Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker

Explore This Path

Perfect for those who love fashion and precision in creating unique garment designs.
Shape the fashion industry by crafting patterns that bring clothing designs to life.
Combine creativity and technology to design intricate patterns for diverse apparel.

💰 Earn $44K-$85K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -11.7% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
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.
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Risky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

300 Annually

Median Earnings

$73,580 in California

$62,510 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis

You value 🙏

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Fabric & Apparel Patternmaker

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years