James Maciver Costumes is looking for a creative individual who can translate the costume Designer's ideas and drawings into real clothes, in consultation with both the Designer and Head of Pattern Cutting. They will be required to work closely with the Head of Pattern Cutting, 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.
We are looking for someone with at least two years' experience of working in a similar studio / home environment who can confidently perform the key duties and responsibilities required.
Duties and responsibilities
To follow working notes and drawings / instructions relating to the manual creation of patterns.
Have excellent interpretation skills from design to pattern, including scale and proportions.
Create patterns from clients' measurements following design, illustrations or photographs.
Creating a working toile / sample prior to handing over the project to the Workroom Supervisor.
Be confident in working with and amending existing stock patterns.
Working closely with the Head of Pattern Cutting to manage projects and deadlines.
To be able to use own initiative, manage and organise their own workload to ensure each assigned project or task is completed within the agreed timescales.
To be highly organised with excellent communication skills.
To regularly meet and update the Head of Pattern Cutting regarding the daily / weekly workload.
Ensure that all paperwork & invoices are kept safe and shared with the office manager.
To ensure all working notes / photographs are documented on the design sheet.
During project handover raise any questions / concerns to the Head and Deputy of Pattern Cutting ensuring maximum productivity.
Create makeup samples and toiles to a high standard.
Essential skills
Advanced knowledge in construction methods.
To be passionate, enthusiastic and be willing to learn.
Minimum of 2 years' experience of manual pattern drafting.
Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail.
A good eye for detail, shape and proportion.
Highly experienced in pattern drafting using a wide range of fabrics including woven, lycra, knit and chiffon.
Advanced knowledge of working with varied fabrics and understanding of construction techniques whilst drafting patterns.
Experienced in drafting patterns for corsetry / stretch fabrics using reduction methods.
Good time-management skills, including the ability to turn work around quickly.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Proven experience of making patterns, garments and costumes in a professional workroom environment.
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.
The role is physically demanding and will require long periods of standing and some sitting at machinery and manoeuvring boxes / rolls of fabric.
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 Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: 30,000.00-36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Additional leave
Bereavement leave
Casual dress
Company pension
Free parking
On-site parking
Flexible language requirement:
English not required
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Overtime
Ability to commute/relocate:
Olney: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
Do you have experience of manual grading?
Experience:
manual pattern drafting in a workplace: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 09/07/2025
Reference ID: Senior Pattern Cutter July 2025
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