Life As a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker
Occupation Description Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
What Do Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
- Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
- Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
- 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.
- Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly.
- Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
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What Every Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Should Know
When polled, Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker
- Pattern Chart Writer
- Pleat Patternmaker
- Cartoon Designer
- Computer Patternmaker
- Computer Aided Design Operator (CAD Operator)
What Kind of Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Job Opportunities Are There?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 500 job openings in this field each 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.
Average Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary
The salary for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers ranges between about $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 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 |
What Tools do Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Use?
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?
Learn what Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker education requirements there are.

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.

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker may also be interested in:
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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