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AI exposure Production

Will AI replace fabric and apparel patternmakers?

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers. US occupation 51-6092.

0.0%

of the time fabric and apparel patternmakers spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of fabric and apparel patternmakers' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 346 of 756 US occupations. No AI use seen in the work yet, along with 410 other occupations.No handover started yet, along with 410 other occupations.

Average US job 7.7%

Among the least exposed jobs there are.Still waiting for liberation.

What AI already does for fabric and apparel patternmakersWhat fabric and apparel patternmakers no longer do alone

O*NET lists 16 tasks for fabric and apparel patternmakers. None of them shows meaningful AI use at work yet.

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

16 of the 16 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.Core task
  • Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.Core task
  • Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.Core task
  • Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly.Core task
  • Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.Core task
  • 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 task
Show the other 10
  • 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 task
  • Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.Core task
  • 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 task
  • Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.Core task
  • Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.Core task
  • Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.Core task
  • Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.Core task
  • Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.Core task
  • Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.Core task
  • Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric, using scissors.Core task

How that compares

Among the 98 production occupations, fabric and apparel patternmakers rank 38. The group averages 0.8%, and its most exposed job is Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers at 12.1%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Level with 0.0%

  1. 346Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 0.0%
  2. 346Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers 0.0%
  3. 346Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 0.0%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.