Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers – Creative Careers Studio

Fabric and apparel patternmakers spend their days creating patterns and templates for garments, translating designs into practical, workable pieces. They work with designers to understand their vision, measure and cut fabrics, and make adjustments to ensure that finished garments fit correctly and meet design specifications.

Quiz Matches

What kind of personality tends to excel in this career?

Ideas

Creations

How much this role requires you to be outspoken and in the spotlight.

Independent

Collaborative

How often you’ll have to work with others

Introvert

Extrovert

How often you’ll be coming up with big ideas versus making ideas reality.

Routine

Variety

How much your tasks change day by day

Screen Time

How much of your day is spent working at a desk on a computer.

Average Salary in SC

$62,510

Education Level

Training, on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree

Alternate Titles

Cutter
Designer
Fabric Cutter
Pattern Designer
Pattern Maker
Pattern Technician
Production Pattern Maker
Sewing Pattern Layout Technician
Technical Designer

More Details

Skills

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Time Management
Active Learning

Activities

Getting Information
Communicating with Colleagues
Monitoring Processes Materials or Surroundings
Identifying Objects Actions and Events
Thinking Creatively

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Integrity
Initiative

Professional Associations

American Apparel and Footware Association
International Apparel Federation

Related High School Courses

Design and Fashion Courses
Fashion Design
Textile Science
Technical Skills Courses
Pattern Making
Sewing and Garment Construction
Mathematics and Geometry Courses
Geometry
Basic Math
Art and Creative Courses
Drawing and Illustration
Creative Design
Technology and Computer Courses
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Graphic Design
Business and Marketing Courses
Introduction to Business
Marketing

College Majors to Consider

Apparel Design
Apparel Production
Fashion Design
Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Technology
Graphic Design
Industrial Design
Patternmaking Technology
Sewing And Tailoring
Textile Design
Textile Science

Jobs, Internships, Apprenticeships

Jobs
Retail Associate in Fabric Store
Sewing Assistant
Freelance Pattern Maker
Design Studio Assistant

Internships
Fashion Design Internship
Textile or Fabric Company Internship
Patternmaking Internship
Costume Design Internship

Apprenticeships
Patternmaker’s Apprenticeship
Fashion Designer’s Apprenticeship
Sewing and Patternmaking Apprenticeship
Tailoring Apprenticeship

Other Learning Opportunities
Online Patternmaking Courses
Fashion Design Classes
Participate in Design Competitions
Create a Design Portfolio

Profile of the SC Graduate

Express Ideas
Investigate Through Inquiry
Design Solutions

Learn more about the Profile of the SC Graduate here.

Explore creative careers