Garment and related trades workers

How to become a garment and related pattern-maker or cutter

Official title: Garment and related pattern-makers and cutters

Also called: Fur patternmaker, Garment cutter, Garment patternmaker, Glove cutter

Garment and related patternmakers and cutters create precision master patterns for the production of garments and other textile, leather or fur products. They mark, cut, shape and trim textiles, light leather and other materials according to blueprints or specifications in the manufacture of garments, hats and caps, gloves and miscellaneous products.

Main tasks

Creating a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers and/or grading devices
Creating the blueprint or pattern pieces for a particular apparel design with the aid of a computer
Calculating dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material
Drawing details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes on garments, decorative stitching on shoe parts or eyelets on canvas products, using computers or drafting instruments
Positioning templates or measuring materials to locate specified points of cuts or to obtain maximum yields, and marking fabric accordingly
Laying out the master pattern on fabric and cutting sample patterns
Testing patterns by making and fitting sample garments
Placing patterns on top of layers of fabric and cutting fabric following patterns, using electric or manual knives, cutters or computer numerically controlled cutting devices
Cutting fabric or fur pelts to make parts for garments and other fur articles
Trimming excess material or cutting threads off finished products, such as cutting loose ends of a finished product

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: HK$21,000 a month
About 387,500 people in 2025, and about 403,200 projected by 2028. (+4.1%)
Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Questions people ask

Do you need a degree to become a garment and related pattern-maker or cutter?

Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a garment and related pattern-maker or cutter?

Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

Census and Statistics Department (2021 Population Census): 2021 Population Census, Interactive Data Dissemination Service: working population by occupation (38 groups) and sex, age, education, income; median income and field of education (9 groups) (2021 Population Census), retrieved 4 October 2026
Census and Statistics Department (General Household Survey): Median monthly employment earnings by occupation (9 groups), excluding foreign domestic helpers (Table 210-06317A); employed persons by occupation, age and sex (210-06307A) and by industry (210-06308A) (2025 annual (series to 2026-07)), retrieved 4 October 2026
Labour and Welfare Bureau; tables published by C&SD: Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection to 2028: supplementary statistical tables (5 occupation groups, 17 selected industries) (2025 to 2028 (published 2026-09)), retrieved 4 October 2026
International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026

Updated 4 October 2026