Katherine Giberson
Katherine Giberson is an accomplished apparel technical designer and pattern maker based in Issaquah, Washington, currently leading the Mirror Knits and Fleece and District Knits and Fleece product lines at SanMar. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, she has honed her expertise in technical design, pattern making, and apparel fit, combining analytical precision with hands-on craftsmanship. Katherine’s career has spanned diverse roles, from small companies handling end-to-end design processes to a lead men’s and boys’ swimwear position at Perry Ellis International/Nike Swim in Portland. She rejoined SanMar in 2021 after an earlier tenure from 2014–2018, bringing deep industry knowledge and a passion for creating high-quality garments.
From a young age, Katherine was immersed in the world of sewing and garment construction, learning from her grandmother and mother. This early foundation cultivated her love for technical precision in apparel, particularly pattern drafting, fit analysis, and draping. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from the Art Institute of Seattle, where she also led the fashion club and participated in fashion shows, further developing her creative and organizational skills. Over the years, she has become proficient in tools like Gerber Accumark, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and PLM systems, applying these skills to deliver meticulous tech packs, manage samples, and ensure production excellence.
Beyond her technical expertise, Katherine is dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation of designers, providing guidance in pattern-making and apparel fit. She also balances her professional work with entrepreneurial ambitions, preparing to launch her own design company while planning a move to Texas with her partner and their four dogs. Katherine’s combination of technical mastery, industry experience, and commitment to teaching makes her a respected leader in apparel design and development.
• The Art Institute of Seattle - BA
• Up and Coming Designer of 2014 Nominee
• Honor Roll
• Dean's List
• President's List
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of early passion, hands-on experience, and mentorship. Growing up, my grandmother and mother nurtured my love for fashion, encouraging me to explore sewing and design from a young age. As I experimented with every aspect of apparel, I discovered a particular passion for the technical side, especially pattern making. Mentors, like Lisa, taught me the rules of the craft while also showing me the value of trusting my instincts and taking creative risks—lessons that continue to guide my work today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you actually do know exactly what you're doing, and you should always trust in yourself, and try to gain that confidence that way, but don't second-guess yourself. This advice came from my mentor Lisa Pinkowski, who taught me that while there are all these rules in pattern making, not all the rules are always right. Sometimes you need to trust your gut and do something a little crazy to make it fit well.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry to always shoot your shot, don't be afraid to hear no, because you could hear a thousand no's, and they're probably not meant for you anyways, but the one yes will be.
Locations
SanMar
Tacoma, WA 98404