Career Overview
A Pattern Maker or Garment Technician creates the technical patterns and construction methods used to turn fashion designs into finished garments. They are essential in Sri Lanka's apparel industry, ensuring that clothes fit correctly and can be produced efficiently at scale. This career is ideal for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy technical drawing, mathematics, and garment engineering.
What Does This Career Do?
Pattern makers create templates for garment pieces, calculate measurements, and ensure that designs can be sewn correctly. Garment technicians check fit, quality, construction methods, and production feasibility. They work with designers, merchandisers, and factory production teams.
Daily Responsibilities
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Pattern making and grading
- Garment construction
- CAD pattern making software
- Measurement and sizing
- Sewing techniques
- Fabric behaviour and shrinkage
- Technical sketching
- Quality control for fit
Soft Skills
- Precision and accuracy
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Patience
- Time management
- Spatial awareness
- Adaptability
Education Pathway
- 1Route 1 — Diploma / Certificate Pathway
- GCE O/L or A/L
- Certificate in Pattern Making
- Diploma in Garment Technology
- Apprenticeship in factory or studio
- Pattern Maker / Garment Technician
- 2Route 2 — NVQ / Vocational Pathway
- GCE O/L
- NVQ Level 4 in Garment Production / Technology
- Work in sample room or production floor
- Learn CAD pattern making
- Pattern Maker / Garment Technician
- 3Route 3 — Degree Pathway
- GCE A/L
- Degree in Fashion Design, Textile Engineering, or Apparel Production
- Internship in pattern room or technical department
- Pattern Maker / Technical Designer
Entry Requirements
You can start this career through:
- GCE O/L or A/L - Diploma or Certificate in Pattern Making / Garment Technology - NVQ Level 4 in Garment Technology or Production - Degree in Fashion Design, Textile Engineering, or Apparel Production - Apprenticeship in a garment factory or design studio
Hands-on experience with pattern making software and sewing machines is highly valued.
Recommended Courses
Pattern Making
Garment Technology
Fashion Design
CAD for Fashion
Apparel Production
Career Progression
- 1Trainee Pattern Maker
- 2Junior Pattern Maker
- 3Pattern Maker
- 4Senior Pattern Maker
- 5Technical Manager
- 6Garment Technologist or Product Developer
Industries Hiring
Salary Summary
| Experience | Monthly Salary (LKR) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years | 40,000 – 70,000 |
| 2-5 years | 70,000 – 110,000 |
| 5+ years | 110,000 – 180,000 |
The salary information on this page is intended as a general guide for students and job seekers in Sri Lanka. Actual salaries may vary depending on qualifications, experience, employer, industry, location, job responsibilities, company size, performance, market demand, and additional benefits. The figures shown are estimated monthly salary ranges and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered guaranteed earnings.
Certifications That Increase Salary
Frequently Asked Questions
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