About Bill Johnston

Over Forty Years In The Fashion Industry

126. My name is Bill Johnston, founder of The London Pattern Cutter.

I have worked in the fashion and clothing industry for more than forty years, helping fashion brands, designers, startups and manufacturers develop garments from concept through to production.

During my career I have worked with some of Britain’s best-known fashion companies, including Jaeger, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, All Saints, Jean Muir and Alexon. I have also worked with hundreds of independent designers, startup fashion brands and specialist clothing manufacturers.

Today, my role combines fashion consultancy, mentoring, product development guidance and technical support for clients at every stage of the garment development process. I provide specialist support through our One-to-One Fashion Tuition London, Fashion Startup Services, Fashion Product Development Services, Pattern Cutting Services, and Clothing Manufacturing Services.

 

 EMAIL   [email protected]

The London Pattern Cutter

I established The London Pattern Cutter in 1984 as a freelance pattern cutting and garment development business.

Over the years it has evolved into a network of highly experienced fashion industry specialists providing support in:

  • Pattern cutting
  • Pattern grading
  • Garment sampling
  • Tech packs
  • Fashion product development
  • Clothing manufacture support
  • Startup consultancy
  • One-to-one tuition and mentoring

Our clients range from complete beginners launching their first clothing brand to established fashion companies developing specialist products and collections.

Building A Career In Garment Development

My first full-time position was with Jaeger Tailoring in 1976.

The experience provided an excellent foundation in tailoring, garment construction, fit, balance and precision. Those early lessons still influence the way I approach clothing development today.

Throughout my career I have worked as a:

  • Pattern Cutter
  • Pattern Grader
  • Garment Technician
  • Sample Machinist
  • Bespoke Tailor
  • Quality Controller
  • Project Manager
  • Fashion Consultant

Working across multiple disciplines has given me a practical understanding of the entire development process, from the initial design concept through to manufacturing and production.

Freelance Pattern Cutting Since 1984

Becoming a freelance pattern cutter in 1984 transformed my understanding of the industry.

As a freelancer, clients expect more than technical pattern cutting skills. They need practical advice on sourcing, sampling, manufacturing, costing, garment specifications, quality control and production planning.

Over the years I have worked across almost every major area of clothing manufacture, including:

  • Menswear
  • Womenswear
  • Childrenswear
  • Tailoring
  • Sportswear
  • Swimwear
  • Lingerie
  • Denim
  • Leatherwear
  • Corporate Clothing
  • Workwear
  • Technical Apparel

This breadth of experience allows me to help clients solve problems that often arise during garment development and production.

Menswear Specialist

Although I have extensive experience in womenswear and childrenswear, I am particularly passionate about menswear.

Menswear combines functionality, engineering, fit and construction in a way that has always fascinated me. My specialist interests include tailoring, sportswear, workwear, uniforms, denim, leather garments and underwear.

I have also taught menswear pattern cutting at Central Saint Martins in London and continue to advise brands developing specialist menswear products.

Sportswear And Technical Garments

Alongside fashion, I have always maintained a strong interest in sport, fitness and ergonomics.

Understanding how the body moves is an important part of garment development, particularly for sportswear and performance clothing.

Over the years I have worked on garments for a wide range of activities including:

  • Cycling
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • Horse Racing
  • Swimming
  • Fitness Training
  • Yoga
  • Weightlifting

Combining technical pattern cutting knowledge with an understanding of movement and performance has enabled me to work on many specialist activewear and functional garment projects.

Supporting Fashion Startups

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been working with startup fashion brands.

Launching a clothing brand can be challenging. New designers often face difficulties with product development, sampling, manufacturing, technical specifications, sourcing and production planning.

Having worked in virtually every stage of the garment development process, I am able to help clients avoid many of the common mistakes that can delay projects and increase costs.

Today, much of my work involves mentoring startups, advising designers and helping clients navigate the journey from idea to production.

London And Scotland

Although The London Pattern Cutter continues to work closely with associates and specialist manufacturers in and around London, I am now based in Scotland.

Where possible, I enjoy helping Scottish clothing brands connect with suitable UK manufacturers and specialist suppliers.

Through our network of associates, we continue to support clients throughout the UK and internationally.

Corporate Uniform Projects

During my career I have also worked on a variety of corporate uniform projects for luxury hotels, restaurants and transport companies.

Projects have included work associated with:

  • Virgin Atlantic
  • The Savoy Hotel
  • Quaglino’s

These projects require a combination of technical garment development, durability, comfort and brand presentation.

Selected Clients

Over the years we have worked with a wide variety of fashion brands, designers and organisations, including:

  • Jaeger
  • Alexander McQueen
  • Vivienne Westwood
  • All Saints
  • Jean Muir
  • Ben Sherman
  • Hobbs
  • Whistles
  • Lewis Leathers
  • Jacques Vert
  • Alexon
  • Next
  • Marks & Spencer
  • Peter Jensen

Today our primary focus is helping fashion startups, independent designers and emerging brands develop commercially viable products and collections.

Today

After more than four decades in the clothing industry, I still enjoy helping clients bring ideas to life.

Whether you need guidance with pattern cutting, grading, sampling, technical development, manufacturing preparation or launching a new fashion brand, I am always happy to share the knowledge and experience gained from a lifetime working in the industry.

 

 EMAIL   [email protected]