Construction

During my textile engineering studies, I specialised in clothing technology. The subject of my thesis was the strength of different seams and I conducted tests at the textile laboratory of the Textile Institute of France, so seams and stitches are one of my specialties. In 2024, I took the course Textile Assembly Techniques at the University of Borås, which delves into sewing but also taped and welded seams for technical garments.

Product groups

I have worked with clothes for Women, Men, Kids and Baby, as well as most product groups. Most of my experience is in knitwear, jersey and lightweight woven fabrics. I have also worked as a handicraft designer and made graded knit descriptions for yarn companies. I have worked with product groups, such as dresses, skirts, blouses, trousers/shorts, outerwear, denim, sportswear, swimwear & underwear. I also have a great interest in technical and functional garments.

Communication

One of my main interests is languages. Alongside my work as a garment technician, I also work as a freelance translator, translating textile-related texts. Throughout my working life, I have communicated in English with suppliers in other countries and I know how important it is to be extremely clear, so that no misunderstandings occur. Simple, easy-to-understand English, with correct technical textile vocabulary, combined with photos and sketches, is usually the best way to convey a message.

Quality Control

During the first years after my graduation, I worked at Patagonia's European headquarters outside Paris. Their ambitious quality work was impressive and certainly shaped my future work profile. I attended several quality seminars at HQ in Ventura and then trained quality controllers in Portugal.

PLM & techpacks

During my time at Levi Strauss in Belgium, we developed an internal PLM system. I was part of the project team and represented the product development department. I consolidated all requests and wishes, in order to make the system as smooth and easy to use as possible. When I later worked for MQ and we implemented YuniquePLM, I represented garment technicians and pattern makers in a project group, to adapt the system to our way of working. And as a consultant, I have worked with other PLM systems, such as Centric, Pisa and Infor, and also made techpacks in Excel and Illustrator.

Pattern making

At the beginning of my career, I decided that I wanted to work in product development. Therefore, I complemented my education with a 3-month intensive course in pattern construction at the school AICP in Paris. This course was important in order to gain an understanding of pattern changes, fit issues and grading. Although, I have not worked professionally as a pattern maker. In 2024, I updated my knowledge in pattern making by completing a basic and an advanced course in Clo3D at Yrkeshögskolan in Borås.

Petra Ivarsson, Garment Technician consultant, Gothenburg