1

Pattern Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Review preliminary product designs for feasibility & suggest DFM optimizations * Collaborate with ... Review & approve patterns for structural integrity, ergonomic performance & manufacturability

Review preliminary product designs for feasibility & suggest DFM optimizations * Collaborate with ... Review & approve patterns for structural integrity, ergonomic performance & manufacturability

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pattern Designer information

See salary details

$33K

$69.5K

$105K

How much do pattern designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for pattern designer in the United States is $69,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do pattern designers make?

Pattern designers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Freelance pattern designers may charge hourly rates or project-based fees, which can vary widely based on complexity and client budget.

Is AI taking over surface pattern design?

Pattern designers are increasingly using AI tools to generate ideas and assist in creating designs, but human creativity remains essential for originality and aesthetic judgment. AI can streamline workflows and inspire new patterns, but it does not fully replace the need for skilled designers who understand trends, client needs, and artistic nuances. Successful pattern designers often combine technical skills with creativity and knowledge of design software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pattern Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pattern Designer, you need a strong background in textile or fashion design, a keen eye for detail, and knowledge of fabric properties, often supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software like Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, or specialized pattern-making programs is commonly required. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills are important soft skills in this field. These abilities are crucial for creating accurate, innovative patterns that meet both design and production requirements in a fast-paced industry.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Pattern Designer on a daily basis?

Pattern Designers are responsible for creating, modifying, and testing patterns for garments or textiles, either by hand or using CAD software. Their daily tasks often include meeting with designers or product managers to discuss concepts, converting sketches into precise patterns, and collaborating with sample makers to ensure fit and quality. They may also assess pre-production samples and make necessary adjustments to improve manufacturability. Working with various departments, including production, design, and quality assurance, is common to ensure seamless workflow from concept to finished product. This collaborative environment enables Pattern Designers to contribute directly to the success of new fashion lines or textile products.

How do you become a pattern designer?

To become a pattern designer, you typically need a background in fashion design, textile design, or a related field, along with strong skills in drawing, color theory, and digital design tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Building a portfolio of your work and gaining experience through internships or freelance projects can help you enter the industry and develop your style.

Is pattern making a good career?

Pattern making is a viable career within the fashion and apparel industry, involving creating templates for garment construction. It requires technical skills, knowledge of fabrics and tools like CAD software, and often offers opportunities for freelance or in-house work. Job stability and growth depend on industry demand and individual skill level.

What is a Pattern Designer job?

A Pattern Designer creates templates or designs used for manufacturing textiles, clothing, or other patterned products. They work with software or manual drafting techniques to develop precise patterns that ensure proper fit and aesthetics. Pattern Designers collaborate with fashion designers, product developers, and manufacturers to refine designs. Their role requires technical skills in pattern-making, material knowledge, and attention to detail to achieve the desired look and function.

More about Pattern Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Pattern Designer jobs? Cities with the most Pattern Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pattern Designer jobs? The most popular types of Pattern Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Pattern Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Pattern Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pattern Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,494 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Technical Pattern Developer Sr

Technical Pattern Developer Sr

Exemplis

Cypress, CA

$93K - $140K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Exemplis rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 46 rated furniture manufacturers


Job description

 Salary Range: $93,671.00 - $140,507.00 

Position Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on and technically skilled Senior Technical Pattern Developer to support the end-to-end development of upholstered furniture products. As a key member of the Product Development team, you will lead in creating precise upholstery patterns and ensure a seamless transition from prototyping to production.

This role requires expertise in pattern development, upholstery construction, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Product Engineering, Manufacturing, and Design. Strong experience in patternmaking, upholstery fabrication, and Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles is essential for success.

This is a senior individual contributor role with technical ownership of pattern development standards and approvals.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
  • Establish pattern development best practices, workflows, & documentation to ensure consistency & efficiency 
  • Lead pattern development during product introduction to meet project goals, timelines, quality, ergonomics & aesthetic standards
  • Review preliminary product designs for feasibility & suggest DFM optimizations
  • Collaborate with Engineering & Design to refine foam shapes & densities for optimal fit, comfort, & manufacturability 
  • Review & approve patterns for structural integrity, ergonomic performance & manufacturability 
  • Interpret design/CAD into production-ready patterns
  • Use software to convert complex 3D surfaces into accurate 2D patterns and supporting sewing documentation
  • Oversee prototype builds & resolve pattern issues related to foam, seams, or fabric tension 
  • Recommend product construction adjustments to improve fabric laydown & reduce variability 
  • Create & maintain living documents to communicate prototyping challenges & suggestions for improvement
  • Serve as the key escalation point for pattern challenges, driving effective solutions & continuous improvement 
  • Use digital patterning, nesting, & grading tools integrated with automated cutting systems
  • Identify cost & process optimization opportunities while maintaining product quality & aesthetics
  • Manage BOMs, revisions, & technical documentation through PLM/PDM systems 
  • Create & maintain relevant upholstery & patternmaking standards
Qualifications, Skills and Education:

Required Qualifications: 

  • 5+ years of upholstery patternmaking & fabrication experience, including cut, molded, & over-molded foam applications
  • Hands-on experience with foam, muslin, vinyl, & other upholstery prototyping materials
  • Strong communication & collaboration skills with cross-functional & cross-cultural teams
  • Proven ability to develop & refine complex foam assemblies for consistency & manufacturability 
  • Skilled in analyzing foam properties (compression, spring-back, adhesion) & applying insights to pattern design 
  • Proficiency in industrial sewing machines, upholstery tools, & prototyping equipment
  • Advanced proficiency in at least one patternmaking software such as Optitex, Gerber AccuMark, Lectra, or ExactFlat 
  • Experienced in developing upholstered products from concept through production launch
  • Ability to interpret sketches, CAD drawings, & 3D models into accurate production-ready patterns

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Technical certification in Patternmaking or equivalent 
  • Experience working with U.S.-based consumer product companies
  • Familiarity with 3D patterning & visualization software (CLO, Browzwear, NX Mastertrim)
  • Knowledge of North American manufacturing & rapid prototyping workflows, especially automotive trim
  • Adaptable, detail-oriented, & proactive in problem solving
  • Experience with cost reduction exercises
  • Bilingual proficiency in English & Spanish (verbal & written) 

Physical Demands 

  • Ability to stand for extended periods & handle upholstery materials, leather, & tools

Perks and Benefits:
We hope that you're excited by the possibilities that come along with working at Exemplis! With us, TEAM comes first.  We bring integrity, passion, and excellence to work each day.  Being part of our team means living our core values and thriving in an environment of constant innovation and positive change.

In addition to our unique culture, we also offer these fun perks and benefits.

  • Competitive Salary: Our compensation philosophy is to be externally competitive, internally fair, and not win or lose on compensation. Salary ranges are developed with the support of national benchmarks and industry best practices that adjusts to your cost of labor, years of relevant experience, skill set, and education.

  • Employee Discounts: We offer our employees discounts across all of our product lines.

  • Hit our Numbers Lunch: When we hit our monthly milestones, we all celebrate!

About Us:

It all started in a small warehouse in California with just three employees, a fax machine and a bell that rang out every time a chair came down the conveyor belt. 30 years later, Exemplis continues to lead, innovate and disrupt an array of industries through its growing family of brands - including SitOnIt SeatingTimbuk2, X-Chair, Maverick, Mavix, Edloe Finch, and Albany Park. From sustainable manufacturing to outreach programs and more, we strive to make a positive impact on everyone we serve. We make sure our people (and their communities) are at the core of our organization. To make a difference, we must be a champion of diversity, inclusion, service and social justice - above all else.  Are you ready to be a part of something special? We have headquarters, offices and retail stores across the U.S. (plus a variety of flexible work opportunities). Learn more and apply today.
Exemplis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and our company adheres to the equal employment opportunity guidelines set forth by federal, state, and local laws. Read our full statement on our careers page.


What Exemplis employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom