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Career Details :: Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Description
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Examines sketches or sample articles and design specifications to ascertain number, shape, and size of pattern parts.
- Traces outline of specified pattern onto material and cuts fabric, using scissors.
- Draws details on outlined parts to indicate guides in joining parts.
- Positions and cuts out pattern, using scissors and knife.
- Positions master pattern on paperboard and drafts reference points based on data from charts.
- Draws outline of pattern parts, using drafting instruments such as calipers, squares, and straight and curved rules.
- Makes drawings of garments and patterns, and writes instructions for use in reproducing commercial patterns.
- Computes dimensions of pattern according to size, considering stretching of material, and measures and marks pattern.
- Traces outline of paper onto cardboard pattern, and cuts pattern into parts to make template.
- Positions master pattern in clamp of grading device, places paperboard under pattern, sets device to specified size, and marks reference points.
- Draws lines between reference points, producing outline of graded pattern.
- Marks finished pattern with garment size, section, and style information.
- Lays out large patterns on floor and cuts material, according to markings.
- Positions and pins pattern sections onto model form and discusses style lines, details, and revisions with designer.
- Draws patterns for range of garment sizes, grading master pattern for each size, using charts or grading device.
- Calculates dimensions and specifications from sales order and enters data on worksheet.
Related Careers
- Bench Workers, Jewelry
- Engravers, Hand
- Model and Mold Makers, Jewelry
- Pasteup Workers
- Precision Etchers and Engravers, Hand or Machine
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Drafting & Specifying Technical Devices, etc.
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Estimating Needed Characteristics
- Processing Information
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Indoors
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Using Hands on Objects, Tools, Controls
- Consequence of Error
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Accessories Design |  [ add ] |
| Apparel Design | [ add ] |
| Costume Design | [ add ] |
| Fabric Styling | [ add ] |
| Fashion Apparel Studies | [ add ] |
| Fashion Design | [ add ] |
| Fashion Design/Merchandising | [ add ] |
| Fashion Illustration | [ add ] |
| Fashion Studies | [ add ] |
| Fiber Arts | [ add ] |
| Jewelry Design | [ add ] |
| Menswear | [ add ] |
| Patternmaking Technology | [ add ] |
| Textile Design | [ add ] |
| Textile/Surface Design | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.