Pattern Construction and Grading Principles

Fashion Design · Level 6  ·  4 Chapters

Compiled by: Mary Jepkosgei

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What Pattern Construction and Grading Principles covers

Pattern Construction and Grading Principles in Fashion Design Level 6 shows how a flat pattern is planned, drafted and then graded into a range of sizes. Planning covers pattern drafting tools and equipment, their use, care and storage, construction materials and supplies, standard body measurements and size chart measurements. You sketch garment designs with the details they need. Drafting covers PPEs, geometric principles, taking body measurements, basic blocks, working patterns and final patterns. Grading covers its tools, equipment and supplies, CAD software and a computer, then calculating size intervals and storing patterns.

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Careers after Pattern Construction and Grading Principles

Where you'll use this in real life

Mastering pattern construction and grading principles opens doors to a vibrant world of fashion and garment production in Kenya. Whether you dream of working in Nairobi’s bustling jua kali sector, joining established companies like Kenyatta Textile Mills, or starting your own tailoring business, these skills are the foundation of creating well-fitting, stylish clothing that meets market demands.

  • In the jua kali industry, skilled pattern makers are essential for producing custom clothing, uniforms, and traditional attire that fit diverse Kenyan body types, enabling you to earn through tailoring services or by supplying local boutiques.
  • County governments and institutions often require uniform production and alteration, where your ability to draft and grade patterns ensures consistent sizing and quality, creating opportunities for employment or contracts.
  • The hospitality sector in Kenya, including hotels and event management companies, needs uniform designers and pattern makers to maintain professional appearances, providing steady work in garment production.
  • Agribusiness companies like KTDA may need staff uniforms or promotional apparel, offering niche opportunities for pattern construction professionals to contribute to corporate branding.
  • Entrepreneurship opportunities abound as you can establish a tailoring or fashion design studio, serving clients from matatu operators needing branded uniforms to fashion-conscious youth seeking trendy, well-fitted clothing.
  • Mastery of these skills also positions you for work with larger manufacturers, such as those supplying KenGen or other parastatals, where precision and consistency in pattern grading are critical for mass production.

By excelling in pattern construction and grading, you’re not just learning to make clothes—you’re crafting your future as a creative professional who can innovate, lead, and succeed in Kenya’s dynamic textile and fashion industries. Your skills will empower you to create garments that fit perfectly, look great, and meet the diverse needs of Kenyan customers, turning your passion into a rewarding career or thriving business. Keep pushing forward—your talent will shape the future of Kenyan fashion!

Chapters

What Pattern Construction and Grading Principles covers: 19 main topics in 4 chapters

1. Plan pattern construction

  1. 1.1 Pattern drafting Tools and equipment
  2. 1.2 Use, care and storage of pattern drafting Tools and equipment
  3. 1.3 Pattern construction materials and supplies
  4. 1.4 Standard body measurements
  5. 1.5 size chart measurements Identification

2. Sketch garment designs

  1. 2.1 Sketching tools, equipment and materials
  2. 2.2 Tools
  3. 2.3 Equipment
  4. 2.4 Garment design sketches
  5. 2.5 Garment design details

3. Draft garment pattern pieces

  1. 3.1 PPEs
  2. 3.2 Geometric principles
  3. 3.3 Taking body measurements
  4. 3.4 Basic blocks construction
  5. 3.5 Working patterns development
  6. 3.6 Final patterns production

4. Grade constructed pattern pieces

  1. 4.1 Grading tools, equipment and supplies
  2. 4.2 CAD software’s
  3. 4.3 Computer

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Beyond the syllabus

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