Pattern Making
Pattern Making is a fundamental skill in fashion and costume design where professionals create paper or digital templates that guide how fabric should be cut and sewn to create garments. Think of it like creating a blueprint for clothes. Pattern makers take a designer's sketch or concept and turn it into precise instructions that show exactly how to construct the piece, including all sizes needed. This is different from sewing or designing - while designers create the look, pattern makers figure out how to make it actually work in real life. They're like the engineers of the fashion world.
Examples in Resumes
Created detailed Pattern Making instructions for theatrical costume department serving 50+ productions annually
Developed digital Patterns for mass production of corporate uniforms
Specialized in Pattern Making and grading for plus-size fashion collections
Expert in both traditional Pattern Making and modern CAD pattern development
Typical job title: "Pattern Makers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Pattern Makers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a designer's request that seems technically impossible to pattern?
Expected Answer: A senior pattern maker should explain their process of analyzing the design, suggesting viable alternatives that maintain the design's integrity, and demonstrating how they would communicate technical limitations professionally while offering creative solutions.
Q: How do you approach pattern making for unusual body types or special requirements?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with adapting standard patterns, understanding of different body shapes, problem-solving techniques, and methods for accommodating special requirements like mobility needs or specific performance demands.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Explain your process for grading patterns across different sizes.
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how they maintain proper proportions across size ranges, their understanding of size charts, and their method for ensuring consistency in fit across all sizes.
Q: How do you ensure accuracy when transferring a 2D pattern to a 3D garment?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for testing patterns, creating mock-ups, checking measurements, and making adjustments based on how fabric behaves in real life.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic measurements do you need to create a pattern?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list essential body measurements and explain why each is important for creating a basic pattern.
Q: What's the difference between a toile and a final pattern?
Expected Answer: Should explain that a toile is a test garment made in cheap fabric to check fit and style, while a final pattern is the completed template used for actual production.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pattern drafting by hand
- Understanding of body measurements
- Simple pattern adjustments
- Basic knowledge of fabric properties
Mid (2-5 years)
- Digital pattern making software
- Pattern grading across sizes
- Complex garment construction
- Pattern alterations and fitting
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced pattern manipulation
- Technical problem solving
- Team leadership and training
- Complex design interpretation
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of different fabric properties and how they affect patterns
- Unable to work with basic measurements
- Lack of experience with both hand drafting and digital methods
- Poor understanding of garment construction basics
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
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Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
