How a Designer-oriented Bag Workshop Builds Small-Batch Magic｜Inside Skiff Suzhou

Skiff Suzhou is a design-driven bag workshop that works closely with Japanese designers to turn ideas into small production runs.
In this episode we tour their large sample library, watch digital and manual workshop techniques, and examine the practical systems that keep thousands of SKUs organized: barcodes, color-coded pallets, and a pragmatic lab for quick material testing. Founder Jim and partner Phil treat the factory as a creative studio — curating found objects and artworks that spark design conversation.
This video shows how a small manufacturer balances craft, process, and empathy to help designers realize products that carry both function and emotion. Ideal for designers, product managers, and supply-chain professionals exploring low-volume, high-mix manufacturing.

00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:00 Managing Customer Demand & Standardization
00:02:00 Sample Library & Designer Collaboration
00:02:56 Workshop, Equipment & Making Methods
00:03:46 Production Systems & Material Controls
00:04:31 Lab, Quality, and Practical Checks
00:05:06 Office & Company Culture
00:05:33 Closing