The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. They sometimes cut and mark fabrics and apparel.
Duties:
The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers test patterns by making and fitting sample garments. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material and mark fabric accordingly. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, and /or grading devices. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers create a paper pattern from which to mass produce a design concept. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker mark samples and finished patterns with information such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker need knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Skills:
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the skill to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the skill to speak to others in a manner to convey information effectively relative to the working project.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers must have the skill to solve problems using mathematics while doing their job function.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers skill requirements must include the ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers skill requires them to understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem solving and decision making.
- The Fabric and Apparel Pattern makers need the skill to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the skill to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the skill to manage one’s own time and the time of others that are working on their team.
Abilities:
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules for example patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations etc.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the ability to see details at close range within a few feet of the observer. They often do close up work requiring extended periods of time viewing the items which can cause some eye strain.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the ability to communicate information and ideas presented through spoken word so that others will understand what they are trying to explain.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers need the ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
- The Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker need the ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.