Production
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Median pay
$62,750
Growth to 2035
−15%
declining
Openings a year
200
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Fabric and apparel patternmakers: 21% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
Also called: Cutter · Designer · Fabric Cutter · Pattern Designer · Pattern Maker · Pattern Technician · Production Pattern Maker · Sewing Pattern Layout Technician
Outlook and AI
Fabric and apparel patternmakers held 3,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 2,600 by 2035 (−15%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Patternmakers, metal and plastic
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Sewers, hand
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Patternmakers, wood
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Fashion designer
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Layout workers, metal and plastic
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Cutters and trimmers, hand
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Sewing machine operator
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Etchers and engravers
- Fabric and apparel patternmakers vs. Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic