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Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)	Projected Growth (2023-2033)
National Statistics	$67,670	300	-11.7%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$67,670

Median Wage (USD, 2023)

300

Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)

-11.7%

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

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

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Detailed Work Activities

Assemble garments or textile products.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Design templates or patterns.
Design templates or patterns.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Design templates or patterns.
Position patterns on equipment, materials, or workpieces.
Design templates or patterns.
Confer with customers or designers to determine order specifications.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
Construct patterns, templates, or other work aids.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Cut fabrics.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production.
Design templates or patterns.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

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.
Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.
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.
Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly.
Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.
Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric, using scissors.

Work Styles

Persistence

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Achievement/Effort

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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