Fabric and Apparel Designer

Explore employment trends, required job duties and skills for this career. ASU offers a variety of degrees that can help you prepare for and meet your career goals. Visit ASU's Career and Professional Development Services to learn how to develop your career plan.

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Potential job titles in this career

Cutter, Designer, Fabric Cutter, Pattern Designer, Pattern Maker, Pattern Technician, Production Pattern Maker, Sewing Pattern Layout Technician, Technical Designer

* Additional schooling, certification, or degrees maybe be required for some of the potential careers that are listed.

What will I do?

Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.

Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.

Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments.

Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.

Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.

Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.

Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.

Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.

Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.

Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.

In this career, it is important to know

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

It's useful to be good at

Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Employment trends

Location	Pay period	2022
Location	Pay period	10%	25%	Median%	75%	90%
United States	Hourly	$14.99	$18.34	$29.00	$41.17	$52.67
United States	Yearly	$31,190	$38,150	$60,320	$85,630	$109,550
Arizona	Hourly
Arizona	Yearly

2022 Median%
United States	$29.00 Hourly	$60,320 Yearly
Arizona	Hourly	Yearly

Employment (2022)

3,400 employees

Projected growth (2022 - 2032)

Decline (-2% or lower)

Projected job openings (2022 - 2032)

300

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

What are accelerated programs?

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

What are concurrent programs?

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

What are joint programs?

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

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What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.