Career Overview
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Also Known As
- Designer
- Pattern Designer
- Pattern Maker
- Production Pattern Maker
Alternate Job Titles
- Apparel Patternmaker
- Clothing Pattern Preparer
- Clothing Patternmaker
- Computer Patternmaker
- Cutter
- Designer
- Draper
- Embroidery Operator
- Embroidery Patternmaker
- Fabric Cutter
- Fabric Pattern Grader
- Fabric Sourcer
- Fashion Patternmaker
- Furniture Designer
- Garment Patternmaker
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
- Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
- Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments.
- Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
- Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
- Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
- Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Production and Processing
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Visualization
- Near Vision
- Originality
- Information Ordering
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Finger Dexterity
- Number Facility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Innovation
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Curve sticks
- Dress form mannequins
- Fabric shears
- Hip curve rulers
- Industrial sewing machines
- Ironing boards
- L squares
- Measuring tapes
- Paper scissors
- Pattern boards
- Pattern grading rulers
- Pattern paper cutters
- Pattern punches
- Pressing irons
- Round knives
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Contact With Others
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $34,590 |
| Median | $67,670 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $112,540 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 2,860
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $54,540
Sewers, Hand
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $33,760
Patternmakers, Wood
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,520
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $40,860
Fashion Designers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $80,690
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.