James Maciver Costumes is looking for an experienced candidate who is passionate about creating costume / garment patterns. The candidate will work closely with the Senior Management team to ensure the production of patterns is aligned with deadlines and the production workflow. This role will require creativity and expertise in pattern making and costume / garment construction design techniques.
This role is responsible for creating and making patterns which are true to the illustrations of the designs.
Ideally, we are looking for someone with previous work experience in the costume making industry. However, this is not a requirement. They will have an overall understanding and knowledge in costume / garment construction and the workflow of the process from start to finish.
The candidate we are looking for will have a deep understanding of 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 a variety of garment 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.
This role will work alongside other pattern makers within the production team. This role will be expected to have a high level of understanding of how to create patterns independently. The line manager responsible for this role will not be technically experienced in pattern making.
The role is based at our studios in Olney.
The role is physically demanding and will require long periods of sitting and standing, you may also be asked to maneuver boxes / rolls of fabric.
Duties and responsibilities
Responsible for working closely with the Senior Management team organising and preparing, managing projects and deadlines.
Will assist senior management in the recruitment of staff from a technical perspective and understanding of pattern making.
Responsible for delivering pattern making training, guidance and support to colleagues.
Responsible for communicating any questions / concerns to the Senior Management team, throughout the production timeline and upon handover to ensure maximum productivity.
Responsible for implementing processes of work in relation to the pattern making within the production team.
Responsible for continuously reviewing processes that are in place for the management of an effective pipeline of pattern making and to introduce new methods of process as necessary to improve production, finish and quality.
Will attend meetings taking all relevant notes for upcoming projects and delivery deadlines.
Responsible for ensuring that when patterns are being made that information / instructions on how costumes / garments will need to be constructed by colleagues in the production team is clear and laid out within the pattern / documentation provided.
Will be expected to advise colleagues in the production team on any questions / concerns in relation to the pattern and construction of the costumes / garments.
Responsible for creating technical drawings / design sheets in relation to pattern making.
Responsible for creating technical project sheets.
Will be expected to attend and undertake fittings at the studio or at client's premises.
Responsible for updating and inputting the information in relation to garment breakdown on the project management app (Monday.com).
Responsible for manually creating patterns from clients' measurements following design, illustrations or photographs.
Will be expected to create a working toile / sample prior to handing over the project to the necessary team member.
Responsible for ensuring that all company intellectual property is organised and stored safely. Including patterns, design notes, photographs and samples. Physically or digitally using the company cloud storage system.
Will be expected to work with and amend existing stock patterns.
Responsible for ensuring that all working notes / photographs are documented on the design sheet.
Responsible for managing and organising their own workload to ensure each assigned project or task is completed within the agreed timescales and production schedule.
Responsible for reporting all low running fabric stock items to the Assistant Workroom Supervisor.
Responsible for ensuring that all sewing machine repairs are reported promptly to the Assistant Workroom Supervisor.
Essential skills and qualifications
Advanced experience and knowledge of drafting patterns manually including grading.
Advanced knowledge in pattern construction methods.
Advanced knowledge of drafting patterns for fabrics but not limited to Lycra, Woven, Knit, Chiffon, Lace and Knit.
Advanced knowledge in creating bespoke patterns to the designers' specifications with a professional eye for shape, size, proportion and detail.
Experience of planning and organising deadlines and workloads.
Experience of manual pattern drafting (minimum of 3 years).
Experience of making patterns for costumes / garments in a professional workroom.
Experience of making patterns for a variety of costumes / garments.
Experience in drafting patterns for corsetry / stretch fabrics using reduction methods.
Excellent interpretation skills from design to pattern, including scale and proportions.
Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail.
Be able to adapt pattens for specialised costume needs, including movement, durability, and quick change.
Be able to work on menswear, womenswear and childrenswear with a variety of fabrics (stretch and non-stretch).
Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Be able to confidently use industrial machinery to create toiles / samples.
Be able to remain calm under pressure.
Be able to work with due regard to Health & Safety.
Passionate about pattern making and demonstrate an enthusiastic approach to work.
Flexible, hardworking and organised.
Positive and constructive attitude.
Desirable skills and qualifications
Good knowledge of basic Health & Safety
Educated 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 32 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.
Olney MK46 5ED: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
Do you have work experience of working making costume patterns?
Do you have work experience of working making garment patterns?
Experience:
making patterns in a work place: 2 years (required)
using an industrial sewing machine: 2 years (required)
drafting patterns manually : 2 years (required)
grading: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
English (required)
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Location:
Olney MK46 5ED (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Lead Pattern Cutter July 2025
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