Job Description

Hours per week - 37.5 hrs

Location - Olney, MK46 5ED

Job Summary

James Maciver Costumes is looking for a creative individual who can translate the Designer's ideas and drawings into real costumes, in consultation with both the Designer and Head of Pattern Cutting. They will be required to work closely with the pattern making team, team of machinists and pattern cutters or independently on specific projects assigned to them. The role will be based at the creative studio in Milton Keynes and be responsible to the Head of Pattern Cutting.

The candidate we are looking for will understand garment construction, fit and fabric behaviour, with the ability to follow illustrations together with technical design sheet and client's measurements to create practical and easy to alter patterns that most of the time need to fit multiple people.

They will have the ability to create patterns for variety of costume types, including structured garment, stretch wear and armour-based costumes. Some of the examples are tailored jacket, waistcoats, trousers, skirts, petticoats, crinolines, bodices, dresses, skirt, catsuits, leotards, knickers, bra cup shaped leotards.

We are looking for someone with at least 1 years' experience of working in a similar studio / home environment who can confidently perform the key duties and responsibilities required.

The role is physically demanding and will require long periods of standing and some sitting at machinery and manoeuvring boxes / rolls of fabric.

Duties and responsibilities

To follow working notes and drawings / instructions relating to the manual creation of patterns. To be able to interpretate from design through to making a pattern, including scale and proportions. To create patterns from clients' measurements following design, illustrations or photographs. Create working toiles / samples prior to handing over the project to the Workroom Supervisor. Be confident in working with and amending existing stock patterns. Be able to use own initiative to manage and organise their own workload to ensure each assigned project or task is completed within the agreed timescales set by the Head of Pattern Cutting. To be highly organised with excellent communication skills. To regularly meet and update the Head of Pattern Cutting regarding the daily / weekly workload. Ensuring all sewing machine repairs are communicated promptly to the Workroom Supervisor. Ensure that all paperwork & invoices are kept safe and shared with the Office Manager. Reporting all low running stock items to the Assistant Workroom Supervisor. To ensure all working notes / photographs are documented on the design sheet.

Essential skills and qualifications

Be able to work on menswear, womenswear and childrenswear with a variety of fabrics, (stretch and non-stretch) To be creative and adapt patterns and make new patterns to the designers' illustrations. To be passionate, enthusiastic and be willing to learn. Minimum of 1 years' experience of manual pattern drafting. . Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail. A good eye for detail, shape and proportion. Experienced in pattern drafting using a wide range of fabrics including woven, lycra, knit and chiffon. Good understanding and knowledge of working with a variety of fabrics and understanding of construction techniques whilst drafting patterns. Experience in drafting patterns for corsetry / stretch fabrics using reduction methods. Have a strong understanding for pattern development for theatrical, film, television, or bespoke costumes, suited for performance and movement on the stage. Good time-management skills, including the ability to turn work around quickly. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Flexible, hardworking and organised with a positive and constructive attitude. The ability to remain calm under pressure. Ability to work with due regard to Health & Safety.

Desirable skills and qualifications

Good knowledge of basic Health & Safety College degree in pattern making (this is not a requirement for the role)

Opportunities

We are an ever-expanding team and encourage all our staff to progress, work on new projects and build on their skills.

About James Maciver Costumes

We are a fast-paced dynamic and creative expanding team of 27 employees based in Milton Keynes, working with clients around the UK and Internationally. Our clients range from independent artists to large-scale companies within the entertainment and hospitality industry with various requirements and needs.

We work on various seasonal calendar events throughout the whole year including but not limited to Christmas, Gay pride, New Year, Easter.

Values

Our values are to provide a professional, dependable and bespoke service. We pride ourselves on designing and producing high quality products for our clients however large or small.

Hours and environment

Your normal working week will be 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday with a 30-minute lunch break. You will be asked to work additional hours paid at the agreed rate of contract. You will be working in a shared studio space with access to free parking dependent on availability.

Holiday entitlement

You will receive 20 days paid annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata).

We operate an employee loyalty scheme and an additional 5 day's holiday is given with service.

Other information

James Maciver Costumes takes the health and safety of all its employees, workers, contractors or customers very seriously. Within this role you will be expected to ensure that you work safely and take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing as well as others around you.

Further information regarding the health and safety standards can be found in the health and safety policy.

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: 26,500.00-29,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Casual dress Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Olney MK46 5ED: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Are you able to use an industrial sewing machine to make toile / samples
Experience:

manually drafting patterns in a workplace: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 09/07/2025
Reference ID: Junior Creative Pattern Cutter April 2025