Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
U.S. Workers
2,860
Median Salary
$67,670
10-Year Growth
-10.2%
Annual Openings
300
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
16 of 16 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
AI: Fully automatable - Parametric CAD and ML-driven pattern-generation tools can produce complete master patterns across size ranges, enabling full automation.
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
AI: Fully automatable - Data extraction and entry into pattern systems is straightforward and can be fully automated with OCR, integrations, and scripts.
Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments.
AI: Fully automatable - Annotation of pattern parts is rule-based and can be fully automated by CAD/AI tools.
Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
AI: Fully automatable - Computing graded dimensions with fabric stretch characteristics is a deterministic calculation that AI and software can fully perform.
Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
AI: Fully automatable - Labeling and marking samples and patterns is routine and can be fully automated with software-driven printers, plotters, and workflow systems.
Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
AI: Fully automatable - Pattern-drafting software and AI-assisted drafting can generate production-ready paper patterns from design parameters for mass production.
Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product.
AI: Fully automatable - Computer vision plus CAD tools can examine sketches and samples, compute part shapes/sizes, and accurately estimate required fabric quantities.
Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.
AI: Fully automatable - Nesting and layout optimization algorithms are mature and can determine waste-minimizing layouts and drive marking/cutting machinery automatically.
Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly.
AI: Fully automatable - AI can generate detailed sewing and assembly specifications and tech packs from patterns and standard assembly knowledge.
Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.
AI: Fully automatable - Plotter/cutter systems controlled by CAD can trace and cut cardboard templates automatically, replacing manual tracing and cutting.
Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric using scissors.
AI: Fully automatable - Automated fabric-cutting machines guided by digital patterns can trace and cut fabric reliably for many garment types.
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
AI: Partial - AI can analyze fit data and propose adjustments from 3D scans, but human judgment and hands-on tweaking are often still needed, so only partial automation is achievable.
Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
AI: Partial - AI can reliably adapt or copy existing patterns, but drafting novel, production-ready outlines often requires human creative and domain judgment, so capability is partial.
Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
AI: Partial - AI can simulate fit and guide sample creation, but the physical sewing of samples and subjective in-person fitting assessments still require humans, limiting automation to partial.
Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
AI: Partial - AI and CAD/CAM systems can position and digitally print or drive industrial cutters, but manual scissors/knife cutting and fine sample adjustments still often require human hands.
Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.
AI: Partial - AI can interpret models and produce pattern parts in CAD, but nuanced design discussions, iterations, and final judgment calls typically still need human collaboration.