What is the job of a pattern maker: all you need to know
On 9 January it was announced that Maestros de la costura Celebrity, the sewing and fashion programme broadcast by La 1, which has already been running for six editions, will be premiering. For the next edition, which has not yet premiered, they are proposing a radical change: the contestants will be artists, presenters, film directors or celebrities from the Spanish scene. Contestants such as Mónica Cruz, Eduardo Casanova, Rosa López and Pilar Rubio will have to demonstrate their knowledge of the fashion world and be assessed by three leading figures in the fashion industry, Lorenzo Caprile, María Escoté and Palomo Spain.
Did you know that Palomo Spain inaugurated About Fashion, the event that attracts professionals from the fashion, beauty and luxury communication sector to UDIT?
This talent show consists of contestants developing a piece or garment from scratch, competing against each other. During this process, one of the fundamental phases in fashion design is pattern making. Do you know what pattern making is and what the job of a pattern maker is?
Pattern making is a fundamental process in the world of fashion and clothing. It refers to the technique and art of creating patterns, which are templates that allow you to cut the pieces of fabric from which a garment will be made. These patterns act as a guide for assembling the different parts of a garment, ensuring that the original design is translated into a final piece that fits the human body correctly.
Do you want toknow more about patterns and what types exist?
The professional who transforms that design through patterns into a three-dimensional structure is the pattern maker. In other words, he or she converts an idea or sketch into a technical template that will later be used to cut the fabrics and assemble the garment. His work is a combination of technical precision and creativity, as he must correctly interpret the design proposals and translate them into viable patterns for production.
We could say then that he is the bridge between the designer and the garment maker. His or her work guarantees that a garment has a good fit, comfort and aesthetics, ensuring that each piece fits perfectly in mass production or made-to-measure.
6 main functions of a pattern maker
1. Design interpretation
Working closely with designers to understand the features and details of the garment.
2. Creation of the basic pattern
Creates the initial pattern on paper or digitally, ensuring that the proportions and measurements are correct.
3. Adjustments and modifications
Conducts trials on prototypes and adjusts the pattern as necessary to ensure proper fit.
4.Size grading
Modifies the base pattern to fit different sizes, maintaining consistency of design and fit.
5.Production supervision
Ensures that patterns are used correctly at the cutting and sewing stage.
6.Innovation and optimisation
Constantly improves patterns to optimise the use of materials and reduce waste.
What tools and techniques does a pattern maker use?
The pattern maker uses different tools for pattern making. Traditionally, paper, rulers, scissors and scalimeters are used. However, with the evolution of technology, specialised software has been implemented such as:
Gerber AccuMark
A pattern design software that allows the digital creation and modification of garment patterns.
Lectra Modaris
Widely used in the industry, it allows the development and adjustment of patterns with great precision.
Optitex
Facilitates 3D simulation, allowing you to visualise the fit of the garment before it is made.
How to become a pattern maker?
To become a pattern maker, it is necessary to be trained in fashion design, pattern making and tailoring. UDIT, University of Design, Innovation and Technology, is the leading university in fashion training. For more than 15 years we have been training professionals in Fashion Design who are now working in the main companies in the sector.
Our classrooms have trained personalities of the stature of Paloma Suárez, founder of the Paloma Suárez brand and considered one of the young talents of Spanish fashion, Lucía de Miguel, founder of the Lucía de Miguel Design brand of wedding dresses or Verónica García Bolós, founder and director of the Kika Fidalgo brand, among others.
In our Official Degree in Fashion Design you will work on all the areas that make up Fashion, such as design, cutting, tailoring, pattern making, styling, fabrics and photography.
You will learn at the Design and Creative Industries Campus, where there are classrooms, equipment and specialised technology that will allow you to develop all your projects.
You will live unique experiences participating in events and fashion shows such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (MBFW), Allianz EGO or MOMAD, among others. In fact, we are the only university that has its own fashion show, created by students, at the most important fashion event in the country, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid.
https://youtu.be/DRD4Fo83kZQ?si=oR3hlljKI_ux52nrhttps://youtu.be/-RQbytDSUt8?si=cGzVOhpb66irH5wT
Our students participate in national and international competitions, such as Amara Caruncho, winner of the Allianz EGO 2023 Award, or events that enrich their experience, for example Carla García Faya, Mary Carmen Mata and Laura Martín García, who exhibited three designs from the "Algún Lugar en el Tiempo" collection at the Hotel Thompson Madrid , or Sofía Labrador, who designed a personalised jacket for the Delegada de Cultura, Turismo y Deporte del Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Marta Rivera de la Cruz.
If you are passionate about fashion and have an interest in technique and innovation, the patternmaking path may be ideal for you. With a degree in Fashion Design you will have a high quality education, networking opportunities and the gateway to the global fashion industry. Find out more and let yourself be carried away by the art of patternmaking!
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