The Pattern Maker

In the past before the Pattern Maker emerged, Tailors produced garments using traditional skills and methods to make clothing. The tailor generally knew his clients body structure quite well along with any defects and he could modify and convert these onto the finished garment producing a garment that was made to measure.



The pattern maker emerged after the birth of industrial techniques. The Industrial Pattern Maker makes a pattern without knowing who the client is and uses standard measurements to produce a garment to any size. The pattern maker converts the sketch or sample created by the designer into a paper pattern for women, men and children.

The Industrial Pattern Maker plays an important role in the clothing industry and is therefore highly sought after and generally well paid. A career in Pattern Making is rewarding professionally and personally and is rewarding financially. Pattern makers are sought by high end Fashion Houses, Manufacturers, big and small boutiques, Made to measure boutiques and by private clients. If you are after a home based business then Pattern Making is one of those professions that allows you to work at home or freelance and work for many companies.


In many Fashion houses pattern makers and designers are synonymous and both may be multi skilled and have the knowledge to provide services that provides an economical situation for the company they work for. The Pattern Maker may find herself involved in various roles when employed by a Fashion Label. The pattern maker can be employed as a Designer/Pattern Maker, Pattern maker/Grader, Pattern Maker and Sample Machinist and even Pattern maker/Production Manager.


The Pattern makers job is to interpret designs and to construct patterns and to ensure that these patterns uphold the image of the label. The Pattern makers role involves participation in fit meetings with models and designers, grading of patterns, calculating estimates of fabric usage, checking accuracy of samples against pattern, alterations, assisting in production of markers if required, assisting in design and selecting appropriate trims for the styles and fabrics, production, liaising with outdoor makers or international makers, liaising with quality control departments, specification sheets and many other responsibilities


Generally speaking it is wise for the Pattern Maker to have knowledge not only in Pattern Making but also many other areas of design. It is a good idea to study many areas of fashion at Design School to ensure that you acquire a level of proficiency in all areas of fashion.


When I was studying fashion I studied many areas of fashion including sewing machine and stitching technology, pattern making at all levels, grading, marker making, computer pattern making and grading, evening wear, draping and many other subjects. It gave me enough skills and knowledge in order for me to be able to handle any job that was required of me. Being multi skilled I have been able to work in various roles and situations allowing me to gain experience in all areas of Fashion.