
Manufacturing &
Production

Apparel Cutter
Clothing Production Worker
Sewing Machinist
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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.

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
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enjoy practical and manual activities
-
good hand-eye coordination

-
artistic flair, with an eye for detail
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good sense of proportion
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aptitude for technical activities
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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.

Manufacturing & Production
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