How to become a Clothing Patternmaker
Clothing patternmakers produce master patterns from designs. They work closely with designers, interpreting their sketches to develop a style that can be achieved by the company's equipment and staff, and that fits the image of the company's label.
Personal requirements for a Clothing Patternmaker
- Enjoy practical and manual activities
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Artistic flair, with an eye for detail
- Good sense of proportion
- Aptitude for technical activities
- Able to work neatly and accurately.
Education & Training for a Clothing Patternmaker
To become a clothing patternmaker, you usually have to complete a VET qualification in clothing production or applied fashion design and technology. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.You can also become a clothing patternmaker through an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
With the increasing use of CAD techniques, computer skills will greatly improve your employment prospects in this field.
Duties & Tasks of a Clothing Patternmaker
Clothing patternmakers:
- Interpret a design sketch
- Choose the correct ‘block’ (a pattern shape that forms the basic characteristics of a garment)
- Make adjustments to the pattern to arrive at a sample pattern, which is then used to decide whether to produce the garment in bulk
- Check the accuracy of the sample pattern
- Work with the sample machinist at various stages throughout the process, such as cutting out the sample garment and determining the amount of fabric used
- Advise on the correct machining technique to use
- Check that the sample garment maintains the look of the original design
- Check the fit of the sample on a mannequin, or on a model employed by the firm
- Modify sample garments to meet cost specifications and manufacturing limitationsonce it is approved for production, reproduce the sample pattern on a pattern board to make a master patterncreate the required range of sizes by ‘grading’ the pattern, usually using a computer-aided design (CAD) system.
Tasks
- Cuts out master patterns.
- Confers with customers to determine material, styles and designs of garments.
- Interprets designs, sketches and samples to determine pattern specifications.
Working conditions for a Clothing Patternmaker
In some cases, patternmakers may be employed in additional job roles, such as designer, sample machinist, grader or marker maker.
Employment Opportunities for a Clothing Patternmaker
Clothing patternmakers are employed by clothing manufacturers in small or large businesses. They are usually multi-skilled and are likely to be involved not only in patternmaking, but also in design and cutting for garment production. Patternmakers can establish their own businesses as dressmakers or tailors.
Average age
52
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
87% female
Average full-time
45 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
High skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
47%
Employment Size
340
Employment by state
ACT: 0.0%
NSW: 45.6%
NT: 0.0%
QLD: 8.9%
SA: 3.3%
TAS: 0.7%
VIC: 36.0%
WA: 5.6%
Age brackets
15-19: 0%
20-24: 2.7%
25-34: 16%
35-44: 18%
45-54: 35.7%
55-59: 15.1%
60-64: 6.7%
65 and Over: 6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 40%
Bachelor degree: 18.3%
Certificate III/IV: 24.5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 1.8%
Year 10 and below: 6.8%
Year 11: 0.8%
Year 12: 8%
