Clothing Patternmaker

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Sewing Machinist

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 Practical Artistic or CreativeSkill Level 3

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. Future Growth Decline

In some cases, patternmakers may be employed in additional job roles, such as designer, sample machinist, grader or marker maker.

Patternmakers can establish their own businesses as dressmakers or tailors.

ANZSCO ID: 393212

Alternative names: Patternmaker-grader,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

  • enjoy practical and manual activities

  • good hand-eye coordination Examine

  • artistic flair, with an eye for detail

  • good sense of proportion

  • aptitude for technical activities

  • able to work neatly and accurately.

 

Duties and Tasks

Clothing patternmakers may perform the following tasks:

  • interpreting designs, sketches and samples to determine pattern specifications
  • 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
  • cutting out master patterns - laying up and cutting fabric
  • pinning, basting and draping garment parts
  • 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 limitations
  • once it is approved for production, reproduce the sample pattern on a pattern board to make a master pattern
  • fitting basted garments on customers and marking areas requiring alteration
  • sewing buttonholes, and sewing on buttons, hooks, eyes and press fasteners to finish garments
  • create the required range of sizes by 'grading' the pattern, usually using a computer-aided design (CAD) system.
  • conferring with customers to determine material, styles and designs of garments


Working conditions

In some cases, patternmakers may be employed in additional job roles, such as designer, sample machinist, grader or marker maker.

Tools and technologies

With the increasing use of CAD (computer assisted design) techniques, computer skills will greatly improve your employment prospects in this field.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a clothing patternmaker you usually have to complete a VET qualification in clothing production or applied fashion design and technology. You can also become a clothing patternmaker through a traineeship in Clothing Production or Applied Fashion Design and Technology.

  
Employment Opportunities

Job opportunities for clothing pattern makers have been declining, and are expected to continue to decline.

Many Australian apparel companies have moved their manufacturing offshore, and so there are fewer opportunities available locally. Some opportunities may still be available in specialist apparel manufacturers, and fashion design businesses.

Clothing Production Worker
    Manufacturing & Production

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