Glossary
Apparel Patternmaker Terms & Vocabulary
15 essential apparel patternmaker terms with plain-English definitions: the vocabulary you’ll hear in training and on day one.
Key apparel patternmaker vocabulary
These 15 terms come up constantly in apparel patternmaker training, on the job and in interviews. Knowing them helps you follow instructions, document accurately and sound prepared.
- Block
- Basic pattern.
- Dart
- Fold for shape.
- Draping
- Shaping fabric on a form.
- Ease
- Extra room for movement.
- Fit model
- Model for fittings.
- Grade rule
- Size change amount.
- Grading
- Making sizes.
- Grain line
- Fabric direction.
- Marker
- Cutting layout.
- Muslin
- Test garment.
- Notch
- Alignment mark.
- Seam allowance
- Fabric beyond the seam.
- Sloper
- Fitted base pattern.
- Spec sheet
- Measurements list.
- Tech pack
- Production instructions.
Practice these terms
Test yourself with the free Apparel Patternmaker practice test: it includes vocabulary questions built from this list. For a complete course, see Apparel Patternmaker training.
Browse terms from every career in our career glossary.