Patternmaker | Career Planet

OFO No: 652204

Other names for Patternmaker:

Engineering Patternmaker
Foundry Patternmaker
Metal Foundry Template Maker
Metal Profile Cutter

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Fabric Pattern Maker

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Patternmaker?

A Patternmaker is a skilled artisan who designs and makes patterns or templates.

They are often found in the clothing and fashion industries.

They could also work in the following industries:

Building (working with carpenters etc)
Car
Machinery

Pattern makers work off designers’ blueprints (plans). They measure out exactly the life-size patterns/templates needed to cut the material that the item is going to made from.

Before cutting, Patternmakers fit pieces together like a puzzle so that they waste as little material as possible.

What does a Patternmaker do?

makes sketches
takes measurements
draws up patterns/templates accurately
creates a line of templates for different sizes (eg clothing)
makes templates

Are you … ?

good at arranging shapes together?
geometrically aware?
good with your hands?
accurate?
observant?
budget conscious?
good at mathematics?
neat?
creative?
organised?

How do I become a Patternmaker?

PATH 1

Apprenticeship
Trade Test

PATH 2

Learnership – Foundry Operations (Wooden Patternmaking) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
Trade Test

PATH 3

Learnership – CNC Production Machining NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
Trade Test

PATH 4

National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N1, N2 and N3
These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges. Check what your colleges offer.
Workplace experience
Trade Test

PATH 5

Artisan Internship
Trade Test

PATH 6

RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
If you have already been working a long time as a Patternmaker without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
Trade Test

CLOTHING

Sometimes Patternmakers are only given a sketch and must actually create the design themselves. Because of this, a Patternmaker needs to have the right qualification.

DUT: Durban University of Technology & CPUT: Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Offer a 3 year Diploma in Fashion Design

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Offers a 3 years, full time National Diploma in Clothing Management

TRAINING:

CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

There are some private institutions that offer Patternmaking courses. You will have to do your own research to find them.

Other kinds of pattern making you can study:

FOUNDRY PATTERN MAKING