Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Apparel Patternmaker
What apparel patternmakers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an apparel patternmaker?
Review a designer sketch. From there, the day usually includes draft patterns, make samples, and fit garments. Full time, busy around seasons.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an apparel patternmaker working full time.
- Review a designer sketch.
- Draft a first pattern in CAD.
- Cut a muslin.
- Fit on a fit model.
- Correct the pattern.
- Grade sizes.
- Write a tech pack.
Where apparel patternmakers work
Patternmakers work in design studios and factories.
Hours and schedule
Full time, busy around seasons.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Draft patterns
- Make samples
- Fit garments
- Grade sizes
- Create markers
- Write tech specs
- Work with designers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Gerber AccuMark
- Optitex
- Pattern rulers
- Dress forms
- Sewing machines
- Measuring tapes
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Fashion industry
- Technical and creative
- Skilled craft
- CAD skills
What’s hard
- Steep decline
- Seasonal crunches
- Offshore competition
- Detail pressure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love fashion
- I like math and shapes
- I can sew
- I’m precise
- I like solving fit problems
- I want a fashion career
Not sure? Take the free Apparel Patternmaker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use cutting tools safely
- Use ergonomic setups
- Protect design files
- Take breaks