How to Become a Pattern Maker

Pattern makers are responsible for taking a fashion designer's drawing or idea for an article of clothing and creating a paper pattern that can be translated to fabric. Sometimes pattern makers are only given a sketch and must actually create the design themselves. Pattern makers play a very influential role in the fashion industry in this way. Many fashion designers work exclusively with a favorite pattern maker.

Things You'll Need

• Fashion degree (optional)

Instructions

1. Study art and fashion in high school. Take a class in figure drawing. Pattern makers must have a good understanding of body proportions and the human form to make their patterns fit right.

2. Get some retail sales or design work under your belt. It's helpful to get experience in every facet of the fashion and design fields.

3. Take stock of your physical skills and abilities. Pattern makers must have good hand/eye coordination and should be able to work standing up for a long time. They must also have normal color vision. Someone who is lacking in these areas probably shouldn't become a pattern maker.

4. Wrangle your way into an apprenticeship with a veteran pattern maker who is willing to teach you the secrets of the trade. Finding someone to mentor you is a great way to learn the ropes of pattern making.

5. Attend a fashion design school. Find one that offers courses in pattern making. Sewing classes, sewing codes and symbols, the study of fabrics, drawing courses and math classes which include measuring and making calculations should be part of your curriculum.

6. Enroll in a drafting class. A pattern maker must be skilled in the use of drafting tools like calipers, squares, straight and curved rules.

7. Become skilled in using a computer and computer-aided design software (CAD). Most patterns are made on a computer these days.

8. Begin your career by getting a job as a fabric cutter or grader. It's an entry-level position, but it will get you through the door and you can learn as you go.

Tips & Warnings

• There are good opportunities for career advancement in the fashion industry if you become a pattern maker. Many eventually become assistant designers or even designers or are promoted into production or manufacturing management positions.

• Learn French or Italian. Paris and Milan, along with New York, are the fashion capitals of the world. If you want to become a pattern maker, position yourself to work and communicate with the top designers.