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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fashion Drafter

💰 $65,000 - $90,000

FashionTechnical DesignApparelPatternmaking

🎯 Role Definition

Are you the technical architect behind beautiful clothing? As our new Fashion Drafter, you will be the cornerstone of our product development team, transforming visionary sketches into tangible, perfectly fitting garments. You'll leverage your expertise in patternmaking, grading, and garment construction to create the essential blueprints that guide our manufacturing partners. This is a hands-on role for a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and has a passion for creating high-quality apparel from the inside out. If you are meticulous, technically proficient, and love seeing a design come to life, we want to connect with you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Assistant Patternmaker / Junior Drafter
  • Sample Cutter or Sewer
  • Technical Design Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Fashion Drafter / Senior Patternmaker
  • Technical Design Manager
  • Head of Patternmaking / Pattern Room Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Technical Designer
  • Product Developer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop highly accurate first patterns from designer sketches, technical packs, draped mock-ups, or reference garments for a diverse range of apparel categories.
  • Create and manage comprehensive technical specification packages (tech packs), including detailed construction diagrams, bills of materials (BOM), and finished garment measurements.
  • Lead and actively participate in fit sessions on live models or dress forms, providing expert analysis and actionable recommendations for fit, balance, and construction improvements.
  • Execute pattern corrections, revisions, and updates based on feedback from fittings, ensuring all changes are meticulously documented in the tech pack and digital pattern files.
  • Digitize manual patterns and expertly manipulate, correct, and grade existing digital patterns using industry-standard CAD software like Gerber Accumark or Lectra Modaris.
  • Create, maintain, and evolve a comprehensive library of core block patterns to ensure brand consistency in fit and to accelerate the development of new styles.
  • Collaborate intimately with the design team to preserve the integrity of the original design intent while engineering patterns that are efficient for bulk production.
  • Establish and enforce consistent grade rules and sizing standards across all product lines to guarantee a uniform and predictable fit for our target customer.
  • Conduct thorough pre-production (PP) sample reviews to issue final approval on fit, construction, quality, and measurements before authorizing bulk production.
  • Manage the pattern development lifecycle and workflow to meet critical calendar deadlines for sampling, fittings, and production hand-offs.
  • Develop 3D virtual prototypes using software like CLO3D or Browzwear to visualize designs, conduct virtual fittings, and reduce reliance on physical samples.
  • Evaluate all incoming garment samples (proto, fit, size set, PP, TOP) for quality, workmanship, and adherence to technical specifications, providing clear and concise feedback.
  • Work directly with the production and sourcing teams to troubleshoot and resolve any pattern-related or construction issues that emerge during the manufacturing process.
  • Create initial consumption markers for costing purposes, providing the business with accurate fabric yield estimates to support margin and pricing decisions.
  • Maintain a highly organized digital and physical archive of all patterns, tech packs, grading information, and fit comments for future reference and style continuity.

Secondary Functions

  • Research and implement innovative patternmaking techniques, construction methods, and software technologies to drive efficiency and elevate product quality.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior patternmakers, technical assistants, and interns within the product development team.
  • Communicate daily with overseas and domestic factories regarding pattern inquiries, construction clarifications, and fit issues, utilizing diagrams and photos for clarity.
  • Assess and measure Top of Production (TOP) samples against approved standards to ensure the quality and consistency of the final bulk production run.
  • Collaborate with the material sourcing team to test and approve new fabrics, ensuring their properties are suitable for the intended design and construction.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to fit analytics and sizing.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by ensuring pattern and spec data is clean and structured.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for better product lifecycle management.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team if integrated with tech systems.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CAD Patternmaking: High proficiency in 2D patternmaking software such as Gerber Accumark, Lectra Modaris, or Optitex.
  • 3D Virtual Prototyping: Expertise in 3D design and fitting software, particularly CLO3D or Browzwear.
  • Technical Specification Creation: Mastery of creating detailed and accurate tech packs using PLM software, Excel, or Adobe Illustrator.
  • Pattern Grading: Strong knowledge of developing and applying complex grade rules for a wide range of sizes and body types.
  • Garment Construction & Sewing: Deep understanding of sewing techniques, machinery, and how construction methods impact fit and quality.
  • Draping: Skilled in the art of draping fabric on a form to create patterns for complex or fluid designs.
  • Fabric Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of various fabric types, their properties (stretch, shrinkage, drape), and appropriate handling.
  • Digital Pattern Management: Experience with digitizing, plotting, and managing digital pattern files.
  • Microsoft Office & Adobe Suite: Proficiency in Excel for spec sheets and Adobe Illustrator for technical sketches.
  • Fit Analysis: Expert ability to identify fit issues and articulate clear, actionable solutions.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for precision and accuracy in measurements, patterns, and documentation.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose complex fit and construction issues and engineer effective solutions.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with designers, merchants, and factory partners.
  • Team Collaboration: A proven ability to work effectively and constructively within a cross-functional team.
  • Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing design visions and overcome production challenges.
  • Proactive Mindset: A self-starting attitude with the initiative to improve processes and product outcomes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science/Arts in Fashion Design, Patternmaking Technology, or Apparel Manufacturing.
  • Specialized certifications in CAD patternmaking (Gerber, Lectra) or 3D design (CLO3D).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Fashion Design
  • Apparel and Textile Manufacturing
  • Technical Design
  • Patternmaking Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-8 years of hands-on experience in a patternmaking or technical design role within the apparel industry.

Preferred:

  • Experience working with a variety of product categories (e.g., wovens, knits, outerwear, denim).
  • Demonstrable experience using 3D virtual prototyping tools in the development process.
  • Experience communicating directly with both domestic and international factories.
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