Technical design is not easy. Creating tech packs requires a deep understanding and expertise in the field.
So, in May 2024, I surveyed over 20 technical design experts on their must-have books and why they love them. From industry jargon and creating tech packs to flat sketches, garment specs, construction, and patternmaking, here are the best books that technical designers and design academics always keep within arm’s reach.
Whether you’re in need of a boost in technical design principles or (like me) have been dreaming of building your own fashion library, these are the books you want to check out.
Top 10 Technical Design Books
1. FashionPedia by Fashionary (and other Fashionary books)
Starting with one of my personal faves – Fashionpedia by Fashionary. Dubbed as “The Ultimate Fashion Bible,” this book covers everything from garment details and styles to components and more. I love this book so much that I even wrote a Fashionpedia review on my blog.
Fashionary has a solid lineup of other books including Textilepedia, Bag Design, Shoe Design, and more. What sets their books apart is the combination of text with visuals like illustrations and photos, making the information easy to understand and remember. You can check out their full collection on their website.
– Heidi (me!)
2. The Complete Book of Technical Design for Technical and Fashion Designers by Deborah Beard
“The Complete Book of Technical Design for Fashion and Technical Designers by Deborah Beard is my go-to. Professor Beard is the Chair of Technical Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She is a fashion industry veteran, having had her own junior fashion brand fresh out of school. Her book was out of print for quite awhile but recently became available again as the 2nd edition. It’s an excellent resource!
Here’s Prof. Beard’s overview about her book: 2nd edition of my textbook just published by Kendall Hunt Publishing, “The Complete Book of Technical Design for Technical and Fashion Designers.” It contains: how to measure chapter, how to fit and correct woven and knit garments, how to prepare a technical packet, grading and spec information on multiple garments from women’s, children’s and men’s. It comes with a 3 1/2 hour link showing how to measure and how to correct and fit garments. Available online at Kendall Hunt Publishing.
It was through Prof. Beard’s Illustrator class that I first learned about Heidi’s illustrator videos!”
– Trudy W., Technical Designer & Patternmaker
Author’s Note: This book is for anyone wanting to learn technical design. It also has videos on how to measure all types of garments, knit and woven. We use it in our Technical Design Program. You can find it at kendallhunt.com for the best price. The 2nd edition has a blue cover. Learn how to measure, abbreviations used in industry, how to fit photos etc.
3. Technical Sourcebook for Apparel Design by Camille Steen and Jaeil Lee
“Technical Sourcebook for Apparel Design has many tech pack examples (already in Excel) including grades that populate. And many Illustrator garment croquis. The 4th edition is just out, with improved binding, so the book lies flat. (I’m prejudiced though. My baby… I wrote it.)”
– Camille S., Author and Technical CAD Professor
“This is my favorite for teaching a beginner technical design course because it breaks technical design into easy, digestible pieces and is written from the design perspective.”
– Darlene R., Higher Education Product Specialist
4. The Vendor Compliance Handbook (Including Forms and Data Templates) by David Secul
“I highly highly highly recommend the book The Vendor Compliance Handbook! As a technical designer, I learned so much from this book – from what to include in a tech pack, sampling, specs, construction details, manufacturing, commercial terminology, and so much more!
It’s a great resource for technical fashion designers and brand owners who want to understand the process of producing a garment and dive deep into the world of product development! It’s a guide for those who want to start a fashion brand in a professional way.
You can purchase the book directly from the Fashiondex website.”
– Manar A., Freelance Technical Fashion Designer for Woven Womenswear
5. The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing by Kathleen Fasanella
“This is a secret treasure… The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing by the wise beyond words Kathleen Fasanella. Gives a fresh perspective to designers by hearing it from the factory POV. Everything from how to do style numbers to contractor evaluation.”
– Esther I. Y., Sustainability Focused Technical Apparel Designer & Material Developer
“I have all my clients buy and read this first because it makes them a better client. I advise them that it will help them ask smarter questions when we are together developing their line. Especially since it’s a quick read, it’s less intimidating to them. I suggest to start where they have their first question and use a highlighter and post it notes. It’s the fashion bible.”
– Laura T., Sewn Product Engineer
Heidi’s Note: Yessssss I own this book too – bought it AGES ago, and it’s so so good! (Cool side note, she’s been a guest on my Fashion Designers Get Paid Podcast!)
6. Patternmaking for Fashion Design by Helen Joseph-Armstrong
“Most of my technical knowledge has been through educational courses/mentors or on the job.
My favourite book which to this day helps me with patterns, measurements, and creativity is an old version of: Patternmaking for Fashion Design: International Edition Armstrong, Helen Joseph.
It is more focussed on pattern cutting but helps evaluate fit etc. too.”
– Philippa C., Freelance Technical Outerwear Product Developer & Pattern Cutter
7. The Spec Manual by Diane DeMers and Michele Wesen Bryant
“One from my design school days is The Spec Manual. It includes flats and points of measurement for a bunch of garments.”
– Marguerite B., Freelance Technical Designer
Heidi’s Note: I own it as well and it’s definitely a great reference! I even made a quick YT review of this book!
8. Apparel Manufacturing: Sewn Product Analysis by Ruth E. Glock and Grace I. Kunz
“Apparel Manufacturing: Sewn Product Analysis is a great book. I always make new companies buy this manual!”
– Katherine S., 3D Apparel Design Expert
9. Professional Pattern Grading for Women’s, Men’s, and Children’s Apparel by Jack Handford
Heidi’s Note: Professional Pattern Grading for Women’s, Men’s, and Children’s Apparel teaches the principles of pattern grading for various types of apparel. This book focuses on manual grading techniques, but the principles can be translated to computer methods as well.
While I don’t have this in my collection (yet), I’ve heard a lot of great things about it and it was recommended by a couple of TDs on the survey!
10. The Apparel Design and Production Hand Book (A Technical Reference) by Fashiondex
Heidi’s Note: This was my first time hearing about this book but upon checking it out, I can see why it’s a total game changer! The Apparel Design and Production Hand Book (A Technical Reference) has charts for standard body measurements and garment specs, including detailed illustrations on how to take these measurements, and how to measure garments for production. The book also offers blank spec sheets and illustrated croquis figures for tracing.
That wraps up my list of the top 10 recommended technical design books!
If you’re in for more, you can read the raw comments (of TDs gushing over their favorite books) plus a few additional recommendations, in my LinkedIn post.
Table of Contents
