The main function of clothing patternmakers is to translate the fashion designers’ creations into patterns. These patterns are the starting point of a chain of activities leading to the manufacture of clothing.
First, an initial working sketch is made from the design. After the pattern has been sketched and the specifications outlined, a sample garment is made up. A master pattern is then prepared and the pattern is graded into different sizes.
Patternmakers also work with boutiques and clothing factories.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with your hands
- working with creative people
- seeing the results of your work
Demanding aspects
- frustration in making patterns for complicated designs
- dealing with over-demanding and critical designers
Requirements
A pattern-maker should:
- have an interest in fashion;
- have an eye for design, line, colour and detail;
- work accurately;
- have numerical ability;
- be able to work quickly and meticulously under pressure.
School Subjects
Grade 10 Certificate.
National Senior Certificate for the university of technlogy courses.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Consumer Studies
Training
Diploma N.Dip: Fashion Design or Clothing Production is offered by NMMU, WSU, CPUT, CUT, TUT, UJ, DUT, VUT, and Maluti, Northlink, Port Elizabeth and Flavius Mareka FET Colleges. DUT and TUT also offer a BTech in Fashion and Textile Design.
Patternmaker courses offered at Intec.
The Clothing Industry Training Board offers 1- year, part-time, in-service training courses in pattern- making.
Employer
- Clothing factories
- Manufacturing boutiques
Contact
Textile Federation
P O Box 53
Bruma, 2026
40 Seventh Avenue
Edenvale, 1609
Tel: (011) 454-2342 Fax: (011) 454-2342
www.texfed.co.za