Pattern cutter apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this rolespecialist and short courses
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in fashion or garment technology. You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could do a college course, for example:
- Level 2 Award in Fashion - Pattern Cutting
- Level 2 Diploma in Fashion
- Level 3 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You can do a material cutter Level 2 apprenticeship, or fashion and textiles pattern cutter Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 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.
Other Routes
You can do short courses in pattern cutting through university fashion departments, colleges and adult education centres. To get onto courses and find jobs, you'll need a portfolio of your work to show off your skills and creative ideas.
Pattern cutter apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to work well with your hands
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Pattern cutter apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- follow the designer's notes and instructions
- drape and pin material pieces onto a dummy to get the right fit, then cut out a pattern based on the pieces
- alter and shape flat, standard pattern 'blocks' into a style
- modify non-standard pattern 'bases' taken from the company's pattern library
- work with machinists to make up product samples
- use computer-aided design programs to make up patterns
- use traditional hand-drawing methods
- check quality
- work with designers and garment technologists to produce a final pattern ready for production
Working environment
You could work in a workshop, in a factory or in a creative studio.
Career path and progression - Pattern cutter apprenticeships
You could become head pattern cutter or grader or, with further training, move into fashion design or buying.