Production
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Also called: Cutter, Designer, Fabric Cutter, Pattern Designer
US median pay
$62,750
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-15%
declining
Openings a year (US)
200
3,000 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
- Operations Analysis2.9/5
Knowledge
- Design4.2/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Production and Processing3.9/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
- Engineering and Technology2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma41%
- Bachelor's degree26%
- Some college19%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.