FPS Apparel is currently seeking a Pattern/Sample Maker to work in our office located in Chester, New York.
FPS Apparel is an innovative B2B custom-decorated-apparel manufacturer in Chester, NY, serving Fortune 1000 brands. Our vertical, in-house production facility combines dye-sublimation digital printing, automated laser cutting, Gerber multi-ply cutting, and expert sewing to transform digital concepts into premium, physical garments at scale.
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Apparel Pattern Maker to bridge the gap between creative design concepts and scalable, physical production. In this role, you will be responsible for creating, grading, and perfecting digital production patterns. You will ensure that every garment we manufacture fits beautifully, matches client specifications, and translates flawlessly into our automated cutting and sewing lines.
The ideal candidate possesses deep technical knowledge of garment construction, fabric behavior, and digital pattern-making software, combined with a sharp eye for detail.
Key Responsibilities1. Pattern Creation & Development
- Digital Pattern Drafting: Create accurate master production patterns based on design sketches, tech packs, or physical sample garments using CAD software.
- Fit & Construction: Ensure garment patterns adhere to specifications for correct fit, functionality, and ease of manufacturing on the sewing floor.
- Fabric Accountability: Factor in textile properties such as fabric width, grain lines, stretch percentages, and sublimation shrinkage rates when engineering patterns.
2. Grading & Specification
- Size Grading: Develop and apply standard size grading rules across a full size range (XS to 3XL+) to maintain design integrity across all body types.
- Tech Pack Management: Establish and update comprehensive measurement specification charts and assembly instructions for the production team.
3. Production Collaboration & Yield Optimization
- Marker & Nesting Prep: Collaborate with the Cutting and Art teams to prepare digital patterns for nesting/marker-making, ensuring maximum material utilization and minimal fabric waste.
- Sample Review: Inspect and measure physical prototypes/samples against spec sheets to identify and correct fit or construction issues before full production.
- Cross-Department Alignment: Work closely with the Art Team Overseer (Erika) and the Production Manager (Morissa) to optimize patterns for smooth dye-sublimation printing, laser cutting, and sewing.
Qualifications & SkillsRequired:
- Experience: 3+ years of proven experience as an Apparel Pattern Maker or Pattern Engineer in a commercial apparel manufacturing environment.
- CAD Software Expertise: High proficiency with specialized apparel pattern-making and grading software (e.g., Gerber AccuMark, Optitex, Lectra, or similar CAD suites).
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of garment construction, sewing techniques, stitch types, and standard textile behaviors (knits vs. wovens).
- Mathematical Precision: Strong mathematical skills for precise measuring, grading calculations, and unit conversions.
- Work Style: Exceptionally detail-oriented, analytical, and capable of working independently under tight production deadlines.
Preferred (A Plus):
- Experience working specifically with dye-sublimated graphics and engineered print placement.
- Degree or certification in Fashion Design, Apparel Production, or a related field.
- Experience adjusting patterns specifically for automated CNC or laser cutting systems.
Physical Requirements & Schedule
- Work Environment: 100% on-site at our manufacturing facility in Chester, NY.
- Mobility: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and sit at a digital workstation as required by the production workflow.
- Schedule: Full-time, with potential overtime required during peak production seasons to meet client ship dates.
This is not a remote postion.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Experience:
- pattern maker: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
