Fashion and textiles pattern cutter

Different customer requirements e.g. quality standards, product finish, timescale

The supply chain relevant to the manufacture of sewn products

The input and output of goods and services relevant to production e.g. delivery timescales, lead times, production deadlines

The properties and construction of fabric and materials e.g. woven, knitted, non woven

The behaviour and characteristics of materials used to produce sewn products e.g. stretchy, slippery, stiff, dense, shrinkage, fabric weight, drape, print, finish

Specifications relevant the production of clothing and sewn products e.g. seam allowances, tolerances, hem depths

Quality standards and specifications relevant to the production of sewn products e.g. seam types, stitch types, tolerances, product finish

Pattern fault diagnosis and rectification procedures e.g. poor fit, sizing, mismatched seams, incorrect markings

Quality approval systems and control processes e.g. Inspection of samples, materials and products against specifications

Clothing or sewn product design briefs evaluation inform pattern production

Drafting standard block patterns

Adapting block patterns to reflect given clothing or sewn product designs briefs

Pattern construction techniques e.g. drafting, measuring and marking

Standard and international sizing relevant to the item in production e.g. ladies wear, children’s wear, tent diameters, car seat dimensions

Measuring techniques relevant to the product e.g. critical measurement points, girth measurement, length and breadth measurements

Calculations relevant to the production of clothing or sewn products e.g. ease, hems, seam allowance

The principles of grading e.g. grading methods appropriate to product type, size, fit and proportion, grade rules and applications

Specialist terminology used in pattern construction e.g. armscye, grain, balance, apex

The tools of the trade e.g. draft paper, markers, curves scissors, punchers, notchers

Material cutting processes and techniques e.g. spreading, specialist cutting equipment, lay planning processes, placement prints

Different construction methods and manufacturing processes

Sample development and sample review techniques e.g. fit, style, construction analysis

Pattern review techniques, analysis and rectification processes

Relevant computerised pattern production systems e.g. CAD, Graphics software, digitisers, scanners, virtual modelling

Technical documents and recording systems used in pattern production e.g. tech-packs, specifications, production make-up sheets

Critical path management processes to ensure pattern production meets timescales and deadline

The company’s communication protocol across all levels and departments involved in the pattern production and manufacturing process

Health, safety, welfare and environmental policies including safe working practices and workplace risks

Workplace policies e.g. employer and employee legal obligations, employees’ rights and responsibilities, equality and diversity

Compliance requirements in relation to garments or sewn products e.g. safety, fibre content, legislation

Legislative and contractual requirements with clients, services or government bodies

Read, interpret and assess design briefs, specifications and instructions

Identify clothing or sewn product design features

Identify possible constraints e.g. design issues, materials, manufacturing capacity

Draft block patterns to style/size/measurements required

Take and record accurate measurements if required

Include all relevant technical information e.g. balance marks, notches, seam allowance, grain lines and size and component name and cutting instructions

Where available use relevant IT systems e.g. CAD, Graphics software, digitisers, scanners, virtual modelling

Adapt standard block pattern to reflect given designs

Ensure patterns are compatible with the production process

Include all relevant technical information e.g. balance marks, notches, grain lines, size

Work with the sample machinists and oversee sample production

Where available use relevant IT systems e.g. CAD, Graphics software, digitisers, scanners, virtual modelling

Review the sample product and evaluate the prototype pattern, assessing the size, fit, shape, fall, style and design

Trouble shoot and resolve pattern and design issues as required

Identify and agree the required pattern rectifications

Make agreed adjustment to the pattern e.g. add width or length, redefine style lines

Create the final master pattern, include clear relevant information e.g. component information, size, grain line, cutting instructions

Where available use relevant IT systems e.g. CAD, graphics software, digitisers, scanners, virtual modelling

Provide production staff or supplier with final master pattern and production information

Provide support and advise relating to any relevant production issues e.g. assembly watch points, component issues, fabric defects

Complete and maintain accurate working documents throughout the pattern production process

Develop and maintain effective communication with sewing production staff to ensure a productive work environment

Accurately complete work documentation e.g. tech packs, specifications or electronic systems and understand the consequences of incorrectly completed records

Take ownership and accept responsibility for pattern production work and strive to improve product quality and pattern production processes

Be responsive to changing priorities and requirements of the sewn product industry, demonstrating initiative, confidence and self-motivation

Demonstrate a methodical and calm approach to work place pressures, deadlines and production demands

Work positively as part of a team, taking account of equality and diversity

Demonstrate assertiveness, resilience and confidence when communicating views and ideas that will benefit pattern production

Be reflective on skills, knowledge and behaviours and seek opportunities to develop and advance skills in response to the evolving production environment and technologies

Have a safety first attitude, ensuring the safety of self and others as appropriate in a sewn product manufacturing environment