James Maciver Costumes is looking for a candidate who can confidently create costume / garment patterns. The candidate will work closely with the Lead Pattern Cutters to ensure the production of patterns is aligned with deadlines and the production workflow. This role will require experience in pattern making and costume or garment construction design techniques.
This role is responsible for creating and making patterns which are true to the illustrations of the designs.
The candidate we are looking for will have experience of understanding costume / 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 a variety of patterns for costumes / garments. Some of the examples are tailored jacket, waistcoats, trousers, skirts, petticoats, crinolines, bodices, dresses, skirt, catsuits, leotards, knickers, bra cup shaped leotards.
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
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.
Responsible for manually creating patterns from clients' measurements following design, illustrations or photographs.
Will be expected to follow working notes and drawings / instructions relating to the manual creation of patterns.
Will be expected to create a working toile / sample prior to handing over the project to the necessary team member.
Will be expected to work with and amend existing stock patterns.
Responsible for raising any questions or concerns to the Lead Pattern Cutter or senior management team upon handover of a pattern to ensure maximum productivity.
Will be expected to closely with the Lead Pattern Cutter and senior management to manage projects and deadlines.
Responsible for updating the Lead Pattern Cutter and senior management team on the daily / weekly workload.
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.
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
Responsible for protecting the company's intellectual property.
Essential skills and qualifications
Experienced in pattern drafting using a wide range of fabrics including woven, lycra, knit and chiffon.
Experience of manual pattern drafting (2 years' experience).
Proven experience of making patterns, costumes / garments in a professional workroom environment.
Excellent interpretation skills from design to pattern, including scale and proportions.
Experience in drafting patterns for corsetry / stretch fabrics using reduction methods.
Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail.
Advanced knowledge in pattern making construction methods.
Be able to adapt pattens for specialised costume needs, including movement, durability, and quick change.
Be able to adapt patterns and make new patterns to the designers' illustrations.
A good eye for detail, shape and proportion.
Good time-management skills, including the ability to turn work around quickly.
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 remain calm under pressure.
Be able to confidently use industrial machinery to create toiles / samples.
Be able to work with due regard to Health & Safety.
Flexible, hardworking and organised.
Positive, passionate and constructive attitude.
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 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.