority access included.
- Wholesale Fabric Store: Buy high-quality fabrics at low MOQs even if you’re not producing with us.
- Fabric Education: Coming soon! Learn how to choose fabrics like a pro with our new classes.
Whether you’re a beginner trying to source your first material or an experienced designer looking for custom options, we’re building tools that work for every stage of your journey.
What’s Next?
Now that the fabric is sourced and the swatches are approved, it’s time to move on to patternmaking and sampling. In the next episode, you’ll see the very first sample come to life from one of our upcoming collections.
Be sure to subscribe and follow along to see what happens next in this season of In the Making.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if a fabric vendor is reliable?
A: Always request swatch cards, check MOQ, and ask about production timelines. Look for vendors that offer strong communication and consistency.
Q: What if I don’t have fabric yet for my design?
A: That’s okay! Riche Stitch can help you source it, even if you only have a sketch or mood board to start.
Q: Do I have to manufacture with Riche Stitch to buy fabric?
A: No. Our wholesale fabric store is open to anyone, whether you’re sewing at home or producing with another factory.
Q: How do I join the fabric subscription?
A: Stay tuned! Details will be announced on our site and email list soon.
Watch the Full Episode
Ready to see the full behind-the-scenes of how Riche Stitch handles fabric sourcing and finds their fabric vendors? Watch Episode 8 of In the Making on the Riche Stitch YouTube channel.
Be sure to like and subscribe!
Key Timestamps in this video:
0:00 – Before the First Stitch: Fabric Sourcing Begins
Start of Episode 8 — sourcing fabrics and creating swatch cards for SZN’26 at Riche Stitch.
0:30 – Why I Missed the Fabric Sourcing Show (and What I Did Instead)
Life threw curveballs, but I made it work. Here’s how I sourced from home.
1:33 – What We Look For in Fabrics at Riche Stitch
Drape, durability, stretch, availability, and always alignment with the designer’s vision.
1:59 – How We Build Detailed Swatch Cards (Fabric Breakdown)
What each Riche Stitch swatch card includes and why it matters.
2:50 – Why Swatch Cards Are a Sourcing Staple
Even as a manufacturer, I rely on swatch cards to make smart buying decisions.
3:48 – Sourcing Show Recap + Swatch Card BTS
The swatch card I created for Nouveau Riche Apparel and my thoughts on design.
4:43 – Introducing Our Fabric Services at Riche Stitch
Ready to reveal our full lineup of sourcing and swatch support services.
5:50 – What is the Riche Stitch Fabric Subscription?
Monthly access to our newest high-quality fabrics before they even hit our shelves.
6:48 – Our Wholesale Fabric Store for Designers & DIYers
Buy fabric at wholesale pricing; even if you’re not producing with us.
7:30 – Learn Fabrics Like a Pro: Our Classes Are Coming
Design better by understanding the materials. I’ll teach you how.
9:07 – Wrapping Up the Swatch Cards for SZN’26
Finalizing swatch cards for the newest collection from Nouveau Riche Apparel.
10:30 – Coming Next: First Sample Production Begins!
The fabric is chosen… next up, cutting, sewing, and testing our first sample.
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