PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program is designed to have students demonstrate certain fundamental skills including pattern development, pattern making, and specific pattern pieces and clothing. This program provides comprehensive training in pattern development and specific clothing parts that lead to the final clothing piece. This program is specific to details and organization. This program requires the total 526 clock hours.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Interpret a design and create a pattern for that design using a variety of methodologies.
2. Create patterns that employ standard industry pattern terminology and symbols for garment production.
3. Construct a visual merchandising display with specified criteria.
4. Apply the principles of pattern grading to develop a full-size range for patterns.
5. Identify, analyze, and apply trends in the textile industry

 

Career Opportunities

SOC 51‑6092 – Fabric & Apparel Patternmakers

Occupational Title: Patternmaker (Fabric/Apparel)

Job Duties: Draft master patterns, grade for sizes, test-fit samples, mark and cut fabrics manually or digitally

Related Occupations

Role	SOC Code	Description
Assistant Patternmaker	51‑6092.01	Supports senior patternmakers; drafts and revises patterns under supervision.
Sample Maker / Garment Technician	51‑6093	Constructs prototype garments from patterns for design approval.
CAD Pattern Technician	51‑6092	Digitizes patterns using CAD software like Gerber or Optitex.
Technical Designer (Entry-Level)	17‑2199	Bridges design and production; ensures garment fit and technical accuracy.
Sewing Technician	51‑6093	Assembles garments using industrial machines based on finalized patterns.

CalJOBS Bright Outlook Status:

Fabric & Apparel Patternmakers (51‑6092) is listed as a Bright Outlook occupation in many areas, indicating projected growth and high replacement needs in California.

Closely related roles like CAD Technician, Sample Maker, and Technical Designer benefit from similar skill sets and may also show strong local demand, especially within fashion hubs like Los Angeles.

• Patternmaker (Fabric/Apparel) – SOC 51‑6092
• Assistant Patternmaker
• Sample Maker / Garment Technician
• CAD Pattern Technician
• Entry-level Technical Designer

 

 

Certificate In Pattern Making and Sewing Program Course Curriculum

 

Total 526 clock hours

 

PMS101 Basic Pattern Development (30 hrs.)

PMS111 Children’s Wear (50 hrs.)

PMS112 Pattern Making Principles (30 hrs.)

PMS124 Collars/Skirts/Sleeves/Bodies (90 hrs.)

PMS135 Pattern Making Details (20 hrs.)

PMS147 Dresses/Tops/Pants/Action Wear (164 hrs.)

CGM101 Computer Grading & Marking (12 hrs.)

CGM111 Pattern Grading & Sizing (24 hrs.)

CGM201 Advanced Grading (48  hrs.)

CGM221 Basic Marking (24 hrs.)

CGM222 Advanced Marking (36 hrs.)

Certificate In Pattern Making and Sewing Program Course Description

 

PMS101 Basic Pattern Development (30 hrs.)

This foundational course introduces students to the essential techniques of flat pattern drafting. Emphasis is placed on accurate measurements, use of drafting tools, and the construction of basic bodice, sleeve, and skirt blocks. Students gain hands-on experience in developing standard patterns used in various garment designs.

 

PMS111 Children’s Wear (50 hrs.)

This course explores pattern design specific to children’s clothing, focusing on the unique proportions and movement needs of young wearers. Students learn to draft patterns for tops, bottoms, and one-piece garments suitable for infants to preteens, incorporating comfort, style, and safety considerations.

 

PMS112 Pattern Making Principles (30 hrs.)

Students are introduced to the core principles of pattern design, including dart manipulation, seam placement, and garment shaping. The course emphasizes pattern balance, grain line awareness, and the transition from design concept to practical pattern execution.

 

PMS124 Collars/Skirts/Sleeves/Bodies (90 hrs.)

This intensive course covers detailed drafting and construction of garment components including a wide range of collars, skirts, sleeves, and bodice variations. Students apply their skills to modify and adapt base patterns into fashion-forward, functional designs.

 

PMS135 Pattern Making Details (20 hrs.)

Focused on garment detailing, this course teaches students how to integrate functional and decorative elements into their patterns, such as pleats, tucks, gathers, pockets, and button plackets. Emphasis is placed on precision and creativity.

 

PMS147 Dresses/Tops/Pants/Action Wear (164 hrs.)

This advanced course allows students to apply their pattern making skills to create complete garments, including dresses, tops, pants, and activewear. It emphasizes fit, movement, and style, guiding students through the drafting and construction of both casual and performance-oriented clothing.

 

CGM101 Computer Grading & Marking (12 hrs.)

An introductory course in digital apparel production, this class teaches students the basics of computer-aided grading and marker making. Using industry-standard software, students learn to digitize patterns and prepare them for efficient mass production.

 

CGM111 Pattern Grading & Sizing (24 hrs.)

Students explore the principles of grading, learning how to scale patterns up or down for different sizes while maintaining correct proportions and fit. Emphasis is placed on size specification charts and grade rules for a variety of garment types.

 

CGM201 Advanced Grading (48 hrs.)

This advanced grading course builds on previous training, guiding students through complex multi-size grading techniques for women’s, men’s, and children’s garments. Students learn to develop custom grade rules and apply grading to industry specifications.

 

CGM221 Basic Marking (24 hrs.)

Students learn how to efficiently lay out pattern pieces on fabric for optimal material usage. The course includes instruction on marker making for different fabric widths, styles, and production constraints.

CGM222 Advanced Marking (36 hrs.)

This course expands on basic marker making by incorporating advanced layout strategies for maximizing fabric yield. Students address challenges in stripe and plaid matching, directional prints, and large-scale production environments.