Pattern Maker/Technical Designer

Join a legacy of excellence at Saint Croix Inc., where for over 65 years we’ve set the standard in luxury sportswear. Founded and still proudly headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, we are known worldwide for our handcrafted garments that combine innovative technology with timeless craftsmanship. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team and help carry forward our commitment to quality, precision, and style.

We are looking for a Pattern Maker/Technical Designer to join our team.

The Pattern Maker/Technical Designer is responsible for patternmaking, fit, grading, and garment construction. This role develops and maintains accurate patterns, blocks, and fit standards while collaborating closely with Design, Product Development, sample makers, Production, and other cross-functional teams to ensure products meet established fit, quality, construction, and performance expectations. The Pattern Maker/Technical Designer supports the product development process through fit evaluations, technical documentation, sample reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring designs are translated into production-ready garments that maintain design intent, manufacturability, and premium quality standards. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent fit, technical accuracy, and product quality across all apparel categories.

• Develop patterns from sketches, tech packs, and design direction, from first pattern through production.
• Create, refine, and maintain blocks, slopers, and approved fit standards to ensure consistent fit across product categories and size ranges.
• Prepare patterns for sampling and production, ensuring accuracy in grading, measurements, construction details, seam allowances, notches, grainlines, balance, ease, and matching points.
• Grade patterns across the required size range and review size-set samples to verify fit progression, grading consistency, and measurement accuracy.
• Receive, prepare, and evaluate proto and fit samples; schedule, lead, and participate in fit sessions with Design, Product Development, and cross-functional teams.
• Analyze fit, construction, and production issues, providing clear recommendations and pattern revisions to achieve desired fit, functionality, quality, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with Design to translate concepts into production-ready garments while preserving design intent.
• Support the creation and maintenance of technical packs, garment specifications, measurements, construction details, grading information, and development documentation.
• Partner with Design, Product Development, Sample Makers, Production, and other cross-functional teams to ensure products meet established fit, construction, quality, and design standards.
• Review and incorporate sample comments and fit revisions before recommending technical approval for production.
• Maintain organized pattern files, specifications, fit comments, revisions, and development records throughout the product lifecycle.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve fit consistency, streamline development processes, and support continuous product improvement while maintaining premium quality.
• Manage multiple styles, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate effectively across departments to support company objectives and successful product launches.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned, or apparent.
  

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of patternmaking, grading, garment construction, fit evaluation, sizing standards, textile properties, and apparel manufacturing processes.
• Strong experience developing and fitting apparel across knitwear, wovens, outerwear, bottoms, dresses, and related product categories.
• Exceptional understanding of garment balance, proportion, ease, silhouette, and fit.
• Proficiency with Lectra and/or other industry-standard CAD and apparel design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, CLO 3D, Gerber, or similar systems.
• Strong knowledge of industrial sewing methods, factory construction techniques, and production processes.
• Ability to create, modify, cut, sew, and evaluate patterns and prototypes.
• Demonstrated ability to assess fit and construction issues and provide sound technical solutions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and technical documentation abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical requirements to cross functional teams and vendors when necessary.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with designers, product development teams, manufacturers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and high-quality product development.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Regular onsite attendance is an essential function of the position.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Design, Fashion Design, Apparel Development, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of technical design experience preferred.
• Experience with knitwear design is preferred.
• Experience in apparel product development and garment manufacturing processes preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

CONTACTS: Internal contacts - Continuously (90 - 100%); External Contacts - Occasionally (10 - 30%)

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform detailed visual inspections of garments, patterns, fabric, and construction details.
• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to measure, pin, mark, cut, sew, and handle garment samples and materials.
• Ability to conduct garment fittings and move between workstations, fitting areas, and production environments as needed.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and lift materials or garment samples.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate sewing equipment, cutting tools, and other technical design equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to travel occasionally to vendor locations, manufacturing facilities, trade shows, or other business-related events as required.