Kris Sharpe

Founder & Product Developer

About

I help turn ideas into physical products.Working from a sketch, CAD drawing, sample, or rough concept, I develop patterns, build prototypes, refine construction methods, and produce production-ready samples for manufacture. Digital patterns can also be supplied where required.My work covers pattern cutting, sampling, product development, and small-batch production, with a particular focus on functional carry systems, technical soft goods, and durable sewn products.Alongside client work, I design and develop my own products through 45 Bags, giving me practical experience of the entire development process from concept through to manufacture.Based in Hamilton, New Zealand, I work with designers, startups, brands, and manufacturers who need hands-on support turning ideas into products that are practical, manufacturable, and built to perform in the real world.

Country

New Zealand

City

Hamilton

Industry

Defense & Space

Skill

Small Batch Production, Sewing, Pattern Design, Pattern Making, Soft Goods Manufacturing, Sample Development, Creative Pattern Cutting, Pattern Cutting, Industrial Sewing

Experience

Founder & Product Developer

45 Bags

2024-10 - Present · 2 yrs

Hamilton

-Pattern cutting and sewing sample development for soft goods products -Construction and refinement of prototypes through iterative sampling -Contract sewing support for small batch production runs -Collaboration with designers and brands to move from concept to manufacturable product -Focus on functional carry systems, technical textiles, and durable product construction

Soft Goods Designer

Sabre Tactical

2019-9 - Present · 7 yrs 1 mo

Hamilton

Designed and developed tactical load carriage and equipment systems for military, law enforcement, and government users. Responsibilities included concept development, pattern creation, prototyping, testing, construction refinement, and production preparation.