Course Overview

Learn industry-focused pattern making skills that could see you designing couture bridal wear or costumes for a movie! 

This short course gives you a comprehensive base of the practical and technical skills involved in pattern making - from using a basic pattern and freeform draping on a mannequin, to a range of practices that allow you to draft more complex patterns that inspire your creativity.

Taught in a flexible learning environment, you’ll learn through self-directed practice along with tutor support and guidance. You'll use specialist equipment and machinery to help you complete independent projects during class hours.

At the end of this course you’ll have a portfolio highlighting the skills you’ve learned – ready for next steps in your career or to carry on to higher level study.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive:

  • Record of Achievement - Fashion Pathways (Pattern Making) (Level 3)
Locations To be confirmed
Next intake To be confirmed View more details
Study options

20 weeks part-time

4 weeks full-time
Total credits 20
Indicative Fees No tuition fees for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

  • Patternmaker or Designer Assistant
  • Warehouse Employee
  • Quality Controller
  • Cutting Room Assistant
  • Finisher
  • Self-employment

Topics you'll cover

During the course you'll experiment, develop and learn to apply the principles of:

  • Flat pattern drafting from blocks to achieve an extensive range of pattern manipulation techniques (skirts, bodices, trousers)
  • Three dimensional free-form draping techniques as utilised in specialist areas of the fashion industry like Bridal and Couture
  • Three dimensional pattern making techniques as utilised in the film industry for the production of costume

You'll also learn to apply advanced principles and techniques of flat pattern drafting from blocks to achieve apparel that is correctly styled and fitted for men's or women's wear, and how to cut and construct samples in response to pattern manipulations and apparel.

If you're interested in a career in the fashion industry, this course will teach you to produce accurate, economical and viable pattern lays to accompany patterns as well as how to accurately grade apparel patterns and apply quality control standards and critical evaluation of garments.

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * No tuition fees for domestic students

*Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 fee amount.


Your final fee may vary if:

  • you have a choice of topics/papers to study
  • the qualification excludes GST
  • there are extra course materials to purchase
  • student levies apply

We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course does NOT meet the requirements for student loan or allowance applications through StudyLink.

Find out more at studylink.govt.nz


Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

There are no minimum academic requirements (open entry).

IMPORTANT: We regret that students who have already completed this course are not able to be enrolled again. Please contact our Information Centre for details about other courses in this subject area.

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

English language requirements

Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.


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Course Locations and Intake Information

Intakes to be confirmed Ask to be notified when the next intake becomes available

Study options

  • 20 weeks part-time
  • 4 weeks full-time

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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Further Study Options

Courses Offered at Toi Ohomai