Keep pattern and material separate
Herringbone describes a pattern or construction-related direction, while composition describes the material in the identified article. The same appearance discussion can involve different materials and finished specifications. Record the appearance preference without attaching an assumed wool percentage. When the team proposes a physical reference, keep its code and written composition with that reference rather than applying the information to the whole category.
Identify hard constraints
Write a mandatory composition or material restriction explicitly in the enquiry and distinguish it from a preference. Unknown composition cannot satisfy a hard requirement. If a requirement is open to recommendation, say which garment result you need and ask the team to propose article options. This gives the discussion room to consider alternatives without silently changing a mandatory constraint.
Keep adjustable properties visible
Appearance, weight, usable width, surface and sample stage may have different priorities within the project. State which targets are essential, which can be discussed and which are still unknown. Do not infer one property from another. A preferred pattern rhythm does not supply a GSM, and a material label alone does not establish drape or garment suitability. Use identified samples to evaluate the actual proposal.
Inspect a relevant physical sample
Compare the finished sample at the garment panel and detail that matter. Keep its ID, face, direction and viewing or working conditions. Ask for a larger cutting or trial metreage when a small swatch cannot answer the question. The sample evidence should match the article and stage under discussion, especially when colour or finishing changes.
Request article information
Ask for composition, finished weight, usable width, measured repeat and any relevant evidence for your intended use. Keep claims about recycled content or certifications limited to what current documentation can support for that article and transaction. Request applicable sample availability and next steps separately. The material guides help organise those questions; they do not declare that all illustrated directions meet a specification.
Your decision and record
| Check | Decide | Keep with the reference |
|---|---|---|
| Constraint | Separate mandatory material requirements from preferences. | Clear requirement wording. |
| Article | Attach specifications to the proposed reference. | Code, composition and current document. |
| Trial | Evaluate the garment question on a physical sample. | Sample stage and working conditions. |
| Evidence | Ask for relevant support for article claims. | Scope, identity and unresolved items. |
Questions for this step
Can herringbone tell me the wool percentage?
No. Composition needs article-specific information. The pattern name and illustration do not establish a fibre percentage.
What if the article composition is still unknown?
Keep it open for confirmation. Do not accept it as meeting a hard composition requirement until the relevant written information is available.
Should material and appearance be in separate brief fields?
Yes. That distinction lets the team understand what must be retained and what article options can be recommended.