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. Seams and stitches are one of my specialties, so I have held workshops on this subject at several workplaces, for pattern makers and garment technicians, but also designers and product managers. It is an important knowledge to have when I inspect samples. 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. Knitwear has always been a favorite, as I do a lot of hand knitting. 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. I also held workshops on quality issues at other workplaces and developed a QC form for the inspection of sample garments.

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. It was a big responsibility to bring all requests and wishes, big and small, to the project group, so that the system became as smooth and easy to use as possible. When I later worked for MQ and we were the first company in Sweden to implement 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

Sewing has always been a great interest and I am used to handling sewing patterns. At the beginning of my career, I decided that I wanted to work in product development, so 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