Certificate in Apparel + Fashion Technology - Patternmaking

*This programme is closed for new enrolments

This programme will broaden your understanding of the terminology and techniques used in fashion garment production.

Students study body measurement, create blocks for men, women, and children, and learn to make, adapt, test-fit, and grade a range of patterns for outerwear garments.

Whitecliffe is updating this programme this year and will be transitioning to the new version on the NZ Qualifications Framework.

Key dates

February 2024 Intake 19 • 02 • 24

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Duration

38 Weeks, full-time in Auckland + Manukau + Wellington

Qualification

Certificate in Apparel + Fashion Technology – Patternmaking (Level 4) 120 credits

Costs

Domestic $8,103+ $300 Student Services Levy
International $18,200 + $300 Student Services Levy
Fees free applies
All 2023 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.

View full fees

Certificate in Apparel + Fashion Technology - Patternmaking Course Outline

*This programme is closed for new enrolments

This programme will broaden your understanding of the terminology and techniques used in fashion garment production.

Students study body measurement, create blocks for men, women, and children, and learn to make, adapt, test-fit, and grade a range of patterns for outerwear garments. Students extend their fabric knowledge, and learn computer tasks for garment production whilst continuing their journey into the realm of commercial fashion design.

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Why choose Whitecliffe Fashion Tech?

  • We offer programme delivery in the practical, hands-on, technical aspects of the fashion industry.
  • Each year we have high numbers of successful employment placements within the fashion industry with graduates in skilled positions such as fashion design, merchandising, production, and manufacture, fashion styling/buying/retail, and other areas of production management and commercial fashion design.
  • Students in all programmes are immersed in activities that are rich and real; their learning is personally meaningful and is an active processing experience.
  • Classrooms are set up to replicate apparel and fashion workrooms, and practical, industry-based sessions replicate working in the industry.
  • Our tutors and support staff bring extensive and valuable industry knowledge to the programmes, and in preparing students for a career in the fashion industry.
  • Multiple teaching methods and delivery strategies are used to meet the needs of our target learner group and maximise opportunities for students to receive and retain information, promote active engagement with materials, and engage in their own learning and the learning of others.
  • Work experience and internships are a valuable and integral part of all our programmes and enable students to put their learning into context.
Fashion Tech Studios

Certificate in Apparel + Fashion Technology (Patternmaking) Programme Structure

  • CPD 1: Pattern Design Technology 1 - Core Sewing Skills
    Use core patternmaking skills to make (develop) unstructured flat patterns for outerwear garments for women, men, and children - does not include structured patternmaking such as lingerie or undergarments, swimwear, or tailoring. It also covers taking and recording body measurements or using standard size charts to develop patterns. Patterns are developed, then cut out and sewn up to test-fit to workplace requirements.


  • CPD 2: Pattern Technology 2 - Pattern Development
    Select appropriate blocks and patternmaking techniques to adapt and develop patterns for design and/or fit for a range of outerwear garments for women, men, and children - does not include structured garments (see CPD 1). Patterns are adapted, then cut out and sewn up to test-fit for design and/or fit to workplace requirements.


  • CPD 3: Pattern Technology 3 - Grading
    Use specified grade rules and zero points, and apply manual pattern grading techniques to grade knit and woven patterns for structured outerwear garments to workplace requirements. Grading is completed for women, men, and children.


  • CPD 4: Production Technology
    Identify and describe fabric properties, including understanding knit stretch factors, and identifying fabric types such as knitted, woven, and non-woven, to match product end-use. It also covers selecting appropriate apparel and componentry and care labelling, and developing specification sheets for unstructured garments to match end-use and legal requirements.


  • CPD 5: Workplace Practice
    The application of accepted industry procedures that demonstrate an understanding of health and safety requirements, workplace practice, communication skills, and behavioural expectations in apparel and manufacturing organisations.
Fashion Tech Studios

Graduates will be able to:

  • Make, adapt, test-fit, and grade flat patterns for unstructured outerwear garments.
  • Identify fabrics, components, and care labels appropriate to end-use of a garment.
  • Prepare specification sheets and job breakdowns for garments.
  • Communicate patternmaking requirements to customers for a range of unstructured garments.
  • Meet the entry requirements for the Level 5 NZ Diploma in Apparel and Fashion Technology programme.
Classroom

Key Information for Students

NZ Government key information link for students, that provides more information to support your decision making for this programme

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Admission Requirements

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

  • Completed application form
  • Minimum Age: Students must turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • Students must have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology qualification or be able to demonstrate:
    • Equivalent industry experience
    • Workplace communication skills
    • A competent level of literacy and numeracy
  • An entry exam may be required to test the applicant's literacy, numeracy, pattern recognition, garment construction, sequencing, and sewing skills


International Student Entry Requirements:

  • Completed application form
  • Passport copy
  • Minimum Age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent
  • Students must have completed 10 years of schooling and achievement equivalent to the NCEA Level 2 qualification
  • Students must have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology qualification or be able to demonstrate:
    • Equivalent industry experience
    • Workplace communication skills
    • A competent level of literacy and numeracy
  • An entry exam may be required to test the applicant's literacy, numeracy, pattern recognition, garment construction, sequencing, and sewing skills


BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Requirements:

Recently we have found ourselves working remotely due to COVID-19, we recommend that you have your own device to support your studies. The following specifications are intended to help you make the best choice of laptop, desktop or tablet for the job.

Recommended IT Specifications:

Minimum Hardware requirements

  • Mac - Intel processor with 64-bit support; 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE 4.2 or later
    OR 
  • MacBook Air with M1 Chip 
    OR 
  • Intel® or AMD processor with 64-bit support; 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE 4.2 or later 
  • 8 GB RAM (Recommended 16 GB)   
  • 250 GB SSD or higher hard drive with 10GB free space minimum    
  • Wireless capability 802.11n dual-band    
  • Up-to-date antivirus software    

Minimum Operating System     

  • Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later; LTSC versions are not supported
    OR     
  • Apple macOS Mojave (version 10.14) or later 
  • Internet and data plan.    

Not Supported:    

  • Chromebooks    
  • Windows X or Windows S OS    
  • Tablets (except Windows Surface Pro or iPad Pro)  


Fashion + Sustainability

Where could this programme take you?

Most students who graduate from the Certificate in Pattern Design go on to complete the Diploma in Fashion Technology programme.

Jobs related to this programme

After completing the Certificate in Pattern Design some of the career options open to you are:

Machine Operator with entry-level pattern making skills

Trainee Sample Machinist

Junior Pattern Maker

Assistant Cutter

Swatching/Sample Coordinator

Quality Control

Find out more about career opportunities

Industry Partners

Fashion + Sustainability

Talk to our team

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If you would like to ask us a question or request more information, please detail your enquiry using the form below. If you would like you can contact us directly on 0800 800 300, email us or use the contact us form.

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