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NOSK CAREERWork in the garment industry

Pattern Maker

Turns the measurement chart and tech pack into a block, then grades it and proves it on a sewn sample.

Level
Mid level
Works in
Sample room / CAD room
Department
Pattern, CAD & sampling
Directory organisations in
Bangladesh, France, Hong Kong SAR (plants in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Jordan), India, Japan
See live openingsOrganisations in this field

The daily work

  • Draft first patterns from the buyer's measurement chart and construction notes.
  • Grade the size set and issue the graded nest to CAD.
  • Correct patterns after fit comments and record every revision.
  • Set seam allowances, notches and shrinkage allowance against the fabric test report.
  • Hand over an approved pattern pack the cutting room can trust.

Skills employers screen for

  • Manual drafting plus one CAD system (Lectra, Gerber, Optitex or CLO)
  • Grading rules and size-set logic
  • Reading fabric shrinkage and stretch data and allowing for it
  • Fit reading — knowing which pattern line causes which fit complaint

Qualification

Pattern making or apparel design qualification, plus a portfolio of blocks and graded nests. CAD certification from the software vendor helps a lot.

How to get in

  1. 1.Work through the free pattern explainers and build three blocks: tee, trouser, shirt.
  2. 2.Learn one CAD system properly; vendor training portals are free to browse.
  3. 3.Apply into the sample room as a Pattern Assistant / CAD Operator and grow into pattern making.

Organisations that employ this role

This is a role guide, not a vacancy. These directory organisations employ people in this role but may not be hiring now — check their own careers page for current openings, or browse live NOSK CAREER openings.