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Life As a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker
Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Definition Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
A Day in the Life of a Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker
- Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
- Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly.
- Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
- 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.
- Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
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Qualities of a Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker
Below is a list of the skills most Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers say are important on the job.
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles
- Garment Patternmaker
- Clothing Patternmaker
- Pattern Technician
- Grader Marker
- Draper
Are There Job Opportunities for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers?
There were about 5,500 jobs for Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker. There will be an estimated 500 positions for Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker per year.
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.
Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Salary
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers make between $23,360 and $87,820 a year.
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers who work in New York, California, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers make in each U.S. state?
| 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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
How do I Become a Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker?
What education is needed to be a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker?
What work experience do I need to become a Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker?
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Elisa.rolle via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
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