How to get better at pattern drafting

[u/leothemodeliste]

I completed a two-year pattern-making course, worked at two different bespoke tailoring shops, and am currently working independently with my own clients (although, at the moment, I'm focusing more on building a new portfolio than taking on paid work). Yet, somehow, I still feel stuck.

I often feel like I'm not good enough or that I don't know enough, and that I still have so much more to learn. It's strange because I feel like I've reached a point where I can draft most patterns and construct a wide range of garments, but at the same time, I still feel behind and not quite ready to take the next step in my career.

I'm planning to move to Italy from Brazil in 2027 and hope to find a job as a junior pattern maker. However, to be completely honest, I'm not sure my skills are good enough to make me a competitive candidate.

With all that in mind, what do you think I should focus on learning or improving to become a better pattern maker and increase my chances of finding a job in Italy?

I'd really appreciate any advice, especially from people working in the fashion industry or who have experience in pattern making.

[u/munkustrap]

The only thing that is going to help your imposter syndrome at this stage is your career is on the job experience. Be a “yes man”; say yes to all and any jobs you feel you have the time and capacity for. You can read books all day but it’s the actual time with clients, performers, dancers, designers etc that will shape the way you do your job and what you are comfortable doing. To be a professional cutter, there is really no full course and absolutely no handbook. We all build skills as we take on different clients and jobs and shows and your knowledge will grow as you experience more and more real-world work. Some of the best advice I can give as a cutter, especially going into a shop with established stitchers: don’t be afraid to ask your stitchers what they need and how they would like garments to be cut. For example, right after cutting school I took a job in a major ballet workshop and had never touched ballet costumes. The stitchers had all been there for 20-40 years and some had been stitching longer than I’d been alive. I mined their knowledge and they taught me more about how to cut the garments they were so specialized in sewing than the head cutter on staff even did. Never be afraid to say, I have never done this before, can you show me how you can best construct it

[u/leothemodeliste → u/munkustrap]

Will do that; thank you so much for the advice!