Solace London
Senior Patternmaker
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About the job
Senior Production Patternmaker - London
Salary: £50 - 55k pa
About Us
Solace London is a British Womenswear brand founded by Laura Taylor and Ryan Holliday-Stevens in 2013. Long-time friends and collaborators, the duo share a dynamic background spanning design, production, retail, marketing, and creative direction. Their combined sensibilities are visible in collections that continuously blur the line between statement making and wearability. With fabrication and technique driving the design process, the pair describe their aesthetic as “bold, confident, refined. Modern futurism is balanced with timeless minimalism”. The result is distinctly graphic defined by precision cuts, craftsmanship and a signature look of sophistication.
Role Summary
The Senior / Lead Patternmaker is responsible for converting design concepts into precise, manufacturable patterns and for owning fit integrity, pattern standards, and technical quality across the range. Beyond producing patterns, this role leads and mentors the patternmaking function, sets and maintains fit blocks and construction standards, and acts as the technical bridge between design, sample room, and production or supplier factories. The role combines hands-on technical craft with leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
Responsibilities
1. Pattern Creation & Development
- Lead the development of first and production patterns from design sketches, tech packs, measurements, or reference garments.
- Draft, drape, and develop first patterns by hand.
- Interpret designers' intent and translate 2D concepts into accurate 3D-fitting patterns.
- Develop and refine fit blocks, ensuring they reflect the brand's target fit and customer.
- Apply correct seam allowances, ease, tolerances, and construction methods appropriate to fabric.
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2. Fit & Sample Iteration
- Own the fit process from first sample through to production approval.
- Attend in-house fit sessions, diagnose fit issues, and make corrective pattern adjustments.
- Work closely with designers and sample machinists to resolve fit and construction problems across iterations.
- Maintain detailed records of fit comments, revisions, and sign-offs.
- Ensure consistent fit and proportion across the collection and against established blocks.
3. Grading
- Oversee accurate grading of approved graded specs across the full size range.
- Set and maintain grade rules and size specifications.
- Review and approve graded nests & measurements from external graders.
4. Specifications & Technical Documentation
- Produce and maintain the technical documentation that enables correct production.
- Create and maintain size specs / points of measure and measurement charts with agreed tolerances.
- Contribute construction notes, seam details, trims, and pattern-piece inventories to tech packs.
- Ensure all technical documentation is accurate, version-controlled, and clearly communicated.
5. Fabric Consumption estimates / Costing input
- Provide accurate fabric consumption estimates to support costing.
- Support accurate costing through technical insight.
- Provide fabric consumption and construction-complexity input to inform garment costing.
- Identify opportunities to reduce cost without compromising fit or quality.
6. Manufacturability & Construction
- Safeguard that every pattern can be produced efficiently and to standard.
- Advise design on manufacturability and flag concepts that are impractical or costly to produce.
- Recommend appropriate construction and seam methods for fabric and end use.
- Troubleshoot pattern and construction issues arising in sampling and bulk production.
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7. Supplier Liaison
- Act as the technical link between internal teams and manufacturers.
- Communicate patterns, specs, and construction requirements to internal teams in order for our teams to liaise external/offshore factories.
- Review and approve Proto, SMS & Pre-production samples against approved standards.
- Resolve technical queries and production issues with suppliers in a timely manner.
8. Standards, Archiving & Quality
- Own the consistency and integrity of the patternmaking function.
- Maintain fit blocks, pattern libraries, naming conventions, and version control.
- Establish and uphold patternmaking standards and best practice across the team.
- Ensure brand fit consistency across seasons and product categories.
9. Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop the wider team (senior/lead responsibility).
- Mentor and train junior team members.
- Work collaboratively with the wider team and freelancers.
- Allocate and prioritise patternmaking workload to meet the critical path and deadlines.
- Review others' work for quality and accuracy, providing constructive feedback.
- Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and continuous improvement of tools and processes.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Expert hands-on patternmaking & grading.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and manufacturing processes.
- Excellent eye for fit, proportion, and detail.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
- Leadership, mentoring, and workload-management ability.
- Organised & deadline-driven.
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