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Apprentice Garment Pattern Making Jobs in California

Skip

Soft Goods Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$137K/yr

Strong pattern making and garment construction fundamentals - you can read and mark up a pattern, not just a mood board * Experience writing tech packs and managing factory relationships through ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Fremont, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Hayward, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Alameda, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Studio management To be successful in this role you will need to possess an advanced knowledge of garment or accessories construction, pattern making and sewing. You'll also need to be highly ...

FIGS

Senior Technical Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Expert knowledge of fit, pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, and technical drawing * Exceptional eye to identify fit issues and recommend fit solutions for men's and women ...

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Apprentice Garment Pattern Making information

What are the typical daily tasks and collaborative processes for an Apprentice Garment Pattern Maker?

As an Apprentice Garment Pattern Maker, your day-to-day responsibilities often include assisting with creating, adjusting, and grading garment patterns, as well as interpreting design sketches. You’ll work closely with senior pattern makers, designers, and sample machinists to ensure patterns are accurate and production-ready. Collaboration is key, as you'll attend fittings and team meetings to discuss modifications and address any technical challenges. This hands-on experience helps build your technical skills and understanding of garment construction, while also providing opportunities to learn from industry professionals.

What is the difference between Apprentice Garment Pattern Making vs Pattern Maker?

AspectApprentice Garment Pattern MakingPattern Maker
CredentialsBasic sewing or fashion design courses, on-the-job trainingAdvanced technical skills, often with formal education or certifications
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised tasks in fashion or apparel companiesProfessional studio or manufacturing setting, independent work
Industry UsageEntry-level role in fashion and apparel industrySpecialized role focused on creating detailed patterns for production

In summary, an Apprentice Garment Pattern Making is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting in pattern creation, while a Pattern Maker is a more experienced professional responsible for designing precise patterns for manufacturing. The apprentice role emphasizes training, whereas the pattern maker role involves independent technical work.

Is pattern making a good career?

Pattern making is a skilled profession within the fashion and apparel industry, involving creating templates for garments. It offers opportunities in fashion design, production, and tailoring, often requiring knowledge of sewing, drafting, and computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Career prospects depend on industry demand, experience, and specialization, with potential for growth into senior or technical roles.

How much do pattern makers get paid?

Pattern makers in the garment industry typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level pattern makers may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals with advanced skills can earn higher salaries or hourly rates. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, especially in full-time positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Garment Pattern Maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Garment Pattern Maker, you need a basic understanding of garment construction, measurement techniques, and fabric properties, often supported by a certificate or coursework in fashion design or pattern making. Familiarity with pattern drafting tools, CAD software like Gerber or Lectra, and sewing machines is commonly required. Attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and strong communication skills help apprentices interpret design briefs and collaborate effectively with the team. These skills ensure accurate pattern development, efficient production processes, and successful garment outcomes.

How much do pattern cutters get paid?

Pattern cutters' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer, but they typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually. Apprentice garment pattern makers usually start at lower wages and can increase as they gain skills and experience in pattern drafting and garment construction.

What is the highest paid trade apprenticeship?

In trade apprenticeships, roles such as elevator installers and repairers, power plant operators, and electricians tend to have the highest wages. These apprenticeships often require specialized skills, certifications, and can lead to high-paying careers upon completion. Typically, wages increase significantly with experience and additional certifications.

What are apprentice garment pattern makers?

Apprentice garment pattern makers are individuals who are learning how to create templates or patterns that are used to cut fabric for clothing production. They work under the supervision of experienced pattern makers to understand the technical aspects of garment construction, including measurements, fabric types, and design specifications. Apprentices typically assist with drafting patterns, making adjustments, and preparing samples, gaining hands-on experience in both manual and digital pattern making processes. This role is often the first step toward becoming a skilled pattern maker in the fashion industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Garment Pattern Making jobs in California? The most popular types of Garment Pattern Making jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Garment Pattern Making jobs in California? For Apprentice Garment Pattern Making jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Garment Pattern Making jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Garment Pattern Making jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Garment Pattern Making jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Garment Pattern Making job openings:
Apprentice Garment Pattern Making jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Garment Pattern Making job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Soft Goods Designer

Soft Goods Designer

Skip

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$137K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US:
Skip is on a mission to make life joyful through powered movement.
Movement is a powerful way to build physical, mental and social health. Yet it is elusive for 2 billion people due to age, injury, or disability. We are building productsthat will restore mobility for millions and enable a new frontier of joyful movement experiences. We want to build a future where a grandparent can easily outrun their grandkids and no one is left behind at the trailhead.
Skip is a 22-person early-stage start-up that spun out of Google X in 2023. With deep cross-disciplinary expertise and key partnerships (e.g. with Arc'teryx) we are uniquely positioned to launch the first commercially successful wearable robotic device, the MO/GO, develop a platform to launch future Movewear products and transform millions of lives in the coming years.
THE ROLE:
We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable soft goods designer who is excited to solve problems that have never existed before - because the product category hasn't existed before.
You will own the design and development of the garments that integrate with the MO/GO, starting with a technical pant built to work with our wearable robotic device. This isn't a fashion brief. It's a functional systems design challenge: the garment is part of the product. You'll work hand-in-hand with our mechanical and human factors engineers to make sure fabric, fit, and device work as one.
Some of the specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead the design and technical development of the MO/GO integration pant from concept through production - pattern making, material selection, fit iteration, and factory handoff
  • Define the functional requirements of the garment in close collaboration with our mechanical, firmware, and human factors teams - attachment points, range of motion, load paths, and sensor placement all live in your brief
  • Select and qualify technical fabrics and materials for performance bottoms: stretch wovens, knits, softshells, and any novel material that earns its place on the body
  • Build and iterate physical prototypes rapidly; run fit sessions with internal wearers and external test users and translate feedback into pattern and material updates
  • Own the Bill of Materials, tech packs, and construction specs to a standard that factories can execute reliably at scale
  • Establish and manage relationships with fabric mills, trims suppliers, and cut-and-sew factories; understand lead times, MOQs, and what it takes to actually get something made
  • Contribute to the long-term Movewear soft goods platform - define the design language, material standards, and construction principles that future products will build on
  • Collaborate with our Arc'teryx partners and bring that standard of craft and technical rigour to everything you make
  • Wear prototypes on hikes, in the gym, and around the office - your body is a test rig
Basic Qualifications
  • 8+ years' experience in soft goods design and development, with a focus on technical bottoms
  • 5+ years at an outdoor, performance, or technical apparel company - you know what makes a pant work in the field
  • Expert-level knowledge of technical fabrics for lower body: stretch wovens, softshells, knits, and the trims and hardware that go with them
  • Strong pattern making and garment construction fundamentals - you can read and mark up a pattern, not just a mood board
  • Experience writing tech packs and managing factory relationships through production
  • Ability to relocate to work at the Skip Bay Area office
  • Sense of humour, tolerant of Aussie & Canadian spelling
Bonus Points
  • Experience designing garments that integrate with hardware, bracing, or orthotic devices
  • Familiarity with human factors, ergonomics, or biomechanics as they apply to garment design
  • Experience with medical or assistive device adjacent apparel (compression, prosthetics interface, exosuit softgoods)
  • Experience in start-up or early-stage product environments
  • Personal motivation to improve human movement
  • Taylor Swift fan. Good taste in background music :)

This is a full time hybrid position working at the Skip office in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco.
Skip is an equal opportunity employer. Our hiring decisions are based on need and competence to satisfy said need. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected status.
Any and all offers of employment extended by Skip are conditional on candidates' ability to provide satisfactory proof of eligibility to maintain full-time employment in the United States.

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