Patternmaking

Pattern Maker Overview

A career as a pattern maker, a vocation that goes far beyond merely cutting fabrics into different shapes and sizes, is an ideal way to get involved in the exciting fashion industry.

Through education and training, you will obtain a well-rounded skill set that includes knowledge of body proportions and a familiarity with different fabric types. Further, you will create innovative designs based on the sketches and drawings of apparel designers.

As a pattern maker, you will act as a middleman between the design and manufacturing teams working on different clothing lines. Working with the different teams will necessitate strong communication skills so that you can converse easily with everybody involved in the process.

If you enjoy being in a creative environment, love working with apparel, and like the challenge of collaboration, you should consider pursuing a career as a pattern maker. Depending on your desires, you can work at a fashion house or on a freelance basis, which will open up opportunities to work for two or more different companies.

Pattern Maker Education & Training

Success as a pattern maker will largely depend on relevant education and training. Most pursue a one- or two-year degree or certificate program at a technical training school or other recognized institution. In addition to in-class training, you should also seek out apprenticeships, which will give you hands-on experience alongside experienced pattern makers.

Education and training will particularly hone your technical skills in many areas, including:

• Using drafting tools such as squares and calipers
• Understanding body proportions
• Using computers and software to facilitate pattern making
• Interpreting design artists’ sketches in a way that enables you visualize what the finished products should look like

Pattern Maker Salary Outlook

According to compensation information provided by PayScale, U.S. workers with one to four years of experience in the fabric and apparel pattern making field have a median hourly rate of $14.49. Individuals with five to nine years of experience have a median hourly rate of $15.00, and workers with 10 to 19 years of experience have a median hourly rate of $20.68. Finally, individuals with 20 or more years of experience have a median hourly rate of $23.00.

You should note that the PayScale survey, last updated May 25, 2009, shows that the compensation outlook is positive to the extent that you can expect to make more and more money depending on how long you stay in the pattern making field.

Pattern Maker Career Fields & Specializations

If you successfully make it into the pattern making field, you will be able to take advantage of opportunities to pursue a number of related disciplines in the fashion industry, such as apparel designer, assistant designer, and manager.

Apparel Designer: Apparel designers are in charge of actually designing the clothes that are put into production. This is generally done through sketching and a firm knowledge of fabric and patterns.

Assistant Designer: Once you have become a pattern maker, you might want to get more involved in the design of apparel in the capacity of an assistant designer. Success as an assistant designer could lead to upwards mobility career-wise.

Manager: After you have gained substantial experience, you might be able to apply for a production management position that will enable you to oversee a department. You will have to possess well-rounded skills and have an understanding of what to expect from the different departments of a design house in order to be successful in such a position.

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