Pattern making is one of the most in-demand roles in fashion – and you don’t need a degree to do it.
What you need is real, hands-on experience: turning sketches into patterns and making sure those patterns actually fit people.
I put this guide together after surveying over 100 fashion pros (including pattern makers) and pulling insights from my 15+ years of experience and podcast interviews. Whether you’re looking to freelance, work in-house, or start your own studio – I’ll walk you through what it really takes to become a clothing pattern maker (and how much you can make doing it).
How to Become a Clothing Pattern Maker (even without a degree)
Most hiring managers care far more about your portfolio and pattern-making experience than where you went to school.
There are plenty of talented pattern makers in the industry who never studied fashion formally. Many started out as hobbyists – learning on their own, getting hands-on practice, and building their skills project by project.
The number one recommendation from pros? Find a mentor and train under them.
Pattern making is a deeply hands-on skill, and the fastest way to get good is by practicing alongside someone who already knows what they’re doing. That might mean interning, apprenticing, or working in a small studio where you can learn by doing.
Many skilled pattern makers I know got their start as apprentices under experienced professionals. You get to work closely with them, ask questions, and see the process up close from start to finish. It’s also the top tip from Myranda Caputo (LinkedIn), a freelance pattern maker with over 25 years of experience:
“Find a great mentor, start with the basics, ask lots of questions.”
Pro Tip: Look around your area for local pattern makers or independent studios. In many local garment districts, you’ll find small studios run by incredibly experienced professionals. If you’re lucky, some might be open to mentoring or training you.
Of course, you’ll still need some sort of foundation to build from. There are plenty of beginner-friendly resources to help you get started – from classic books like Pattern Making for Fashion Design by Helen Armstrong to online courses on platforms like Domestika and Udemy that walk you through the basics from scratch.
While a full degree isn’t necessary, many fashion schools also offer short or intensive courses focused specifically on pattern making. Check with local fashion universities near you – or explore online options like the Introduction to Pattern Making short course from Central Saint Martins.
What Does a Clothing Pattern Maker Do?
Pattern makers may use a combination of manual drawing methods and CAD to create sewing patterns. They may also use 3D software for drafting and to emulate the design on a body before it’s even produced (especially for remote PM’s).
If you want to learn more about pattern making software, I’ve written a thorough breakdown of the best ones here. The most popular ones are Gerber Accumark, Optitex and CLO.
Having a deep understanding of fabrics, fit, and garment construction is crucial for pattern makers as this ensures that each piece not only looks good on paper but also drapes well when worn.
Beyond drafting patterns – they’re also highly involved in refining designs. Fashion designers – more specifically, technical designers – work closely with pattern makers during garment sample fittings to fix any issues related to sizing or silhouette. Then, the pattern makers adjust the pattern accordingly to create a finished garment that matches what the designer envisioned.
Essential Skills for Pattern Makers
- Pattern Drafting: Manual and/or digital drafting skills (CAD software like Gerber, Optitex, CLO).
- Body Measurements: Knowing how to measure accurately and adjust for different body types.
- Garment Construction: Though pattern makers usually work with seamstresses, they still need to know how garments are sewn together.
- Fabric Knowledge: Knowledge of different fabrics, their stretch, drape, and texture, and how they affect patterns.
- Fitting + Revisions: Identifying and solving fit problems, making necessary adjustments to patterns for different body types.
3 Ways to Work as a Pattern Maker
Working In-House
Being in-house means you work directly with a fashion brand or company. This path offers structure, consistent hours, and opportunities to grow within a brand. However, it also means less creative freedom and flexibility since you’ll be focused on one brand’s specific aesthetic and workflow.
Owning Your Own Studio
Choose which projects to take on, collaborate with a variety of clients, and maybe even manage a team of other pattern makers or seamstresses.
Lacey Bell (LinkedIn), owner of Fireflyline, a product development service company, shares her routine:
“2-4 hours of my days are usually spent on focused pattern making or 3D digital creation. Another few hours might go toward working in technical packages, updating specifications for clients. The remainder will be filled with client communication via e-mail or video conferences. I should dedicate more time each day to marketing but I usually only manage 1-2 hours a week for social posts and blog writing.”
While this path offers freedom, it also comes with the responsibility of running a business – managing clients, timelines, and marketing.
Working as a Freelancer
Freelance pattern makers are very in-demand in the fashion industry This is the route I recommend the most.
Freelancing gives you the freedom to work from anywhere, choose your clients, and take on projects that align with your strengths or interests. You’re not locked into a single company’s aesthetic and can work across categories or niche down depending on your goals.
Sofia Luzon (LinkedIn), one of my FAST grads who’s now working as a freelance pattern maker shares her day to day and how she got started working freelance.
“I started freelancing through Upwork, after enrolling in Heidi’s FAST program. I decided to start freelancing because I was feeling burned out from working on my own fashion brand for several years. After doing some Upwork projects and gaining more confidence in my skills, I started pitching brands outside of that platform. Nowadays, I still have recurring clients coming from Upwork but the majority of my income comes from other brands.”
“I start my day around 8:00 am by answering emails from clients or factories, then I work on the projects I have scheduled for the day (create patterns, attend to fittings, modify patterns according to the fitting, etc. Sometimes I also make tech packs and 3D prototypes, and meet with my consulting clients). Usually I finish working by 16:00-16:30 pm, after doing a last check on my email inbox.”
And when asked what’s the best part about working as a freelance pattern maker, Sofia shares:
“I love having the ability to choose which projects I get to do each day, and also choosing the clients I want to work with. It also gives me the possibility of having a better work-life balance.”
🎧 If you want to know more about Sofia, I have a podcast interview with her. In our talk, she shares her journey from building her own brand to switching to a freelance career. (Plus, get tips on how Sofia found clients and gained confidence to have a sustainable income as a fashion freelancer!)
For more stories on how to work as a freelance pattern maker, here are other interviews from my Fashion Designers Get Paid Podcast:
🎧 Alexandra Agreda, a FAST grad and freelance pattern maker who started in the industry without a fashion degree but is now working as a pattern maker (and making more in one day as a freelancer than she made in two weeks at her old full-time job!).
🎧 And there’s also David Russon who works for both established and startup indie brands as a freelance pattern maker and sample maker – all while staying at the comfort of his home in a rural town.
How Much Money Does a Freelance Pattern Maker Earn?
According to Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter, pattern makers working in house can make around $63,735 to $72,259 a year – between $30.54 to $34.62 hourly. (If you’re curious about salary ranges in fashion, peek at my article about which fashion industry jobs pay well).
As a freelancer though, you can make even more.
🎧 Alexandra, a freelance digital pattern maker, made so much money last year, she took TWO WHOLE MONTHS OFF to travel.
🎧 Freelance pattern maker and product development specialist Alison Hoenes now makes 75% more than her previous full time salary.
🎧 Ellie, a 3D designer and pattern maker who’s charging $125 an hour (yep!).
If you already have pattern making skills and want to start freelancing, the best place to start is with my guide to becoming a freelance fashion designer (it’s free!).
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