Pattern cutter - working in the industry

PATTERN CUTTER
How would you generally describe the job?
The job is basically the link between the designer and the manufacturing process. You create patterns from 2d drawings, also called working drawings, transforming a designer’s idea into reality. You would have to have knowledge of pattern cutting and stitching, manufacturing processes and textile properties. You need to have good eyesight, and normal colour vision so that you can match threads to fabrics.
What would it involve on a day to day basis?
Daily your job would include drafting out patterns using three different processes; draping, altering and shaping standard pattern blocks, and modifying non-standard pattern bases. You would work closely with the designer to create their designer in the most functional, and economical way.
What kind of salary might you receive?
Starting salaries can be between £11,500 and £18,000 a year.
With experience this can rise to £20,000 or more.
What would the working hours be?
You would work around 38 hours a week, Monday to friday, which is roughly the same as a full time job, but may sometimes need to do extra hours, for example to make sure collections are produced on time.
What is the next step up on the career ladder?
Starting as a pattern cutter with experience and with opportunity, you can go into any feild, pattern cutting is a very good skill to acquire and basically gives you knowledge to progress into any area. You would probably still work with patterns, maybe a pattern developer, garment technologist, patter grader or maybe even go into design.
What are the good things about this job?
You can see a picture transform into a garment, so there is a feeling of satisfaction, once you start the job, it becomes a lot easier and you can take on harder more challenging things.
What are the bad things about this job?
Very stressful, and technical, and can sometimes be quite repetitive. You can have no creative input of your own.
What kind of people would this person work alongside?
You would work closely with other staff such as designers, pattern graders, and buyers.