Pattern Maker (Volunteer)

Pattern Maker (Volunteer)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote (with potential NYC-based collaboration)

Type: Volunteer

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a youth-centered nonprofit dedicated to supporting students ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, social-emotional learning, academic enrichment, and creative expression, we create safe, consistent, and empowering spaces for young people to grow, thrive, and succeed. We believe every child deserves a promise kept — and we work every day to make that promise real.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Volunteer Pattern Maker to support Thread & Promise, MAP’s mission-driven fashion initiative. In this role, you will transform design concepts into precise production-ready patterns that can be scaled for manufacturing. Your work will ensure that every garment is functional, consistent, and aligned with MAP’s vision for ethical and impactful fashion.

This is an exciting opportunity for a technically skilled and detail-oriented individual who wants to combine fashion expertise with social good.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate fashion designs into accurate digital or paper patterns for apparel and accessories.
• Ensure patterns are properly graded for different sizes and styles.
• Collaborate with designers and production teams to refine fit, structure, and technical details.
• Adjust and revise patterns based on sample feedback.
• Prepare technical specifications for production partners or vendors.
• Research sustainable and efficient construction methods that align with MAP’s mission.

Requirements

• Proven experience in pattern making for apparel or accessories.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, textiles, and fit.
• Proficiency in pattern-making tools/software (Gerber, Optitex, Clo3D, Adobe Illustrator, or similar).
• Ability to work accurately and adapt patterns based on feedback.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Passion for ethical fashion and using design for social impact.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in sustainable or small-batch production.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and technical packages.
• Experience working with both digital and manual (paper) pattern drafting.
• Knowledge of grading and sizing standards for diverse body types.

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to contribute your technical skills to a mission-driven fashion brand.
• Hands-on experience developing production-ready garments for Thread & Promise.
• Collaboration with a creative, passionate, and purpose-driven team.
• A portfolio project that highlights both craftsmanship and social impact.
• Letters of recommendation and professional references for future opportunities.

How to Apply

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio of past pattern-making work to [email protected] along with a brief statement of interest.

Join us in creating designs for Thread & Promise, where every pattern becomes part of a larger story of mentorship, resilience, and hope.