Pattern Making
Pattern Making is a fundamental skill in the clothing industry where professionals create the paper or digital templates that guide how fabric should be cut and sewn to create garments. Think of it like creating a blueprint, but for clothing. Pattern makers take a designer's sketch or concept and transform it into precise instructions that the factory can use to mass-produce clothing. They ensure that clothes will fit properly in different sizes and can be manufactured efficiently. Some similar terms include "garment pattern drafting" or "clothing pattern development."
Examples in Resumes
Developed Pattern Making templates for a new line of women's sportswear
Used digital Pattern Making software to create size-graded patterns for children's wear
Led the Pattern Making department, creating and adjusting patterns for 200+ styles annually
Applied Pattern Drafting techniques to improve fit and reduce fabric waste
Typical job title: "Pattern Makers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Pattern Makers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where a garment is not fitting correctly across multiple sizes?
Expected Answer: A senior pattern maker should explain their systematic approach to identifying fit issues, making corrections across size ranges, and validating changes through sample making and testing. They should mention collaboration with designers and technical teams.
Q: What strategies do you use to reduce fabric waste when creating patterns?
Expected Answer: Should discuss pattern layout optimization, understanding fabric width constraints, working with different fabric types, and balancing cost efficiency with design integrity while maintaining quality.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What is your process for creating a pattern from a designer's sketch?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they interpret design details, take measurements, create initial drafts, make samples, gather feedback, and refine the pattern until it matches the designer's vision while being production-friendly.
Q: How do you approach grading patterns for different sizes?
Expected Answer: Should describe their method for maintaining proper proportions across sizes, understanding size charts, and ensuring consistent fit across the size range.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic measurements are essential when starting a new pattern?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list fundamental measurements like chest, waist, hip, length, and explain why each is important for creating a basic pattern.
Q: What's the difference between a production pattern and a sample pattern?
Expected Answer: Should explain that sample patterns are used for prototypes and may have more details for testing, while production patterns are simplified and optimized for manufacturing efficiency.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pattern drafting techniques
- Understanding of garment construction
- Knowledge of basic measurements
- Ability to make simple pattern adjustments
Mid (2-5 years)
- Pattern grading across size ranges
- Digital pattern making software use
- Complex garment pattern development
- Sample fitting and correction
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced pattern manipulation techniques
- Production optimization
- Team leadership and training
- Complex fit problem solving
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with actual pattern making
- Lack of knowledge about different fabric types and their properties
- Unable to work with measurement systems and size charts
- No experience with pattern grading or size scaling
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