Key production numbers
Cut-and-sew means the factory cuts fabric to your pattern and sews the garment from scratch, rather than printing or embroidering a stock blank. For SHENGDE projects, starting quantities can be discussed from 50 units per style where fabric, colour and decoration requirements allow it. Sample development is typically targeted within 15 days after the specification, materials and artwork are confirmed.
Sample cost planning ranges: a straightforward T-shirt or sweatshirt sample may fall around USD 80-180, while a hoodie, sweatpant or more complex style may fall around USD 120-250. Monthly capacity is 10,000 units with DDP and DDU delivery options.
What cut-and-sew manufacturing actually means
Cut-and-sew production starts with fabric rolls rather than finished blanks. The factory lays, cuts, sews and finishes garments against your pattern, measurement chart and specification. This is the standard route for original silhouettes, custom fits, custom fabrics and garments that do not exist as stock blanks.
The alternative is blank-garment production: buying stock garments and adding print or embroidery. Blank programs are faster and often lower-MOQ, but the fit and fabric are limited to what the factory stocks. Cut-and-sew gives full control over silhouette, fabric, construction and finishing.
The cut-and-sew process, step by step
1. Specification review. The factory reviews your tech pack, reference garment, drawings or measurements and identifies missing information before quoting. 2. Fabric and trim sourcing. Fabric, lining, zippers, buttons, labels and packaging are confirmed against the specification. 3. Pattern and grading. A pattern is developed and graded to your size range. 4. Sample development. A sample is made, measured and reviewed against the spec — typically within 15 days. 5. Bulk production. Production runs with inspection checkpoints for material, measurements, construction and finish. 6. Packing and delivery. Retail-ready packing and DDP or DDU delivery complete the program.
MOQ and pricing: what actually drives cost
The order minimum for cut-and-sew is set by the largest constraint in the chain: fabric availability, colour minimums, size breakdown, decoration, labels and packaging. A program using available fabric and a manageable colour and size assortment can start around 50 units. Custom-dyed fabric or specially developed trims require larger material commitments.
Unit price is driven by fabric composition and weight, construction and sewing time, decoration, labels, packaging, quantity by colour and size, and destination. A complete brief produces a more accurate quotation faster.
Tech pack vs reference garment: what to send
A complete tech pack is the fastest starting point: flats, measurements, BOM, artwork and construction notes. If you do not have a full pack, reference garments, clear drawings, measurement charts and samples can begin the discussion — the factory reviews them and lists what is missing before quoting.
Body measurements and garment measurements are different. Confirm which chart the sample is measured against, and set tolerances for key points such as chest, length and sleeve. Version control matters: every revision should be dated and the purchase order should reference the approved release.
Quality control in cut-and-sew
Quality checkpoints typically cover incoming materials, cutting accuracy, sewing construction, measurements, trims, labelling, finishing and packing. SHENGDE applies material, measurement and finish checks throughout the process against the approved sample and specification.
For bulk programs, agree in advance which measurements are checked, what tolerances apply and how issues are communicated. A shared inspection report keeps both sides aligned.
When cut-and-sew is the right choice
Choose cut-and-sew when you need an original silhouette, custom fabric, custom fit, a coordinated collection with matched materials, or when the garment does not exist as a stock blank. Choose blank-garment decoration when speed and absolute minimum MOQ matter more than fit and fabric control.
Many growing brands run a hybrid: premium hero pieces as cut-and-sew, basics as blanks. The balance depends on budget, timeline and brand positioning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with fewer than 50 units? Starting quantities can be discussed from 50 units per style where fabric, colour and decoration requirements allow it. Custom fabrics or trims may require higher minimums. What is the sample fee for cut-and-sew? Sample costs follow planning ranges of USD 80-250 depending on the style and complexity. Is a tech pack required? A tech pack is preferred, but reference garments and clear drawings can begin the discussion. How long does production take? The bulk schedule is confirmed with the final specification and order size; sample development is targeted within 15 days.
Sources and verification
Cost and MOQ figures reflect SHENGDE production planning ranges published on shengdeclothing.com (2026). Individual quotations are confirmed after specification review.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with fewer than 50 units?
Starting quantities can be discussed from 50 units per style where fabric, colour and decoration requirements allow it. Custom fabrics or trims may require higher minimums.
What is the sample fee for cut-and-sew?
Sample costs follow planning ranges of USD 80-250 depending on the style and complexity.
Is a tech pack required for cut-and-sew?
A tech pack is preferred, but reference garments, clear drawings and measurement charts can begin the discussion.
How long does cut-and-sew production take?
The bulk schedule is confirmed with the final specification and order size; sample development is targeted within 15 days.
Do you offer DDP delivery?
Yes. DDP and DDU delivery options can be discussed based on destination, shipment size, timeline and import requirements.