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Pattern cutter

Alternative titles for this job include

Pattern cutters create pattern templates based on drawings from a fashion designer to make clothes.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 38 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become a pattern cutter

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist and short courses 

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in fashion or garment technology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course, for example:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Pattern Cutting
  • Level 2 Diploma in Fashion
  • Level 3 Diploma Garment Technology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can do a fashion and textiles pattern cutter advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a pattern cutting assistant or sample machinist with a clothing manufacturer or fashion design company and work your way up.

Other Routes

You can do short courses in pattern cutting through university fashion departments, colleges and adult education centres.

More Information

Career tips

To get onto courses and find jobs, you'll need a portfolio of your work to show off your skills and creative ideas.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join The Textile Institute for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • drape pieces of material over a dummy, shape and pin them around the ‘body’ until they fit correctly, then cut out a pattern based on the pieces
  • alter and shape flat, standard pattern 'blocks' into a style
  • modify non-standard pattern 'bases' taken from the company's pattern library
  • work with machinists to make up samples
  • use computer-aided design programs to make up some patterns
  • use traditional hand-drawing methods
  • work closely with the in-house sample machinist or manufacturer to make up an example garment
  • work with designers and garment technologists to produce the final pattern

Working environment

You could work in a workshop, in a factory or in a creative studio.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to head pattern cutter or grader or, with further training, fashion designer or buyer.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a pattern cutter right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Fashion & Textiles

  • Provider: NORTH BROMSGROVE HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Bromsgrove

GCE A Level Design &Technology: Fashion and Textiles

  • Provider: HOLY TRINITY COFE SECONDARY SCHOOL, CRAWLEY
  • Start date: 02 September 2021
  • Location: Crawley
Find courses near you

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