Comments on: On becoming a pattern maker

By: On becoming a CAD pattern maker

On becoming a CAD pattern maker — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:42:30 +0000

[...] could be considered part two of On becoming a pattern maker. The difference is that the first entry focused on how to go about getting training while [...]

By: Nathaly

Nathaly — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:39:04 +0000

Dear Kathleen, thank you so much for referring me to your blog. I actually decided to study Fashion Design because I grew up watching my grandmother sew…she was “my 1st teacher”. I agree with your advise on being a line sewer. At the internship I’m at now, I made friends with the seamstress, so she always lets me watch and sometimes help her. I did went to a 4 year college, but I’m always asking the seamstress all kind of questions because I’m eager to learn more and more…there’s always something new I can learn from her. I’m very hands on and that is why I’m trying hard to pursue a career in pattern making. I’d rather do that than just design; it is a job that I enjoy doing. I will definitely look into sewing jobs too. Thank you!

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:50:24 +0000

The problem with listing programs is criteria because there are private, unaccredited and many nationally accredited programs that are problematic but the alums think they are great -not having another point of comparison. Frankly, it’s a heady mine field I don’t dare contemplate…

By: Lisa Brazus

Lisa Brazus — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:02:43 +0000

I am wondering if the different programs could be listed and complied for their offerings. May take tons of research but it would be interesting to know how many programs are still being offerred in the US.

By: Donna

Donna — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:51:38 +0000

My first introduction to pattern drafting was in the 60′s at a community college night class. The instructor had a long career in the industry. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the experience. Later after retiring from teaching I wanted pick up where I had left off so I enrolled in a fashion design program at another community college. I decided I would get the most out of the program if I took all the classes even though I didn’t plan on starting another career. Again the experience was invaluable for my own knowledge of sewing.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:58:14 +0000

Rhonda,
Oregon State University in Corvallis offers flat pattern courses. Good luck!
MM

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:38:59 +0000

I’ve been looking for schools teaching pattern making as well. In regard to Million’s post – I think I saw three schools in Vancouver Canada. Unfortunatly here in Oregon I have only found one college and it doesn’t spacifically state that it includes the pattern classes, just fashion design at this particular location. I have over 20 years of production sewing experience. I started by taking every textile, sewing, serger , class I could at Anchorage Community College – back in the late 1980′s. I have been production supervisor two years for a company who did boat cushions, seats, tops. But my love is design and more apparrel, bags, pillows and table linens. LOL Any community colleges anyone knows of giving pattern design classes in Oregon, Washington, Idaho or CA? Might consider AZ, NM, NV, MT, or there about states as well. LOL

By: Million

Million — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:58:30 +0000

I wish I knew of somewhere in the Vancouver, Canada area where I could apply for a job like this.

I think on-the-job training is great. All of my training for casino games as a dealer, which is also very technical, was on the job. We didn’t learn everything on a live game, but when we did take a course it was with seniors in our own workplace who taught us exactly the way they wanted us to do it, not some random course in a separate school which may or may not have interested the employer. Even within that context, the teachers had a big impact on whether we thrived or not as students, and it was often possible to tell which class a person had come from by the way they worked later on.

By: vaso

vaso — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:36:40 +0000

Really appreciate this blog. I am sincerely interested in becoming a patternmaker. I graduated with a BA, fashion design and it was in school that I realized that the technical: pattern, drape, fitting, flats are what suits me. I have been working in the industry for about six years: assistant designer, retail, merchandiser, graphic artist, design assistant. I would like to dedicate my efforts to patternmaking; I am having a difficult time. I live in a smaller city in the mid-west and am very free and very willing to move for work, but am wary of moving without work. A few times, I feel my location has held me back. Anytime I have applied for (entry-level) technical design, patternmaking assistant work I have been unsuccessful. I have considered going back to school in order to sharpen skills, but believe my foundation to be solid, would like the opportunity to build. I will attempt to find line sewing, cutter positions. Please advise… Thank you!

By: sandy

sandy — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:36:06 +0000

what a wonderful blog. there are some great insights here. unfortunately, i just found this and many comment are over a year old. i am a pattern maker working in los angeles. i have done my time with proenza schouler, narciso rodrigues, guess, arden b, nordstrom and so on… i love pattern making and the attention to details. as was mentioned earlier you learn on the job. i started out as a cutter and sewer and am now working as a head pattern maker. i would really love to hear what some of the masters have to say. any tips on anything would be appreciated. and/or if you are a novice please don’t be hesitant to ask me any questions.