Pattern cutter
Pattern cutters create templates based on designer drawings, and cut and shape fabrics to make clothing and costume samples.
Also known as: Costume cutter
- Starter salary£22,000 a year
- Experienced£35,000 a year
- Typical hours36 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a pattern cutter, you would:
- create pattern templates or 'blocks' based on a designer's instructions
- modify or adapt existing patterns held in a company's pattern library
- model and pin fabric pieces to a dummy to get the right shape and fit
- cut materials by hand or use computerised cutting equipment
- work with machinists to make up product samples for production trials
- create final prototypes by hand or using computer-aided design software
- record technical data, like measurements, cutting marks and lines
You could work on all types of products, from everyday clothing, sportwear and medical supplies to costumes used in TV, theatre and film.
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio, in a factory or in a workshop.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- the ability to work on your own
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in fashion design 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
College
You could do a college course, which may help you to find a trainee position with a manufacturer or fashion design studio. For example:
- fashion - pattern cutting
- fashion design
- fashion and textiles
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do an apprenticeship to learn the skills needed to become a pattern cutter.
For example:
- Material Cutter Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Fashion and Textiles Pattern Cutter Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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 by training on the job.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become head pattern cutter or senior grader.
You might also use your skills to move into:
- fashion design
- costume design
- dressmaking and tailoring
- fashion buying
You could set up your own business and work freelance on contracts.
Career tips
To get onto courses and find jobs, you'll usually need a portfolio of your work to show off your skills and creative ideas.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleFashion designer
- Job roleFashion design assistant
- Job roleDressmaker
- Job roleSewing machinist
- Job roleTailor
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