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Apparel Pattern Maker Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Apparel Pattern Maker information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$5

$16

$17

How much do apparel pattern maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for apparel pattern maker in Philadelphia, PA is $16.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apparel pattern maker?

Apparel Pattern Makers are professionals who create templates or patterns used to cut fabric for clothing production. They interpret designers' sketches and measurements to develop precise patterns that ensure garments fit correctly and meet design specifications. Pattern makers may work by hand or use computer-aided design (CAD) software to draft and modify patterns. Their work is crucial in the apparel manufacturing process, as accurate patterns are essential for both quality and efficiency. They often collaborate closely with fashion designers, sample makers, and production teams.

What does an apparel pattern maker do?

An apparel pattern maker works to create working designs for clothing samples and production based on the ideas, specs, drawings, and blueprints of a fashion designer. Your duties in this career involve working to adjust the original plan and measure the garment pattern so that the resulting clothing product has the proper fit. Your responsibilities as an apparel pattern maker usually involve using information from the designers to develop the blueprint into a production-ready design. Your pattern may have information about the grade or sizing and other details for production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apparel pattern maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apparel Pattern Maker, you need strong skills in garment construction, pattern drafting, and a solid understanding of textiles, typically supported by a degree or certification in fashion design or pattern making. Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software like Gerber or Lectra and experience with digitizing tables are highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help ensure designs are accurate and production-ready. These skills are crucial for creating precise patterns that maintain design integrity and enable efficient manufacturing.

How does an apparel pattern maker typically collaborate with designers and production teams during the garment development process?

As an Apparel Pattern Maker, you will work closely with fashion designers to interpret sketches and translate creative ideas into precise, production-ready patterns. You'll also collaborate with technical designers and production teams to ensure that patterns meet fit, construction, and manufacturing requirements, often participating in fittings and making necessary adjustments. This collaborative environment requires strong communication skills and the ability to respond to feedback quickly, ensuring the final product aligns with both design intent and production capabilities.

What is the difference between Apparel Pattern Maker vs Fashion Designer?

AspectApparel Pattern MakerFashion Designer
Primary RoleCreates patterns and prototypes for garments based on design specificationsConceptualizes and designs new clothing collections and styles
Skills & CertificationsPattern drafting, sewing, CAD software, fashion design knowledgeDesign skills, fashion illustration, trend analysis, CAD proficiency
Work EnvironmentPattern labs, manufacturing facilities, design studiosDesign studios, fashion houses, freelance or corporate settings
Industry UsageUsed in apparel manufacturing and productionUsed in fashion design, branding, and collection development

While both roles are essential in apparel creation, the Apparel Pattern Maker focuses on translating designs into technical patterns for production, whereas the Fashion Designer develops the creative concepts and styles. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the fashion industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Pattern Maker jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Apparel Pattern Maker jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Apparel Pattern Maker jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Apparel Pattern Maker jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apparel Pattern Maker jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Apparel Pattern Maker jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

Infographic showing various Apparel Pattern Maker job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,318 per year, or $17 per hour.

Free People Creative Technical Assistant Designer

Philadelphia, PA


Urban Outfitters, Inc.

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 104 rated fashion retailers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Free People is looking for an an experienced sewer to join the team as a Creative Technical Assistant Designer and to help sewing and patterning jacket and pant samples. This role will work closely with the Creative Technical Director to pattern and sew samples for Design presentations and bulk prototyping.


  • Work closely with Creative Technical Director, designers, and technical designer to create apparel samples on a monthly basis
  • Compare pattern to cut apparel samples to ensure they match, ensuring the prototype is consistent in size, measurement, and feel
  • Sew the sample garment accurately using proper machinery and tools. Discuss any sewing problems with the pattern maker and troubleshoot as team for root cause analyses and corrections
  • Add finishing touches and trims to sample garments (press, steam, sew labels, buttons, etc.) accurately as indicated on the pattern card and tech pack by the required deadline
  • Discuss sewing techniques with pattern maker if no sew by sample is provided
  • Special projects as assigned

  • Minimum 5 years of professional sewing experience with wovens
  • Ability to quickly sew and produce a sample from a paper pattern
  • Knowledge of Pattern making and sewing construction
  • High level of workmanship, attention to detail, with a sense of urgency and sensitive to deadlines
  • Strong communication skills to liaise with manager and designers
  • Knowledge of sewing different fabrics and weights; primarily wovens fabrics, variety of materials, focus on tailoring for jackets, outwear, and bottoms
  • Extensive experience in effectively and safely operating the following sewing machinery with limited supervision, including but not limited to the following sewing machines: single needle, double needle, 4-thread and 5-thread overlock, coverstitch, flatlock, buttonhole, keyhole and bartack machines, etc. 
  • CLO 3D experience a plus

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits 


URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.


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