FABRIC AND APPAREL PATTERNMAKER

Job Definition:

Job Description:

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

Duties and Tasks:

• 1) Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
• 2) Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, and/or grading devices.
• 3) Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
• 4) Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.
• 5) 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.
• 6) 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.
• 7) Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
• 8) Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product.
• 9) Mark samples and finished patterns with information such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
• 10) Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
• 11) Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.

Activities:

• 1) Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• 2) Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• 3) Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• 4) Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• 5) Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Abilities:

• 1) Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• 2) Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
• 3) Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• 4) Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• 5) Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
• 6) Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
• 7) Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• 8) Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• 9) Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• 10) Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• 11)  Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Knowledge

• 1) Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• 2) Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.