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Useful experience for patternmakers includes:

• community or night courses in dressmaking
• dressmaking or tailoring
• drawing or design work
• work in a clothing factory or workroom.

Patternmakers may do some or all of the following:

• create pattern pieces by hand or on computer
• cut out the pattern by hand or print out a copy using a computer
• write garment-sewing instructions
• help with fitting sample garments
• adapt patterns for different sizes (grading).

Patternmaker job numbers falling

The number of patternmakers has dropped by 50% since 2007, and this trend is expected to continue. This is due to:

• increasing use of computerised patternmaking machines
• New Zealand businesses using overseas patternmakers to save on costs.

Although the number of patternmakers is falling, not enough people are training in this area. This means that when patternmakers leave the industry, employers find it difficult to replace them. 

According to the Census, 78 patternmakers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Chances best for qualified patternmakers

Most employers prefer to take on patternmakers with tertiary training. However, some employers will train people working in other areas of the industry, such as sewing machinists, if they show initiative and ability. 

Most patternmaker jobs not advertised 

If you are interested in getting work as a patternmaker, it's best to approach companies yourself, as over half of new positions in the industry are not advertised. 

Types of employers varied

Patternmakers may work for:

• small fashion houses
• large clothing manufacturers
• fashion retailers
• tailors and dressmakers.

Many pattern makers are self-employed, contracting their services out to a range of clients.

Competenz

0800 526 1800 - info@competenz.org.nz - www.competenz.org.nz

Eastern Institute of Technology(EIT)

0800 22 55 348 - www.eit.ac.nz

Whitecliffe College of Art and Design 

0800 800 300 - admissions@whitecliffe.ac.nz - www.whitecliffe.ac.nz

Southern Institute of Technology(SIT)

0800 86 78 839 - info@sit.ac.nz - www.sit.ac.nz

With further training, patternmakers may become senior patternmakers, product developers or clothing designers. They may also become self-employed.

• Fashion designer job information

Patternmakers can specialise in a number of roles, including:

Marker Maker

Marker makers transfer graded patterns to thick paper, with sewing codes.

Pattern Grader

Pattern graders put patterns into a range of sizes.

Patternmakers need to be:

• patient
• quick and neat
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• able to follow instructions
• able to work well under pressure
• good at maths so they can measure and make calculations
• good problem-solvers.