Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

ManufacturingO*NET 51-6092.00United States

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

COMING SOON See related ASU learning

Median annual earnings: $62,468
Projected change: −18.9%
Typical education: High school diploma or less
Employment: 3.68K jobs

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Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

The work

What fabric and apparel patternmakers do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

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.
Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
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.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile: $33,141
25th percentile: $42,334
50th percentile: $62,468
75th percentile: $93,502
90th percentile: $125,560

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $62,468 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

−18.9%projected to decline

20253,679 jobs

2035 projected2,984 jobs

695 fewer positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

High school diploma or less: 43.5%
Bachelor's degree: 26.4%
Some college: 18.6%
Certificate: 11.5%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

Embroidery Machine Operation
Lifting Ability
Adobe Illustrator
Embroidery
Textiles
Adobe Photoshop
Workflow Management
New Product Development
Machinery
Garment Construction
Printed Circuit Board
Interior Design
AutoCAD
Machine Operation
Merchandising
Development Environment
Safety Procedures
Hand Tools
Manufacturing Processes
Packaging And Labeling

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

01Embroidery Operators174 postings
02Furniture Designers106 postings
03Printed Circuit Board Designers75 postings
04Print Operators35 postings
05Feed Mill Operators29 postings
06Designers24 postings
07Pattern Designers24 postings
08Layout Designers23 postings
09Fabric Workers18 postings
10Digital Print Operators17 postings
11Graphic Designers/Production Specialists17 postings
12Technical Designers17 postings
13Wafer Fabrication Operators16 postings
14Fabrication Operators15 postings
15Machine Operators/Fabricators14 postings
16PCB Layout Designers14 postings
17Printed Circuit Designers13 postings
18Print Production Designers11 postings
19Inserter Operators10 postings
20Women's Designers9 postings

Top employers

01Tyson Foods26 postings
02Haynes Furniture Company21 postings
03G-III Apparel Group19 postings
04Garmin International15 postings
05Technologies Global Connect15 postings
06Actalent10 postings
07Galls10 postings
08Jsg Co., Ltd.10 postings
09FIS9 postings
10Solomon Page Group9 postings
11RTX7 postings
12Workwear Outfitters7 postings
13Aerotek6 postings
14Express Employment Professionals6 postings
15M&M Office Interiors6 postings
16Pinterest6 postings
17S. Rothschild & Company6 postings
18Staples6 postings
19Under Armour6 postings
20Carole Fabrics5 postings

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