Sample Development: Behind the Scenes

Srishti Dhawan
Sep 17
2 min read

At Clutch Made, every accessory begins with an idea. But ideas alone aren’t enough. To transform a sketch into something you can hold, test, and carry, we bring it into our factory for one of the most crucial stages of the process: sample development.

This is the moment when creativity meets craftsmanship. Step inside with us, and we’ll show you what really happens behind the scenes.

What Sample Development Means to Us

For us, a sample isn’t just a prototype. It’s the first tangible form of your vision. It’s where we test proportions, adjust details, and bring every design decision into the real world. In our factory, each sample is crafted by skilled makers who understand not only how an accessory should look, but how it should function, feel, and last.

The Steps Inside Our Factory

Here’s what happens when a project reaches the sample stage at Clutch Made:

Tech Pack as Blueprint - Every sample starts with a detailed tech pack. This document is the roadmap that guides our makers outlining dimensions, materials, hardware, closures, and finishing details.

Material & Hardware Selection - We source the leathers, textiles, linings, and trims that will bring your idea to life. In this step, we also evaluate hardware everything from zippers to buckles to ensure it works seamlessly with the design.

Crafting the First Sample - Using the tech pack as our guide, we create the first prototype. This is where sketches shift into shape, and your concept begins to exist as a physical product.

Refinement & Iteration - The first sample always teaches us something. Maybe a strap needs to sit differently, a seam should move, or a closure requires adjustment. We refine, rebuild, and polish until every element works the way it should.

Final Approval - Once a sample passes our internal checks and your review, it becomes the gold standard for production. Every bag or accessory that follows will be built from this exact reference.

Why This Stage Matters

Sample development is more than a step it’s the foundation of a successful product. Without it, a beautiful idea risks falling apart in execution. With it, we ensure that your accessory is not only visually compelling, but also functional, durable, and true to your brand identity.