What is a Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker?
Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Job Description 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
- Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric using scissors.
- Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.
- Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
- Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
- 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.
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Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker Skills
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 and Apparel Patternmaker
- Shoe Patternmaker
- Clothing Pattern Preparer
- Pattern Chart Writer
- Draper
- Grader Marker
Is There Job Demand for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers?
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.

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.
What is the Average Salary of a Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker
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.
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
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
Becoming a Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker
Learn what Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Are Employed

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:
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
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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