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Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Other titles employers use
Cutter · Designer · Fabric Cutter · Pattern Designer · Pattern Maker · Pattern Technician · Production Pattern Maker · Sewing Pattern Layout Technician
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, creative and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
Subjects to know
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
Useful strengths
- Visualization
- Near Vision
- Originality
- Information Ordering
- Written Comprehension
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.0 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 3.2 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 4.8 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 3.8 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 44%
- A certificate or some college 30%
- A four-year degree 26%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Desktop publishing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Word processing software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 990
- Job openings each year
- 0
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −6.6%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 990 | 0 | −6.6% |
| California | 800 | 80 | −20.0% |
| North Carolina | 200 | 20 | 5.3% |
| Texas | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| Missouri | 110 | 10 | −8.3% |
| Florida | 80 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 70 | 10 | — |
| Utah | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Mississippi | 60 | 10 | — |
| New Jersey | 50 | 10 | — |
| Illinois | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Maine | 30 | 0 | — |
| Minnesota | 30 | 0 | — |
| Oregon | 30 | 0 | — |
| South Carolina | 30 | 0 | — |
| Colorado | 10 | 0 | — |
| Ohio | 10 | 0 | — |
| Washington | 10 | 0 | — |
| Wisconsin | 10 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
California State University-Long Beach
- Degrees each year
- 102
- Admit rate
- 47%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Auburn University
- Degrees each year
- 95
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Annual cost after aid
- $21,000
Savannah College of Art and Design
- Degrees each year
- 95
- Admit rate
- 84%
- Annual cost after aid
- $49,000
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Degrees each year
- 76
- Admit rate
- 80%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
Iowa State University
- Degrees each year
- 76
- Admit rate
- 89%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 75
- Admit rate
- 51%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Wayne State University
- Degrees each year
- 72
- Admit rate
- 82%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Degrees each year
- 71
- Admit rate
- 90%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000