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Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker

What You Need to Know About Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker

Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Example Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

Daily Life Of a Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker

  • Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
  • Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.
  • Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
  • Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
  • Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
  • Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.

What Every Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Should Know

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Types of Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Jobs

  • Sewing Pattern Layout Technician
  • Cartoon Designer
  • Sail Lay-Out Worker
  • Pleat Patternmaker
  • Apparel Patternmaker

Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Job Outlook

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 5,500 jobs in the United States for Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 500 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker are Colorado, Indiana, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Missouri, or Oregon. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary

The salary for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers ranges between about $23,360 and $87,820 a year.

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Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers who work in New York, California, or Washington, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
California $54,490
Florida $32,460
Indiana $35,340
Maryland $44,040
Massachusetts $52,210
Michigan $40,120
Mississippi $36,230
Missouri $33,600
New Jersey $29,090
New York $71,110
North Carolina $44,030
Ohio $29,210
Oregon $37,820
Pennsylvania $41,200
South Carolina $30,000
Tennessee $32,650
Utah $27,480
Washington $49,670

Tools & Technologies Used by Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator

How do I Become a Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker?

Individuals working as a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker have obtained the following education levels:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Elisa.rolle via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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