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Pattern cutter

Pattern cutters create templates based on designer drawings, and cut and shape fabrics to make clothing and costume samples.

Annual Salary

£22,000 to £35,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

36 to 40 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends; occasionally

4.8%
Future employment

There will be 4.8% fewer Pattern cutter jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

As a pattern cutter, you would:

  • create pattern templates or 'blocks' based on a designer's instructions
  • modify or adapt existing patterns held in a company's pattern library
  • model and pin fabric pieces to a dummy to get the right shape and fit
  • cut materials by hand or use computerised cutting equipment
  • work with machinists to make up product samples for production trials
  • create final prototypes by hand or using computer-aided design software
  • record technical data, like measurements, cutting marks and lines

You could work on all types of products, from everyday clothing, sportwear and medical supplies to costumes used in TV, theatre and film.

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio, in a factory or in a workshop.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in fashion design or garment technology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College

You could do a college course, which may help you to find a trainee position with a manufacturer or fashion design studio. For example:

  • fashion - pattern cutting
  • fashion design
  • fashion and textiles

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do an apprenticeship to learn the skills needed to become a pattern cutter.

For example:

  • Material Cutter Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Fashion and Textiles Pattern Cutter Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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 by training on the job.

More information

Career tips

To get onto courses and find jobs, you'll usually need a portfolio of your work to show off your skills and creative ideas.

Further information

You can get more information about a career as a pattern cutter from UK Fashion and Textiles (UKFT) and Get Into Theatre.

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With experience, you could become head pattern cutter or senior grader.

You might also use your skills to move into:fashion design; costume design; dressmaking and tailoring; fashion buying

You could set up your own business and work freelance on contracts.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • the ability to work on your own
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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