Strike offs

Strike offs can be somewhat of a mystery if you are new to the fabric world. In a nutshell, strike offs are samples of printed fabric the fabric designer orders. These strike offs serve a number of purposes. First and foremost they are a way for a fabric designer to make sure their designs have transferred to fabric the way they envisioned. It is also a way to show off fabric designs by way of having seamstresses sew the fabric and 'show it off'. Fabric of this type is generally purchased before the designer places the order (this is called a pre-order).

Strike offs work differently for each fabric group, but generally there will be an application and terms that you have to meet. Some charge a deposit (to cover fabric costs if you flake), and almost all will charge at least the cost for shipping. In exchange for the fabric (and sometimes a little extra discount if you purchase from the round), you sew the fabric, and take modeled pictures to promote in a number of groups. There's a lot to sewing strike offs, but this gives you a general idea of what it's all about, and why you see people showing off fabric that isn't actually in stock yet.

A lot of people have asked me "how do I get chosen for sewing strike offs? I keep applying but I never get picked". So here are my top tips on making sure you are going to get noticed.

First, sew some amazing things and get even more amazing pictures of them. When I first started applying to test patterns and sew strike offs, I bought some custom knits and I sewed up a bunch of cute baby clothes and took really nice pictures of them - that's when I started to get noticed. Second, don't send crappy pictures! If you send/post blurry pictures, pictures of your kids in their messy playroom, or pictures of your garments on your kitchen floor, you aren't going to get picked. As unfair as it may seen, when designers (or their admins) are looking for potential seamstresses they are looking for the entire package - they want to see good, unique items being sewn, and (maybe even most importantly), they want to see good, clear pictures. My last point is PRESS YOUR GARMENTS! (See my previous post about the importance of finishing).

It helps if you take a look at other people who have sewn strike offs, notice things like how they present their pictures, how they model what they've made, how they show off the prints, etc. If you are ever unsure if your work is 'up to par' feel free to send me a message, I would be happy to help you along and give you tips on getting noticed!