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Pattern cutter

Pattern cutters work in the clothing industry. They are an important link between the design and manufacturing stages of garment production.

Work activities

Pattern cutters produce patterns based on designers’ drawings. These are then used to make a template for a new garment. Using the standard size final pattern, pattern graders produce scaled up and scaled down versions of each pattern. This allows the clothing manufacturer to produce the garment in different sizes. In many places, the role of the cutter and grader is combined. There are several different ways a pattern can be made and graded. Computers are used more and more for this kind of work. However, there are some pattern cutters and graders who like to work by hand. If working digitally, the cutter will use computer aided design (CAD) to turn the designer’s drawings into patterns. Graders also use digital methods a lot in their work. If working by hand, the pattern cutter could drape material over a dummy. The material would then be cut into pieces that are shaped and pinned around the dummy. Finally, the cutter will use the pieces to cut out a paper or card pattern. The next part of the process involves the pattern being passed along to a sample sewing machinist. The machinist will then produce a prototype garment.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

  • An interest in fashion and trends.
  • IT skills.
  • To be a fast and accurate worker.
  • Technical drawing skills.
  • The confidence to work well alone.
  • Good number skills for measurements and calculations.
  • For this kind of work, you’ll need good eyesight and normal colour vision.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Pattern cutters earn in the range of £18,000 a year as an assistant, rising to £30,000 for multi-skilled cutters/graders working for specialist or luxury clothing companies.

Clothing pattern cutters/graders usually work 36-38 hours a week, which may include early starts, weekends and shift work. Part-time work may be available.

Employers range from large clothing manufacturers supplying high street and online retailers to designer/couture houses producing exclusive brands. Opportunities occur throughout England, with manufacturing concentrations in Leicester, Nottingham and London.

Self-employment is an option for experienced cutters/graders.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services.

Entry routes and training

You could apply for jobs in the industry straight from school after GCSEs, A-levels or equivalent. Your first role might be as a pattern cutting or grading assistant. A textiles qualification from school, college or sixth form may help you decide whether you are interested in working in this industry. Another option would be to apply for pattern cutter or grader positions with a higher education qualification, such as an HND, foundation degree or degree. Some students choose to study an art and design foundation course after A-levels (or equivalent) but before a degree.

A couple of apprenticeship programmes are a great way into this career path:

  • Material cutter (level 2 / intermediate)
  • Fashion and textiles pattern cutter (level 3 / advanced)

Training will mainly be on-the-job, perhaps learning from more senior employees or taking short courses to develop your skills. For people already working in the clothing industry, there are several qualifications which could be useful, including pattern cutting or creative techniques in fashion. There are short, professional courses, as well as postgraduate degrees to choose from. You will also need to keep up-to-date with new technology or new developments in fabric.

As a pattern cutter, with the relevant experience, you might take on more supervisory roles, or be promoted to head pattern cutter or grader. With further experience, you might also move into design, buying or garment technology.

Qualifications

You will need to be 16 to take an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, along with GCSEs in maths and English, although you may be able to complete these alongside the programme.

The usual entry requirements for an art and design foundation course are:

  • One or two A-levels including an art and design subject.
  • Alternative level 3 qualifications in art and design may be considered.
  • GCSEs at grades 9-4 in four of five subjects. Some courses ask that you have a pass in English.

The entry requirements for relevant HNCs, HNDs and foundation degrees are similar to those needed for the foundation course mentioned above. If you go on to a degree directly, you’ll usually need three A-levels including an art and design subject and five GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths. Other qualifications, such as a BTEC level 3 National qualification or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma could also be considered. Entry requirements for degree courses vary so check prospectuses carefully.

To enter any creative course related to fashion and textiles, you’ll need a portfolio of your work.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained in the clothing manufacturing industry, such as sewing and using relevant machinery, are an advantage. An interest in fashion and design is also useful.

Short courses in pattern cutting and related subjects are available from a number of centres. Many degree courses in fashion or textiles include an element of pattern cutting – always check a specialist source for up-to-date information about courses and entry requirements. You can check directly with an institution to ensure that the course content suits your interests and requirements.

Related careers

  • Clothing alteration worker
  • Fashion designer
  • Garment technologist
  • Sewing machinist