Director of Design
$170K - $180K/yr
Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with ... Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
Director of Design
$170K - $180K/yr
Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with ... Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
Director of Design
$170K - $180K/yr
Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with ... Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
Quick apply
Director of Design
$170K - $180K/yr
Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with ... Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
Director of Design
Culver City, CA · On-site
$170K - $180K/yr
Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with ... Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
Quick apply
Director of Design
Culver City, CA · On-site
$170K - $180K/yr
Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with ... Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
Director of Design
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$170K - $180K/yr
Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with ... Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
Director of Design
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$170K - $180K/yr
Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with ... Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
Senior Designer, Surface & Product Art
Roseville, CA · On-site
$95K - $125K/yr
Freelance designer roster About Iron Orchid Designs Iron Orchid Designs (IOD) is a design-forward ... Assess the quality and resolution of source material, making sure every image is crisp and clear ...
Quick apply
Senior Designer, Surface & Product Art
Roseville, CA · On-site
$95K - $125K/yr
Freelance designer roster About Iron Orchid Designs Iron Orchid Designs (IOD) is a design-forward ... Assess the quality and resolution of source material, making sure every image is crisp and clear ...
Experience managing design team resources, external freelancers, agencies, etc. * Growth design ... Systems thinking with an ability to build reusable patterns and lightweight guidelines that scale.
Experience managing design team resources, external freelancers, agencies, etc. * Growth design ... Systems thinking with an ability to build reusable patterns and lightweight guidelines that scale.
Experience managing design team resources, external freelancers, agencies, etc. * Growth design ... Systems thinking with an ability to build reusable patterns and lightweight guidelines that scale.
Experience managing design team resources, external freelancers, agencies, etc. * Growth design ... Systems thinking with an ability to build reusable patterns and lightweight guidelines that scale.
Experience managing design team resources, external freelancers, agencies, etc. * Growth design ... Systems thinking with an ability to build reusable patterns and lightweight guidelines that scale.
Experience managing design team resources, external freelancers, agencies, etc. * Growth design ... Systems thinking with an ability to build reusable patterns and lightweight guidelines that scale.
Experience managing design team resources, external freelancers, agencies, etc. * Growth design ... Systems thinking with an ability to build reusable patterns and lightweight guidelines that scale.
Experience managing design team resources, external freelancers, agencies, etc. * Growth design ... Systems thinking with an ability to build reusable patterns and lightweight guidelines that scale.
Freelance Pattern Making information
See California salary details
$25.87 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.21 - $26.09
26% of jobs
$26.09 - $36.97
17% of jobs
The median wage is $45.44 / hr.
$36.97 - $47.85
10% of jobs
$47.85 - $58.74
6% of jobs
$58.74 - $69.62
0% of jobs
$69.62 - $80.50
0% of jobs
$88.53 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$80.50 - $91.38
22% of jobs
$91.38 - $102.26
1% of jobs
$102.26 - $113.14
0% of jobs
$113.14 - $124.02
5% of jobs
$124.02 - $134.90
13% of jobs
$15
$65
$134
How much do freelance pattern making jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance pattern making in California is $65.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $90.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Is freelance pattern making a good career?
Freelance pattern making is a viable career for those with strong sewing, drafting, and computer-aided design skills. It offers flexibility and the potential for steady income, especially for experienced professionals working with fashion designers or small brands. Success depends on building a solid portfolio, networking, and maintaining good client relationships.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance pattern maker, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Freelance Pattern Maker, you need a strong understanding of garment construction, textile properties, and drafting techniques, often supported by a degree in fashion design or related field. Proficiency with pattern-making software such as Adobe Illustrator, Gerber, or CLO 3D, as well as knowledge of grading and technical specifications, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help distinguish top freelancers when collaborating with clients and manufacturers. These skills and qualities ensure accurate, high-quality patterns that meet design requirements and production standards in a competitive industry.
What is freelance pattern making?
Freelance pattern making involves creating patterns for garments or textile products on a project-by-project basis, typically working independently for fashion designers, clothing brands, or manufacturers. Pattern makers translate design sketches into detailed templates that guide the cutting and assembly of fabric pieces. As freelancers, they often work remotely, set their own schedules, and may handle multiple clients at once. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of garment construction and fit.
How do I become a freelance pattern maker?
To become a freelance pattern maker, develop strong sewing and drafting skills through training or experience, and learn pattern-making software such as Gerber or Optitex. Building a portfolio of your work and establishing a network within the fashion industry can help attract clients, while setting up a professional workspace and managing your own schedule are essential for freelancing success.
What is the difference between Freelance Pattern Making vs Pattern Cutter?
| Aspect | Freelance Pattern Making | Pattern Cutter |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Knowledge of pattern drafting, sewing, and garment construction | Expertise in pattern alteration and garment fitting |
| Work Environment | Independent, often remote or client-based | Studio or workshop, collaborating with designers and manufacturers |
| Industry Usage | Used by fashion designers, small brands, and freelance professionals | Employed by fashion houses, factories, or as freelancers |
Freelance Pattern Making involves creating initial garment patterns based on design specifications, focusing on drafting and design accuracy. Pattern Cutters typically work on refining and altering these patterns to ensure proper fit and construction. While both roles require pattern knowledge, Freelance Pattern Makers often handle the entire drafting process independently, whereas Pattern Cutters focus on pattern refinement and fitting. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their garment production needs.
What are some common challenges freelance pattern makers face when working with multiple clients, and how can they manage these effectively?
Freelance pattern makers often juggle projects from several clients with varying expectations, deadlines, and communication styles. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication to ensure all specifications are understood, as miscommunication can lead to costly revisions. Effective time management and setting clear boundaries for revisions and delivery timelines are crucial to avoid overlapping deadlines and burnout. Utilizing project management tools and establishing a structured workflow can help streamline processes and keep client projects organized. Regularly updating clients and confirming details throughout the pattern development process also helps build trust and minimize misunderstandings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pattern Making jobs in California? The most popular types of Pattern Making jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Pattern Making jobs in California? For Freelance Pattern Making jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Pattern Making jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Pattern Making jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Pattern Making jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Pattern Making job openings:
Job description
ABOUT THE JOB
The Director of Design is responsible for leading the end-to-end design function, driving commercially viable and innovative product solutions within the travel, luggage, and soft goods categories. This role balances creative leadership with operational, strategic, and business acumen, ensuring design outputs align with company objectives, market opportunities, and financial targets. The role uses trend analysis, competitive intelligence, and consumer insights to inform design direction and support category growth.
This position reports directly to the VP of Product Development and Design
RESPONSIBILITIES
Design Leadership and Product Strategy
- Lead the creation of market-relevant product concepts grounded in trend research, forecasting tools, and competitive analysis, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and commercial goals
- Drive the development of seasonal and core product assortments with a focus on innovation, functionality, cost, and scalability
- Apply a product-first lens to business performance, identifying opportunities and risks through analysis of sales trends, market data, and competitive benchmarks
- Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Product Development, and Marketing to ensure cohesive product strategies and successful commercialization
- Guide the team in translating insights into clear, actionable product direction rather than purely conceptual outcomes
Category Expertise (Cut-and-Sew / Luggage Focus)
- Leverage deep expertise in cut-and-sew construction, luggage, and travel-related products to lead best-in-class product development
- Oversee design execution across materials, construction, hardware, and finishing with a strong understanding of technical performance and durability requirements
- Partner closely with factories and suppliers to ensure product integrity, feasibility, and innovation
Team Leadership and Development
- Manage and develop a full design team, inclusive of designers and technical design support
- Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Provide clear direction, mentorship, and performance feedback to elevate both creative and technical capabilities across the team
Operational and Administrative Leadership
- Own and manage design function operations, including budget creation, tracking, and management; resource allocation and prioritization; and timeline adherence and workflow optimization
- Lead engagement with external partners, vendors, and suppliers, including negotiation and relationship management
- Oversee contractor and freelance resources, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with business needs
- Identify operational inefficiencies and implement scalable processes to improve team productivity
Execution and Quality
- Ensure all products meet design integrity, cost targets, quality standards, and timeline requirements from concept through commercialization
- Troubleshoot development and production challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset
- Maintain compliance with originality standards and brand design guidelines
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Eight or more years of experience in Product Design or Industrial Design within cut-and-sew, bags, or luggage categories (required)
- Proven experience leading and scaling design teams inclusive of technical design functions
- Experience managing a team of three or more direct reports
- Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to connect product decisions to commercial performance
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, external partners, and contractor relationships
- Deep knowledge of materials, construction, pattern making, and product engineering for soft goods
- Experience working directly with factories and global supply chains
- Strong understanding of trend analysis tools, forecasting, and competitive benchmarking
- Strong trend and color forecasting capabilities, informed by multiple sources rather than a single forecasting tool
- Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to balance creativity and commercial viability
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
- Fashion design education a plus
- Graphic design and/or rendering skills a plus
Compensation
This position's annual base salary range is $170,000-$180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
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About Beach House Group
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Manufacturing
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
El Segundo, CA, US
Year founded
2016