Skills
Apparel Patternmaker Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in apparel patternmakers, and how to build and show them.
What skills do apparel patternmakers need?
Apparel Patternmakers need technical skills such as pattern drafting, draping, and grading, plus people skills like precision and problem-solving. They also use tools such as Gerber AccuMark and Optitex.
Technical (hard) skills
- Pattern drafting
- Draping
- Grading
- Garment construction
- CAD patternmaking
- Tech packs
People (soft) skills
- Precision
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Patience
Tools, equipment and technology
- Gerber AccuMark
- Optitex
- Pattern rulers
- Dress forms
- Sewing machines
- Measuring tapes
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how apparel patternmakers put their skills to work:
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Pattern drafting” and “Draping.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “precision,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as Fashion design degree near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our apparel patternmaker glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Apparel Patternmaker training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.