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Apprentice Garment Pattern Making Jobs in Novato, CA

Senior Technical Designer, Young Adult

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $128K/yr

Comprehensive understanding of pattern making, garment construction, and grading. * Software Proficiency in pattern making software, Excel, Google Sheets preferred. * Attention to Detail: Exceptional ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Apprentice Garment Pattern Making information

See Novato, CA salary details

$14

$26

$42

How much do apprentice garment pattern making jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice garment pattern making in Novato, CA is $26.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $29.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Apprentice Garment Pattern Making jobs? Cities near Novato, CA with the most Apprentice Garment Pattern Making job openings:
Senior Technical Designer, Men's Apparel

Senior Technical Designer, Men's Apparel

Quince

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

THE ROLE

Sr. Technical Designer, Men's Apparel

Success in this role means turning fit into a true competitive advantage for Quince, directly impacting customer satisfaction, reducing returns, and driving repeat purchases. You will evaluate and evolve fit standards and processes, ensuring consistency and accuracy across our most important products.

This role partners closely with global teams, both internal and external, to develop fit blocks, assess samples, recommend revisions, and move products through Pre-Production approval. You will work cross-functionally with merchandising, sourcing, product development, and production to ensure fit and quality are embedded at every stage.

The goal is simple: deliver best-in-class fit, improve customer experience, and enable faster, more scalable product development as we grow.

Responsibilities

  • Build fit blocks for key styles that can be utilized as a starting point for future garment development.
  • Manage the fit process from 1st Proto to Bulk production.
  • Develop, maintain, and update technical spec pages for all styles, ensuring accuracy and consistency by category.
  • Spec garments, conduct fit sessions, and create detailed fit comments for vendors and factories.
  • Collaborate with technical design teams internationally to build fit processes that can be consistently maintained by teammates abroad.  
  • Work directly with merchandising teams to maintain quality and consistency across all products while incorporating feedback based on customer and sales data.
  • Evaluate paper and digital patterns and make revisions and recommendations to perfect the fit appeal of our garments.  
  • Sketch detailed flats and leverage Google Sheets and Excel for communication with internal teams and external teammates.
  • Ensure all garments align with company standards for fit, construction, and quality.
  • Troubleshoot and provide solutions for pattern and construction issues as needed.

Qualifications

Required: 

  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 8+ years as a technical designer with deep category expertise
  • Comprehensive understanding of pattern making, garment construction, and grading.
  • Software Proficiency in pattern making software, Excel, Google Sheets preferred.
  • Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy in creating and reviewing technical specifications.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Creative and resourceful in addressing technical challenges.

Physical Requirements:

  • Lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Standing and walking throughout the entirety of your shift
  • Ability to go up and down stairs, use of ladders throughout the day as needed
  • Bending, twisting, or kneeling may be required throughout the day for lifting or maneuvering objects
  • May be asked to work outside or travel to shoots off-site as needed

*This role works onsite 5 days per week in our San Francisco office. We cannot support remote or Hybrid schedules.