Hiring and finding a pattern maker / grader / seamstress ?

[jingco]

I'm working with my designer on some garments, basic stuff like hoodie, tees, and such. And I need to find someone to help us grade and do different sizes. My stuff is made overseas and a friend told me to look for someone here in North America since we that's the market, the grader needs to know the market and trends.

I need different sizes and actual size in vector format so I can put my graphics on it. Any advice in how to find one, what's the best way to get the sizes, and what to look for?

 

[gius]

Hello jingco Welcome to tFS
I notice you have Holt Renfrew in your avatar..so I'm going to guess you are in Canada I have seen a lot of ads on Craigslist specifically for Vancouver (art, media & design jobs section) looking for pattern makers the last month, for companies like Aritizia and Lululemon, etc.
I assume they get a lot of responses since Craigslist is so widely used
You could also try other job-searching sites like monster.ca or place ads at schools that have fashion courses---I think Helen Lefeaux (if you're in Vancouver) has a website they post employment ads on

.

 

[jingco]

Thank you gius! I'm from Toronto and my first collection got picked up by Holt Renfrew.

I'm just looking for someone to grade a few pieces. Criag's list sounds like a great idea. Is there other forums or sites that are similar to the Fashion Spot where they hang out? I don't need anyone from Toronto, I can do it virtually.

Hello jingco Welcome to tFS
I notice you have Holt Renfrew in your avatar..so I'm going to guess you are in Canada I have seen a lot of ads on Craigslist specifically for Vancouver (art, media & design jobs section) looking for pattern makers the last month, for companies like Aritizia and Lululemon, etc.
I assume they get a lot of responses since Craigslist is so widely used
You could also try other job-searching sites like monster.ca or place ads at schools that have fashion courses---I think Helen Lefeaux (if you're in Vancouver) has a website they post employment ads on

.

 

[gius]

How about posting an ad in this thread in C&E?
'Wanted' - Networking and Opportunites for TFS Industry Professionals

Also member educo has some suggestions in this thread
http://www.thefashionspot.com/forums/f90/questions-about-pattern-maker-placement-agency-67103.html

Here's another thread on pattern cutting
http://www.thefashionspot.com/forums/f90/all-about-pattern-makers-pattern-cutters-68755.html

 

[rockitgirl]

Thank you gius! I'm from Toronto and my first collection got picked up by Holt Renfrew.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!


Check with your factory, a lot of them will make patterns based on the samples you give them anyway so depending on your purposes it might be an extra step, and a waste of money for you to hire someone. Otherwise look on CL or contact some of the bigger companies that produce brands other than their own, such as Aritzia, they already have the staff and they may do your patterns for you even though you are getting your stuff produced elsewhere.

 

[jingco]

Thank you Rockit Girl! Check out my stuff at Holts.

I spoke to the factory and they said they don't do it.

I got a link from someone for a nice directory of pattern makers and graders. I'll post it here once I find it.

 

[from: sophia]

Hiring A Pattern Drafter/Seamstress

Hi I needed help finding a pattern drafter/ seamstress. How do you find a reliable one? I wanted to know how much they cost with all the stages of getting a flat and then making a pattern and then making a small line of clothing something around 20 pieces in various sizes 0-12 a few of each so something around 100-200 pieces. Thanks so much. I dont mind dealing with people online but I would prefer for them to be on the East Coast or in the Midwest (USA) Thanks in advanced for your help. I was also thinking that other people on this board might want to know this information as well.

 

[gius]

Sophia did you find one? a pattern maker?

I wonder how much they charge per pattern

I assume the price increases if you are putting the collection into production? I have seen quite a few textile print designs that go for $300 each. Seems cheap really