What Do Fabric Patternmakers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Fabric Patternmakers draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel. They also create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.

Other tasks include:

• 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.

We asked Fabric Patternmakers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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50% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 25% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Fabric Patternmakers 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. They test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.

A typical day for a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker will also include:

• Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.
• Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
• Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
• Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product.
• Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.

We asked some Fabric Patternmakers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	71% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	63% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	94% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	9% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	33% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Fabric Patternmakers also create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept. They may also draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Fabric Patternmakers Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments. They might also Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.

In addition, they Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric using scissors.

To some Fabric Patternmakers, it is also their responsibility to Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

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