Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

What They Do

Fabric and apparel patternmakers transform clothing designs into precise templates that manufacturers use to create garments. They work primarily in studios or manufacturing facilities, translating sketches and specifications into detailed patterns that account for fabric behavior, garment construction, and sizing variations. Using specialized software or traditional hand-drafting methods, they create master patterns that serve as blueprints for cutting fabric pieces.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Central Washington University, WA
$51,494
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Utah State University, UT
$51,221
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Indiana University-Bloomington, IN
$50,264
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)University of Delaware, DE
$47,760
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)University of Northern Iowa, IA
$44,647
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Ohio State University-Main Campus, OH
$41,827
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Florida State University, FL
$41,130
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)University of Arkansas, AR
$40,948
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Iowa State University, IA
$40,849
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)North Dakota State University-Main Campus, ND
$40,558
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Fashion Institute of Technology, NY
$40,463
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)University of Missouri-Columbia, MO
$40,176
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Washington State University, WA
$40,081
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC
$40,059
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Ohio University-Main Campus, OH
$39,969
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Ohio University-Eastern Campus, OH
$39,969
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Ohio University-Southern Campus, OH
$39,969
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Miami University-Oxford, OH
$39,969
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Ohio University-Zanesville Campus, OH
$39,969
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus, OH
$39,969
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Ohio University-Lancaster Campus, OH
$39,969
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, CA
$38,262
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Kansas State University, KS
$37,529
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)Auburn University, AL
$37,329
Apparel and Textiles(bachelors)The University of Texas at Austin, TX
$37,245

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