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Flexible Pattern Grading Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Lakeshirts

Apparel Technical Designer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring ... Requires good judgment, people-oriented, flexible, organized, diplomatic, reliable, enthusiastic ...

Lakeshirts

Apparel Technical Designer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring ... Requires good judgment, people-oriented, flexible, organized, diplomatic, reliable, enthusiastic ...

Lakeshirts

Apparel Technical Designer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring ... Requires good judgment, people-oriented, flexible, organized, diplomatic, reliable, enthusiastic ...

All JobsPattern Grading JobsFlexible Pattern Grading JobsFlexible Pattern Grading Jobs in Minnesota

Flexible Pattern Grading information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flexible Pattern Grader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flexible Pattern Grader, you need strong knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, and grading principles, often backed by a degree or certification in fashion design or apparel technology. Familiarity with CAD pattern-making software such as Gerber AccuMark or Lectra is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with design and production teams are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate sizing, efficient production, and high-quality finished garments.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by professionals in Flexible Pattern Grading, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Flexible Pattern Grading often encounter challenges such as adapting patterns to a wide variety of body types and fabric behaviors, maintaining accuracy while working under tight deadlines, and collaborating effectively with designers and production teams. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to stay updated on the latest grading software, communicate clearly with team members, and develop a keen eye for detail. Continuous learning and hands-on experience with different garments and materials can also help professionals anticipate and resolve common grading issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Flexible Pattern Grading vs Pattern Maker?

AspectFlexible Pattern GradingPattern Maker
CredentialsTypically requires pattern grading certifications or trainingUsually holds pattern drafting or sewing certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in design studios, manufacturing, or apparel companiesWorks in pattern development, sample rooms, or manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed across fashion, apparel, and costume industriesPrimarily in fashion, apparel, and costume design

Flexible Pattern Grading focuses on adjusting existing patterns to different sizes, ensuring proper fit across sizes. Pattern Makers create original patterns from sketches or designs, developing the initial templates for garments. While both roles require knowledge of garment construction, grading emphasizes size adjustments, whereas pattern making involves creating new patterns from scratch.

What is flexible pattern grading?

Flexible pattern grading is a process in the fashion and apparel industry where pattern sizes are adjusted to create a range of sizes for a garment, while allowing for custom modifications to accommodate different body shapes or design requirements. This approach differs from traditional grading by offering more adaptability and precision, ensuring that garments fit a wider variety of body types. Flexible pattern grading often utilizes digital tools to streamline adjustments and improve fit consistency across sizes.
What are popular job titles related to Flexible Pattern Grading jobs in Minnesota? For Flexible Pattern Grading jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flexible Pattern Grading jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Flexible Pattern Grading jobs in Minnesota are:
Flexible Pattern Grading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flexible Pattern Grading job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.
Apparel Technical Designer

Apparel Technical Designer

Lakeshirts

Detroit Lakes, MN • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

CREATIVE + TECHNICAL + EXCEL & ILLUSTRATOR + COMMUNICATION + ORGANIZATION + ACCURACY + TEAM SKILLS

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We live in a fast paced creative world were we strive to be ahead of trends instead of chasing them. We are looking for an experienced Apparel Technical Designer. This position works closely with our design and product team, collaborating to build a broad spectrum of apparel garments across multiple product lines.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9 am- 5 pm

Location: Onsite in Detroit Lakes, MN

Pay: $18-$20/hr

BENEFITS: Lakeshirts offers a fun, creative, and team-driven culture where employees are empowered to grow and thrive. We provide competitive pay with daily pay options, comprehensive insurance benefits, up to 22 paid days off in the first year, profit sharing, a 401(k) plan, a relaxed dress code, unique perks like an onsite cafeteria and more. Join us and be part of a company that values teamwork, innovation, and making work enjoyable every day!

A Typical Day (job functions) | Apparel Product Development + Fabric & Construction + Tech Pack Creation (Excel) + Garment Fit & Troubleshooting + Vendor Communication

  • Facilitate the transition of apparel styles from concept to production-ready sample, offering solutions for fit and construction issues
  • Interpret and apply grading rules
  • Understand fabric properties, trims, and garment details
  • Create tech packs in Excel with construction call-outs and point-of-measurement (POM) specs
  • Maintain product spec sheets and provide fit info per company standards
  • Update base size specs and POMs based on revisions, fittings, and vendor feedback
  • Organize and manage incoming samples
  • Analyze samples for spec, construction, fit, and design compliance
  • Coordinate model fittings
  • Troubleshoot fit and construction issues using available resources
  • Flag potential production, quality, or costing concerns, recommending solutions
  • Communicate changes to suppliers
  • Initiate internal testing for new fabrics
  • Review size runs for fit, grading accuracy, and performance feedback
  • Support process improvements in technical design
  • Maintain spec sheet libraries to ensure fit consistency
  • Create and manage sample library
  • Ensure consistent fit and production quality
  • Document key measurements and share data
  • Support product presentations
  • Perform other duties as needed

Skills (qualifications) | Apparel Technical Design + Detail-Oriented + Excel & Adobe Illustrator + Team Collaboration + Organization & Time Management

  • Degree in Fashion / Apparel required
  • 4+ years of technical design in apparel and merchandising
  • Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring and fitting
  • Strong understanding of fabrics, trims, and sewing techniques
  • Familiarity with Time & Action calendars
  • Fast-paced, collaborative work style
  • Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, PLM, Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
  • Experience with various fabrics, especially knits
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated
  • Excellent written, decision-making, and time-management skills
  • Able to multi-task and work under pressure

WHY LAKESHIRTS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE. At Lakeshirts, we believe in making work as awesome as the apparel we create. We're not just a t-shirt company- we're also a hat, sticker, and sock company (and so much more!). We're a place where creativity meets culture, where ideas and innovation are encouraged, and where the atmosphere is truly one-of-a-kind. As one of the largest screenprinting manufacturers in the U.S., we decorate a variety of garments and accessories for the resort, licensed collegiate, and K-12 markets, supported by over 1,000 ah-mazing team members from sea to shining sea.

Cognitive or Mental Requirements of the Job:

Employee must be able to see and hear, read and write. Requires good judgment, people-oriented, flexible, organized, diplomatic, reliable, enthusiastic, courteous, helpful, and patient.

Physical Demands:

CONTINUOUSLY: Sit, Stand, Walk

FREQUENTLY: Lift under 10 lbs., Lift 10-50 lbs., Carry under 10 lbs., Carry 10-50 lbs.

OCCASIONALLY: Carry, Push, Pull, Climb, Balance, Bend, Twist, Crawl, Reach, Lift over 50 lbs., Carry over 50 lbs., Reaching above, at, and below shoulder height


Job Posted by ApplicantPro