Pattern Making
Pattern Making is a fundamental skill in the fashion industry where designers create paper or digital templates that guide how clothing will be cut and sewn. Think of it like creating a blueprint for clothes - these templates ensure that garments fit properly and can be reproduced consistently. Pattern makers transform fashion sketches into actual sewing instructions by breaking down garments into flat pieces that, when sewn together, create three-dimensional clothing. This role bridges the gap between design and production, similar to how an architect's plans guide construction workers.
Examples in Resumes
Created Pattern Making templates for a new line of women's business wear
Used digital Pattern Making software to develop size-inclusive clothing patterns
Led Pattern Making department and developed Patterns for 200+ garment styles annually
Typical job title: "Pattern Makers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Pattern Makers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Industry Events
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage a pattern making team for a large collection with tight deadlines?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in team leadership, workflow organization, quality control processes, and ability to prioritize work. They should mention strategies for maintaining consistency across different team members and meeting production timelines.
Q: How do you approach creating patterns for inclusive sizing?
Expected Answer: Strong answers should demonstrate understanding of grading across size ranges, knowledge of different body types, and experience with fit modifications. They should discuss techniques for maintaining design integrity across all sizes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What is your process for troubleshooting fit issues?
Expected Answer: Should explain systematic approach to identifying problems, making adjustments, and testing solutions through sample creation. Should mention experience with different fabric types and common fit challenges.
Q: How do you adapt patterns for different fabric types?
Expected Answer: Should discuss understanding of fabric properties, necessary pattern adjustments for different materials, and experience with various fabric types and their behavior.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic pattern making tools do you use and why?
Expected Answer: Should be able to name essential tools like rulers, curves, paper types, and possibly digital software, explaining the basic purpose of each in pattern creation.
Q: Can you explain the difference between a sloper and a pattern?
Expected Answer: Should explain that a sloper is a basic template without design details or seam allowances, while a pattern is a complete template ready for cutting fabric with all necessary modifications.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pattern creation from existing designs
- Understanding of body measurements
- Knowledge of basic garment construction
- Simple pattern adjustments
Mid (2-5 years)
- Pattern creation from sketches
- Digital pattern making software use
- Pattern grading across sizes
- Fit analysis and correction
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex pattern development
- Team leadership and training
- Technical package creation
- Production problem-solving
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with actual garment construction
- Unfamiliarity with industry-standard measurements
- Lack of experience with different fabric types
- No knowledge of digital pattern making tools
- Unable to explain basic fit concepts
Related Terms
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