# Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

> Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-6092.00
- **Summary:** Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

## Aliases

- Designer
- Pattern Designer
- Pattern Maker
- Production Pattern Maker
- Cutter
- Fabric Cutter
- Pattern Technician
- Sewing Pattern Layout Technician
- Technical Designer
- Apparel Patternmaker
- Clothing Pattern Preparer
- Clothing Patternmaker

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting. | Core | 4.A.3.b.1.a |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Make adjustments to patterns after fittings. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions. | Core | 4.A.1.b.1.a |
| Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.f |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Assemble garments or textile products. | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Design templates or patterns. | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| Position patterns on equipment, materials, or workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Confer with customers or designers to determine order specifications. | 4.A.4.a.2.j |
| Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information. | 4.A.1.b.1.a |
| Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Construct patterns, templates, or other work aids. | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Cut fabrics. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Program equipment to perform production tasks. | 4.A.3.b.1.a |
| Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Design | knowledge | 4.2 |
| Visualization | ability | 4 |
| Near Vision | ability | 4 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.97 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.91 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.86 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Originality | ability | 3.75 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.75 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.62 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.62 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.62 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | ability | 3.62 |
| Number Facility | ability | 3.5 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.5 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.38 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.38 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.38 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Fluency of Ideas | ability | 3.25 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.25 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.25 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.25 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Mathematics | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.12 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.12 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Adobe Photoshop | Specialized Skill |
| Adobe Illustrator | Specialized Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Adobe InDesign | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Adobe Illustrator | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | yes |
| Adobe Photoshop | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | yes |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | yes |
| Adobe Creative Cloud software | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | no |
| Adobe InDesign | Desktop publishing software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Gerber Technology AccuMark | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| PatternMaker | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.78 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.72 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.53 |
| Contact With Others | 4.52 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.27 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 4.24 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.21 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.19 |
| Time Pressure | 4.07 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.03 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 3.95 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.81 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.78 |
| E-Mail | 3.67 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.64 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.51 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.44 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.29 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.24 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.17 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.06 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.97 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.88 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.54 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 2.53 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.34 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.27 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 2.24 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.21 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.2 |
| Level of Competition | 2.13 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.07 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 1.84 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 1.78 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 1.75 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 1.7 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 1.66 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 1.55 |
| Public Speaking | 1.52 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 1.48 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 3
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- **Experience:** Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- **Svp Range:** (6.0 to < 7.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 40.66 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 26.36 |
| Some College Courses | 18.58 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 11.53 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 2.86 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 5.65 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 5.54 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 5.4 |
| Visual Arts | specific_interest_area | 4.42 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.17 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.77 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 2.47 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.25 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 2.23 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.88 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.66 |
| Office Work | specific_interest_area | 1.54 |
| Marketing/Advertising | specific_interest_area | 1.48 |
| Innovation | work_style | 1.47 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.45 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 1.44 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-4062.00 | role-51-4062-00 | Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-6051.00 | role-51-6051-00 | Sewers, Hand | Primary-Short |
| 51-7032.00 | role-51-7032-00 | Patternmakers, Wood | Primary-Short |
| 51-6052.00 | role-51-6052-00 | Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers | Primary-Short |
| 27-1022.00 | role-27-1022-00 | Fashion Designers | Primary-Short |
| 51-4192.00 | role-51-4192-00 | Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-9031.00 | role-51-9031-00 | Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-6031.00 | role-51-6031-00 | Sewing Machine Operators | Primary-Long |
| 51-9194.00 | role-51-9194-00 | Etchers and Engravers | Primary-Long |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 27-1021.00 | role-27-1021-00 | Commercial and Industrial Designers | Supplemental |
| 51-7031.00 | role-51-7031-00 | Model Makers, Wood | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |
| Arts, Entertainment, & Design | arts-entertainment-design |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences | family-and-consumer-sciences-human-sciences |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 67670
- **Mean Wage:** 71630
- **Pct10Wage:** 34590
- **Pct25Wage:** 44110
- **Pct75Wage:** 91080
- **Pct90Wage:** 112540
- **Employment:** 2860
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 1590 | 51610 | 6.72 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 540 | 101310 | 10.36 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 420 | 86220 | 3.75 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 130 | 72570 | 0.45 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 80 | 65590 |  |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 70 | 70650 |  |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 40 | 76630 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 540 | 10.36 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 1590 | 6.72 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 420 | 3.75 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 130 | 0.45 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.0049 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.0831096 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | 0.8417298 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.3332033 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 46
- **Percentile:** 45
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 46 | felten_aioe |
| 67 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 26 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.0831096 | 46 | Moderate | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.8125 | 67 | High | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.08856245542882521 | 26 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.0049
- **Percentile:** 4
- **Band:** Low
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** yes

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.125
- **Beta:** 0.46875
- **Gamma:** 0.8125

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -10.2
- **Growth Percentile:** 6
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.3
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 4
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 2.8
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 2.5

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 16
- **Skills:** 37
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 11
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 14f029305270c2f1