About Kellé
From the moment it began, Kellé Company has led the dance industry by thinking outside of the box, rejecting the industry norms, and pushing to create innovative, fashion driven costumes for some of the best dancers in the world.
At Kellé, we design and manufacture all of our products at our factory in Minneapolis, MN. Bringing Design, Product Development and Manufacturing under one roof gives us the unique ability to be fast and nimble! Being vertically integrated is our competitive advantage. Not to mention that we are extremely proud to be USA Strong! We believe in supporting workers in the USA and love that custom manufacturing leads to less waste and a cleaner planet!
What You Will Do
The Patternmaker is part of the Product Development & Design Team uses advanced pattern making skills and expertise in knit dancewear. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate design concepts into well-constructed patterns that ensure proper fit, quality, and consistency across all sizes. Patternmaker executes the daily tasks of fit, garment creation, pattern drafting, draping, digitizing, preparing blocks, grading patterns, creating production patterns, measurement specifications, and trains junior staff.
Responsibilities
- Works directly with the Director of Product Development & Design to develop first patterns from design sketches, reference samples, or tech packs.
- Recommend design and construction solutions that improve productivity, reduce costs, and maximize production capabilities.
- Execute pattern updates related to fit, styling, and construction using AccuMark/Gerber PDS, as well as manual pattern drafting, draping, or digitizing when needed.
- Creates stock patterns according to company specifications, which is a continuous process as updates are required.
- Complete all pattern documentation including Pattern Worksheets, Body Specs, Technical Design Specifications, and construction details.
- Grade patterns with the use of AccuMark/Gerber PDS computer system and analyze graded nest to make necessary adjustments to maintain fit and design integrity.
- Communicates with Sample Makers in written/or-spoken instructions. Incorporates suggestions of Sample Maker for construction and pattern adjustments where they are appropriate.
- Collaborate with Marker Making teams regarding new product and current product line pattern change requests.
- Acts as a resource for Customer Relations inquiries.
- Works to resolves customer returns, including fit and construction issues.
- Creates custom patterns on request, including grading for plus sizes.
- Evaluates fit models using measurement specs and body type review.
- Attend development meetings and participate in fit sessions.
- Supports photo shoots by implementing last-minute pattern and design adjustments as needed.
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends to meet project needs
- Effectively prioritizes and completes tasks within deadlines to achieve team objectives.
- Train, guide and support junior patternmakers.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support the Product Development & Design team.
Skills for Success
- Accomplished AccuMark/Gerber PDS computer program competency.
- Knowledge of manufacturing, construction, and fabric properties as related to fit and pattern requirements.
- Trained eye for design proportion, balance, grade, and aesthetic detail.
- Skilled in Flat Pattern, Draping, Fitting, and knowledge of Fabric Properties.
- Experience in grading patterns, adjusting and/or writing grade rules to maintain the integrity of fit and proportion.
- Shows accountability and ownership of assigned product.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task and prioritize workload.
- Drive for continuous learning and innovative approach.
- Strong bias for action and decision-making.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Maintains and advances skills through continuing education courses in pattern making and computer related competencies.
- 3D Software Patternmaking knowledge is a plus.
Education & Experience
Degree in Apparel Manufacturing with pattern making and grading courses or equivalent, 3-5 years of related experience and/or training preferred but not required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- apparel patternmaking: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
