Senior Pattern Maker — Apparel Development & Production
Company: Los Angeles–based apparel import, wholesale, and manufacturing company
Production Model: Fabrics sourced from China; garment manufacturing through CMT factories in Vietnam
Required Software: Tukatech / TUKAcad
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Pattern Maker to lead pattern development, fit refinement, and technical sample execution from initial concept through bulk production. Our company sources fabrics from China and works with Vietnam-based factories under a Cut, Make, and Trim (CMT) manufacturing model.
This person will own the accuracy and production readiness of our patterns, whether development begins with a design sketch, reference garment, in-house prototype, or factory-developed sample. The role requires a thorough understanding of garment construction, fabric behavior, grading, fit, and overseas manufacturing, with the ability to translate design intent into precise patterns and clear factory instructions.
The Senior Pattern Maker will oversee the technical development process through prototype, fit, size-set, pre-production (PP), and top-of-production (TOP) samples, ensuring that approved fit and construction are carried consistently into production.
Key Responsibilities
Pattern Development & Precision
- Create, modify, and finalize digital patterns in Tukatech / TUKAcad from sketches, technical specifications, reference garments, existing blocks, and physical samples.
- Develop first patterns and production patterns that accurately reflect the intended silhouette, proportions, fit, and construction.
- Review and correct patterns received from overseas factories, identifying discrepancies before further sampling or production.
- Verify seam lengths, seam allowances, notches, grainlines, balance, darts, pleats, fullness, ease, and matching points across all pattern pieces.
- Ensure patterns include accurate piece identification, cutting quantities, placement references, and construction markings.
- Maintain consistent fit standards and approved block patterns while adapting them appropriately for new styles and fabrics.
Sample Development & Fit
- Lead technical sample development whether samples are created in-house or by the Vietnam factory.
- Work closely with sample makers to guide cutting, sewing, assembly, and construction of prototypes.
- Evaluate prototype and fit samples for garment balance, drape, mobility, proportions, workmanship, and measurement accuracy.
- Participate in fit sessions and translate feedback into precise pattern corrections and actionable sample comments.
- Diagnose whether an issue originates from the pattern, fabric, cutting, sewing, pressing, or factory execution, and communicate the appropriate correction.
- Review revised samples against previous comments to confirm that corrections have been implemented correctly.
- Resolve development issues while preserving design intent and keeping styles practical for bulk manufacturing.
PP, TOP & Production Readiness
- Review size-set samples to confirm grading consistency, fit progression, and measurements across the required size range.
- Evaluate pre-production (PP) samples against approved patterns, specifications, construction details, and intended production materials.
- Confirm that final pattern revisions and sample comments are incorporated before recommending technical approval for bulk cutting.
- Review top-of-production (TOP) samples to verify that initial production matches the approved PP sample and technical requirements.
- Identify and elevate deviations in fit, measurements, construction or materials, providing clear corrective instructions.
- Maintain an accurate record of approved patterns, sample versions, fit comments, and outstanding technical issues.
Fabric & CMT Manufacturing Coordination
- Understand how fabric weight, stretch, recovery, shrinkage, drape, width, and finishing affect pattern development and garment performance.
- Incorporate appropriate fabric allowances and adjustments based on testing and sample results.
- Coordinate with sourcing and production teams to address material changes or fabric issues that affect fit, construction, or cutting.
- Communicate directly with Vietnam factory pattern makers, sample rooms, and technical teams to clarify requirements and resolve discrepancies.
- Ensure factories use the correct pattern version, measurement specifications, and approved sample references.
- Assess construction methods for feasibility within the factory’s equipment and production capabilities.
- Review grading and marker layouts, coordinating with grading and marker teams to support efficient fabric use without compromising fit or quality.
Technical Documentation & Workflow Management
- Partner with design, technical design, and production teams to keep measurement specifications, construction details, and pattern files aligned.
- Provide clear sample comments supported by measurements, annotated photographs, diagrams, or revised pattern files.
- Maintain organized digital files and version control by style, size, sample stage, and approval status.
- Manage multiple styles and development deadlines, prioritizing technical issues that could delay production.
- Take ownership of technical follow-through so that instructions are understood, corrections are verified, and patterns are ready for factory execution.
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of professional apparel pattern-making experience, including senior-level responsibility for fit and production patterns.
- Strong, hands‑on proficiency in Tukatech / TUKAcad, including digital pattern creation, revisions, and grading.
- Demonstrated experience taking garments from initial development through PP approval and TOP review.
- Extensive knowledge of garment construction, sewing methods, fit evaluation, measurement specifications, grading rules, and production tolerances.
- Experience working with overseas apparel factories and communicating detailed technical corrections.
- Strong understanding of CMT manufacturing and the relationship between supplied materials, patterns, sample execution, and bulk production.
- Ability to create patterns independently and critically evaluate patterns developed by others.
- Strong understanding of fabric behavior and its effect on fit, dimensional stability, and construction.
- Exceptional attention to detail, sound technical judgment, and the ability to identify the root cause of garment issues.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to manage several styles through different development stages.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for a U.S. apparel importer, wholesaler, or manufacturer.
- Direct experience coordinating with factories in Vietnam and working with fabrics sourced from China.
- Experience with both woven and knit garments.
- Knowledge of marker making, fabric consumption, and cutting requirements.
- Hands‑on sample construction experience and the ability to demonstrate or explain complex sewing details.
- Experience establishing fit blocks, improving technical standards, or mentoring junior pattern makers.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate produces precise, well-engineered patterns; resolves fit and construction issues efficiently; and gives factories clear instructions they can execute consistently. Approved PP samples and production patterns remain aligned, and TOP samples demonstrate that the intended fit, measurements, and construction have been carried into bulk production.
Application Requirements
Please submit your résumé and examples of relevant pattern-making work. Include your Tukatech experience, garment categories, overseas factory experience, and level of responsibility for prototype development, fit corrections, PP approvals, and TOP reviews. Candidates may be asked to complete a practical pattern-making or fit-correction assessment.