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Pattern Makers

Descriptions & Duties

  • Pattern Makers design and make patterns for various parts of and whole garments. Their duties include discussing with designers on design specifications and constructing a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes; drawing the details e.g. the positions of pockets, buttonholes, and other features; cutting out master sample pattern; placing patterns on top of layers of fabric or other materials and cutting fabric; and testing accuracy of patterns by making sample garments and other textile products.

Generic Competencies

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:2 (Max:5) 

Skill is occasionally required

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:2 (Max:5) 

Skill is occasionally required

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:2 (Max:5) 

Skill is occasionally required

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:1 (Max:5) 

Skill is rarely required

 

Trade Specific Competencies

Detail oriented in design and materials

Pattern Makers must be able to interpret sewn product designs. They must be able to produce and evaluate prototype patterns for given designs as well as produce final master pattern.

Use of technology

Pattern Makers must be able to use computerised pattern production systems e.g. CAD, graphics software, scanners, virtual modelling.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • typically gain skills through work experiences.

Professional qualification

  • knowledge of textile and garment pattern making, or completion of relevant training course is an advantage

Career Path & Salary

Private Sector

Monthly Salary $15,000-$25,000

Monthly Salary $20,000-$30,000

Monthly Salary $30,000-$40,000 or above

Related Education & Training

Work Environment

  • Pattern Makers typically work indoors.

Tools

  • Dressmakers ruler - Curve sticks; Hip curve rulers; See-through rulers; Yard sticks
  • Fabric shears; Pattern paper cutters
  • Full body form or mannequin
  • Pattern cutting mats or boards
  • Sewing pattern notchers
  • Paper scissors
  • Seam rippers
  • Sewing machines
  • Sewing needles
  • Straight pins
  • Measuring tapes
  • Utility knives - Round knives

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