What You'll Do

  • Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
  • 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.
  • Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.
  • Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
  • Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
  • Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
  • Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Essential Skills

Critical Thinking 3.75/5
Active Listening 3.38/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.25/5
Time Management 3.25/5
Reading Comprehension 3.12/5
Speaking 3.12/5
Mathematics 3.12/5
Active Learning 3.12/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.12/5
Writing 3.0/5
Learning Strategies 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to understand the kind of profile this role rewards. It helps you judge whether this career looks like a stronger match than your current role, a nearby move worth exploring, or a broader path to compare more seriously.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Artist: Creating original work and expressing ideas feels natural.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Cautiousness, Innovation, Achievement Orientation

Want a personal read on fit? Take the free assessment and compare this career to your current role, nearby alternatives, and broader stronger-fit options.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Visualization 4.0/5
Near Vision 4.0/5
Originality 3.75/5
Information Ordering 3.75/5
Written Comprehension 3.62/5
Oral Expression 3.62/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.62/5
Mathematical Reasoning 3.62/5

Technologies & Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop Autodesk AutoCAD Gerber Technology AccuMark Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word PatternMaker

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.85/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.5/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 4.11/5)
  • Innovation (High importance: 3.98/5)
  • Achievement Orientation (High importance: 3.87/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Apparel Patternmaker Clothing Pattern Preparer Clothing Patternmaker Computer Patternmaker Cutter Designer Draper Embroidery Operator Embroidery Patternmaker Fabric Cutter Fabric Pattern Grader Fabric Sourcer Fashion Patternmaker Furniture Designer Garment Patternmaker Grader Marker Marker Maker Pattern Chart Writer Pattern Designer Pattern Grader Pattern Grader Cutter Pattern Maker Pattern Technician Patternator Patternmaker Pleat Patternmaker Print and Pattern Designer Production Pattern Maker Sail Lay-Out Worker Sewing Pattern Layout Technician Shoe Designer and Patternmaker Shoe Patternmaker Technical Designer Textile Patternmaker

Career Fit FAQs

Is this career a good fit for me

This page shows the role itself. To see personal fit, use the assessment to compare your interests, motivations, and strengths against this career and against the role you are in now.

Can this help if I want to stay in my field

Yes. Many people use career pages like this to compare nearby roles in the same field and see whether they need a full switch or a better-fit version of the work they already know.

What should I compare first

Start with the daily tasks, the preparation level, and the work-style signals on this page. Then use the assessment to see whether this role looks like a stronger fit than your current role or just a different title.