Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

O*NET-SOC code: 51-6092.00

Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Moderate· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery high
Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
Source dataset (XLSX download)
Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745
Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
Source dataset (CSV download)
Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.17
0.09Range of values carried here0.70
Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Show 3 hidden tasks

16 rated tasks · 13 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (81.3%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.

Source: OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release: gh-main-0471612
License: MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI

Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime.

Task (O*NET 27.2)	βE1 + 0.5 × E2
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting. O*NET Task ID 20930	1.0
Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly. O*NET Task ID 20932	1.0
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. O*NET Task ID 12198	0.5
Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly. O*NET Task ID 12199	0.5
Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices. O*NET Task ID 12200	0.5
Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns. O*NET Task ID 12201	0.5
Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept. O*NET Task ID 12202	0.5
Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers. O*NET Task ID 12203	0.5
Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric. O*NET Task ID 12204	0.5
Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions. O*NET Task ID 12205	0.5
Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material. O*NET Task ID 12206	0.5
Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product. O*NET Task ID 12207	0.5
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings. O*NET Task ID 20931	0.5
Show 3 more tasks ▾Show less ▴

β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (16)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)	Type
Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.	Core
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.	Core
Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.	Core
Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.	Core
Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.	Core
Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.	Core
Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.	Core
Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.	Core
Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.	Core
Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.	Core
Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product.	Core
Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.	Core
Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric, using scissors.	Core
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.	Core
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.	Core
Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly.	Core

Anthropic, "What work can robots do?"2026-09

0.18/ 3· Robot exposure index

0 none3 unstructured settings

Scale, basis and source

Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time

Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks

Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.

Source dataset

The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.

Tier of each physical task

Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)

E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site

Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.

Task (O*NET 29.3)	Robot environment tier
Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.	E0 none
Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.	E0 none
Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric, using scissors.	E1 purpose-built robot settings

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025: 3K
Projected employment, 2035: 3K
Change (2025–35): -15%
Median annual wage, 2025: $62,750
Typical education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent

lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO code	KSCO title	Relation	Status
72111	직물 패턴사	Same scope	confirmed
72112	가죽 패턴사	This occupation is broader	confirmed
72113	모피 패턴사	This occupation is broader	confirmed
72119	그 외 패턴사	This occupation is broader	confirmed
72129	그 외 재단사	Related, not a match	reviewed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

ISCO-08 7532Garment and Related Patternmakers and Cutters

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

wearing apparel patternmakerESCO 7532.7Same scope
Wearing apparel patternmakers interpret design sketches and cut patterns for all kinds of wearing apparel using various handtools or industrial machines complying customer requirements. They make sampling and prototypes in order to produce series of patterns of wearing apparel in different sizes.
clothing product graderESCO 7532.3Overlapping, not the same
Clothing product graders produce patterns in different sizes (i.e. scaled-up and scaled-down) to reproduce the same wearing apparel in different sizes. They draft patterns by hand or using software following size charts.
textile pattern making machine operatorESCO 8159.8Overlapping, not the same
Textile pattern making machine operators create patterns, designs and decoration for textiles and fabrics using machines and equipment. They choose which materials to use and check the quality of the textiles both before and after their work.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME code	ROME title (French)	Relation
B1812	Modéliste	This occupation is broaderprovisional
H2412	Patronnier / Patronnière	This occupation is broaderprovisional
H1205	Modéliste industriel / Modéliste industrielle	Overlapping, not the sameprovisional
H1232	Technicien / Technicienne d'études en industrie des matériaux souples	Related, not a match
H2411	Monteur / Monteuse prototypiste cuir et matériaux souples	Related, not a match
H1231	Patronnier / Patronnière en chaussures	Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 code	CNO-11 title (Spanish)	Relation
7832	Patronistas para productos en textil y piel	Same scope

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB code	KldB title (German)	Relation
28222	Berufe in der Bekleidungs-, Hut- und Mützenherstellung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten	Related, not a match
28212	Berufe im Modedesign - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten	Related, not a matchprovisional
28213	Berufe im Modedesign - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten	Related, not a matchprovisional
28223	Berufe in der Bekleidungs-, Hut- und Mützenherstellung - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten	Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO code	JSCO title (Japanese)	Relation
591	生産関連作業従事者	This occupation is narrowerprovisional
535	紡織・衣服・繊維製品製造従事者	Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources