First Through Production Patternmaker

Job Description – First Through Production Patternmaker

Department: Patternmaker Reports To: Patternmaker Manager              

Salary Range: DOE

FLSA Status: Exempt

Company Overview

VELVET BY GRAHAM AND SPENCER began in 1997 as an aspiration to create fashion-forward tee shirts that embodied the laid-back luxe of LA style. Today it has evolved into full collections recognized for their meticulously crafted, clean elevated staples. Helmed by Creative Director Jenny Graham, the collections are created using only the finest fabrics and are manufactured primarily in the United States. Velvet by Graham & Spencer can be found in boutiques and premiere department stores nationwide and internationally.

Job Summary:

First Through Production Patternmaker is responsible for bringing the sample “dupe” garment through a series of fittings to reach the final production garment. Every effort is made by the Production Patternmaker to provide a production-friendly, good-fitted garment before the completed garment is ready to ship.

Duties:

• Communicate with Production Department and Sewing Department
• Hand-Off from 1st Patternmakers: After the “Hand-Off” meeting, go over each garment carefully.
• Fittings: Production Patternmakers are expected to bring as many garments as possible, pressed & ready to fit so that things run smoothly.
• Imports: The approval process is generally the same with some slight variations. Communication with the Imports Manager & Production Patternmaker Manager is important for these garments to determine special considerations.
• Garment Dye: After fitting a sample & approval of its fits by the designer, all the garment dye groups are then dyed, and double checked, to leave as little room as possible for unexpected problems
• Trims & Special Send-Outs: Check and test all trims before using.
• Overseeing Sample Cutting & Sewing: Working closely with the sample sewers, patternmakers also carefully walk the sewers through the process of constructing their garments if there is any confusion.
• Approval Process for Garments: After final fit approval by the designer, Production Patternmakers then check all points & annotations on all pattern pieces then make a “sew-by” for the contractors to follow. Then spec measurements are taken & indicated on the pattern card. Pattern cards are thoroughly vetted for all written sewing instructions and details. Production patternmakers must make sure all pattern pieces in the Gerber system correspond with pattern card indications – instructions must be clean and correct so that the Grading & Marking departments can easily read them. Pressing instructions and finishing are also determined by the Production Patternmaker.
• Grading: Patterns are then sent to be graded and the Production Patternmaker must double check the full set of sizes.
• T.O.P.’s: Production patternmakers are responsible for checking the quality and catching any mistakes of all the T.O.P.’s.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Strong leadership skills to guide and motivate an entire department
• 10+ years of experience as a patternmaker
• Knowledge in woven, draping, and garment dye
• Highly developed standards of excellence with garment fit and execution
• Organized and dedicated person with a positive attitude
• Experienced in Gerber system

This is a full-time position; associate will be required to work 40 hours a week