“Discover the importance of professional garment patterns in NYC for your clothing line. Learn about costs, timelines, and the role of expert pattern makers.”
~by Lantie Foster, a working women’s fashion designer in NYC ~
I personally started with a list of over 20 different NYC pattern makers, and whittled it down to just 2 we continually work with, factoring in fees, timelines and accuracy of the pattern. Also, some pattern makers are better for Sportswear, Swimwear and Lingerie.
Step 4 of 8 : Industry Fashion Design Patterns
The Role of Pattern Makers in Fashion
Pattern makers are the backbone of the fashion industry, translating a designer’s creative vision into meticulously crafted patterns that guarantee garments are both aesthetically appealing and perfectly fitted. Their specialized skills cover a range of crucial areas, making them an invaluable part of the design and production process. Creating professional patterns is one of the most critical—and costly—steps in developing your clothing line. This phase requires expert pattern makers who understand the intricacies of garment design and fit.
Costs are influenced by the garment’s complexity, including details like seams, collars, layers, linings, and
embellishments. You have to be quite mindful when hiring a freelance fashion designer who knows what a
good garment pattern maker is from experience.
Key Considerations for Patterns:
~ Standards (e.g., American sizes in the USA).
~ Linings—the higher the cost.
~ Ensuring the perfect fit.
~ Accurate patterns are essential, especially if your garments are tailored to specific sizing
~ The more complex the design—featuring elements like multiple seams, pockets or collars
~ Fittings are highly recommended before cutting fabric, as this allows for adjustments
Cost Range:
Pattern makers typically charge $80–$750 per pattern, (example, a simple tank top will be much less than a fully lined trench coat) depending on the garment’s complexity. Lined garments, additional layers, and intricate features will increase the cost.
Paper vs. Digital Patterns:
It’s a good practice to create an initial paper pattern and store it securely. Once finalized, you can have the pattern digitized for grading into various sizes, which streamlines future production.
Designer Management Time (DMT):
If you’re not directly overseeing the pattern-making process, your freelance fashion designer will manage this for you, and you’ll be charged for their time. This includes visiting the pattern maker, attending fittings, resolving issues, and ensuring the patterns meet production standards.
Timeline:
The average time to create a pattern, conduct fittings, and make corrections is around 1-2+ weeks per pattern. Some pattern makers may be faster, but others may take longer depending on their workload. For larger collections, experienced designers often collaborate with multiple pattern makers simultaneously to meet deadlines.
Good pattern makers are in high demand, so proper planning and coordination are crucial to ensure your project stays on track.
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