Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Most exposed tasks

Highest structured exposure values in this role’s task mix — the work AI systems can already do most of.

• Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.70
• Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.65

Augmentable tasks

Work where AI assists rather than replaces — the productivity frontier of this role.

• Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.60
• Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.55
• Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.55

Most durable tasks

Lowest exposure — typically judgment, relationships, physical presence, or accountability. This is the human moat.

• Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric, using scissors.15
• Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.20
• Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.20

Task exposure values and classifications are published, versioned estimates audited against the anchored rubric. This page reads them from the data release rather than generating them at request time. Bars show exposure contribution relative to this role’s task mix.

What this means

A score of 43 puts Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers in the third quartile of analyzed occupations. In practice, exposure this high is about the mix: 2 of 16 analyzed tasks lean automatable, 8 augmentable, and 6 durable. The useful question isn’t “will AI take this job” — it’s which tasks go first, which get faster, and where to reposition time. That’s what the personalized report maps against your actual week.

Lower-exposure adjacent roles

Shown only when the target is at least 10 points lower under the same score version and skill overlap is at least 50%. These are adjacent roles with lower task exposure — not guaranteed “safe careers”.

Labor-market context

• $62,750median wage
• 2,950employed
• 300annual openings
• -10.7%projected growth

Context only — labor statistics are not inputs to the exposure score. See methodology.

Related roles

Adjacent by skills or family — no exposure claim implied.

• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers 18
• Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic 26
• Cutters and Trimmers, Hand 19
• Sewing Machine Operators 17
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 41
• Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators 41

How this score was calculated

FAQ — Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Will AI replace Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers?

This score cannot predict whether this occupation or any individual job will be replaced. It shows which tasks current and near-term AI can perform or accelerate, which tasks remain more durable, and where a worker can adapt. Employer decisions, demand, regulation, and how the role changes are outside the score.

What does a score of 43 mean for a Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers?

It means that, weighted across the 16 tasks we analyzed for this role, the task mix sits at 43 on a 0–100 exposure scale — in the third quartile of analyzed occupations. It measures task exposure to current and near-term AI capabilities, not the probability of losing a job.

Which tasks in this role are most exposed to AI?

The highest-exposure tasks are: Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting; Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions. Exposure comes from the published, rubric-scored data release rather than being generated when you open this page.

Which parts of this job are most durable?

The most durable responsibilities are: Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric, using scissors; Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments; Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates. Durable tasks typically depend on judgment, relationships, physical presence, or accountability.

Is this score personalized to me?

No — this page shows the occupation-level baseline. Two people with the same title often do different work. The $9 personalized report recalculates the score from the tasks you actually do and builds a concrete 7/30/90-day plan around them.