Pattern production

Career paths in the area of pattern production include patternmaker, pattern grader, and marker maker.

Marker makers and pattern graders share common characteristics: a superior level of accuracy, an understanding of how textiles perform, and an ability to adjust to increasing technological advances in pattern production. Pattern development, fit, and production require sharp focus and strong attention to detail.

If a single pattern piece is one-quarter of an inch too large, the garment will not likely flow through the production process. If by chance it does, the consumer will not purchase a product that does not fit correctly or look attractive.

Pattern grader

A pattern that has been graded into a size range using CAD software.

Qualifications

Education

Experience

Personal characteristics

Marker maker

A marker is the layout of pattern pieces on the fabrication from which the pieces will be cut.

There are two main purposes of a marker:

1. a good marker minimizes fabric waste, and
2. it generates an accurate end design.

Fabric prints and patterns, textures and naps, and sheens and matte finishes must be taken into consideration when creating a marker. Think, for example, about a corduroy jacket. If the fabric in the back of the jacket is cut in a different direction from the front, the front and the back will appear to be two different colors. Marker makers manipulate and trace the pattern pieces, by hand or by computer, into the tightest possible layout, while keeping the integrity of the design in mind. In some cases, a marker is generated in hard copy, or print; in other cases, it is computer-generated and stored in the computer.

Qualifications

The qualifications required for a marker maker are as follows:

Education

A bachelor’s degree in fashion design, apparel production, or a related field is a minimum requirement.

Experience

Effective skills in patternmaking, drafting, and product construction are necessary. Experience with marker-making technology is often required.

Personal characteristics

Like pattern graders, marker makers must have strong attention to detail, the ability to work independently and under tight deadlines, and strong quantitative skills. Additionally, marker makers must have the ability to “see” the product in its final form when determining pattern piece layout.

Once the marker is developed, it is ready to be placed on the fabric as preparation for cutting the pattern pieces. In the next step, we learn about the role of the spreader and cutter.