Q&A: Everything Indie Designers Need to Know About Patterns, Production & Compliance
Starting your own fashion brand is exciting, but it comes with a lot of questions. From garment licensing to minimum order quantities, the details can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this FAQ — a straightforward guide for indie designers navigating production, patterns, and compliance.
Do I need a garment license to start a fashion brand in California?
If you’re sewing or cutting garments in California, you likely need a Garment Contractor License. If you’re outsourcing production locally under your own label, you’ll need to register as a manufacturer. Even if your LLC is formed in another state, California enforces joint liability — meaning the laws still apply if production happens in California.
👉 [Read our guide on California garment laws]
How can I avoid California’s garment licensing requirements?
The only way to avoid California’s licensing and registration rules is to manufacture outside the state. Many indie designers choose overseas production to cut costs and sidestep compliance issues. At Stella Luna & Co., we manage overseas production with trusted partners so you can focus on design and branding.
👉 [Learn more about our overseas production services]
What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for overseas production?
With our overseas partners, MOQs start at 100 units per color, and you can split those across multiple sizes. This makes overseas manufacturing accessible even for small indie brands testing their first collections.
👉 [Schedule a consultation to discuss MOQs for your brand]
Are overseas factories lower quality than U.S. production?
Not at all — in fact, overseas partners often have more fabric options, better equipment, and stricter QC processes than small U.S. shops. The key is management. At Stella Luna & Co., we oversee every step of production, from fabric sourcing to sample approvals, so quality is consistent.
👉 [Read our blog on overseas manufacturing benefits]
What’s a tech pack, and why do I need one?
A tech pack is your garment’s blueprint. It includes measurements, materials, trims, stitching, and finishing notes. Without it, factories are left guessing — which leads to mistakes, delays, and higher costs. Our ready-to-use digital tech pack templates give you everything you need to create professional documentation.
What’s the difference between a tech pack and a spec sheet?
A spec sheet is a chart of measurements and grading rules, while a tech pack is the full instruction manual for your garment. Together, they ensure fit accuracy and construction consistency.
👉 [Read our Tech Pack vs. Spec Sheet article]
How do I price my fashion collection correctly?
Start by calculating your true costs: fabric, trims, labor, packaging, shipping, and overhead. Many indie designers undercharge by ignoring hidden expenses. Our digital costing sheet template helps you see exactly what margins you need to hit profitable price points.
👉 [Shop costing sheet templates]
Can I really use ready-made digital patterns?
Yes! Ready-to-make digital patterns save weeks of development. Instead of drafting blocks from scratch, you can download a professional pattern instantly, customize details, and move straight into sampling. Our digital T-shirt and hoodie patterns are multi-size nested and formatted for production.
👉 [Shop digital sewing patterns]
Why do manufacturers prefer digital patterns?
Factories can plug digital patterns straight into their cutting systems. This reduces errors, speeds up sampling, and shows you’re a serious client. It also means you’ll get better communication and more accurate production from the start.
What’s the fastest way to go from sketch to sample?
Skip the drafting stage. Start with a ready-to-use digital pattern, pair it with a professional tech pack, and send it to your manufacturer. With this workflow, you can move from sketch to sample in a fraction of the time.
👉 [Read our Sketch to Sample guide]
Final Thoughts: Your Questions, Answered
Building a fashion brand doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s licensing, production, or product development, the answers are here — and Stella Luna & Co. is here to guide you every step of the way.